Placing treatment behind front speakers?

Tony1 · « **on:** 9 Jul 2009, 03:28 am »

I've heard from many that placing front speakers away a few feet from the front wall gives a more open soundstage and better overall sound. Due to space restrictions, I can only pull the speakers 10" from the front wall. Question is if I place absorbtion panels behind the front speakers, will I get a similar benefit as pulling the speakers a few feet away from the wall?

zybar · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Jul 2009, 11:31 am »

Quote from: Tony1 on 9 Jul 2009, 03:28 am

I've heard from many that placing front speakers away a few feet from the front wall gives a more open soundstage and better overall sound. Due to space restrictions, I can only pull the speakers 10" from the front wall. Question is if I place absorbtion panels behind the front speakers, will I get a similar benefit as pulling the speakers a few feet away from the wall?

Similar benefit, probably not.

Some benefit, possibly depending on the speakers.

What speakers are you using?

What is the size of your listening room?

Where are you seated?

With some more info, we can try and give better answers or suggestions.

George

bpape · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Jul 2009, 12:35 pm »

Treatment behind speakers will help to deal with SBIR (Speaker Boundary Interference Response) problems. It won't help much with imaging depth though.

Bryan

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Jul 2009, 01:05 pm »

What I make, Tony, may give you some benefit. Waveforms spilling around your cabinets will be restricted above your crossover. These waveforms are largely responsible for how images shape up at your listening position- they contain the leading edge of your midrange, for example- and their use will likely expand your depth of field also. I offer with a trial period.

Whoops! Begging your pardon. I just looked at your gallery and your tweeters are free mounted. Can you pull your speakers out for listening and then return them when not in use? I COULD fashion something for you, I think.

Tony1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Jul 2009, 03:09 am »

George, here is a link with room pics. I have B&W 805s, room is 13.5' X 26'

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=63402.0

Jimdgoulding, moving the speakers out further will make it too close to the sofa. I am considering upgrading my speakers to B&W 803d's which is recommended to be a few feet from the wall. Wanted to see if treatments behind the 803d's will help.

carusoracer · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Jul 2009, 03:07 pm »

Good thread, Bryan anything your arsenal that you can suggest?
I have a similar spacial relationship issues.

bpape · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Jul 2009, 03:18 pm »

Depending on the speakers, distance to wall behind, and depth of frequency problems, either 242's or 244's would work.

Bryan

Vaughan · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Jul 2009, 05:21 pm »

To the OP :

I recently ordered GIK acoustic treatment and the biggest difference so far for me has been putting panels behind the main speakers. They opened up, sounded far more focused and detailed.

I also installed 4 tri-traps stacked from floor to ceiling which made a heck of a difference in the low-end but simply putting two panels behind my front main speakers made the biggest difference to me so far.

Regards,