How do I "compromise" speaker placement

I agree with Bob;

1) Common sense - use rule of thumb configurations
2) Perform in room measurememts
3) Listen and decide what works best for you (usually a compromise is needed anyway as there is no "perfect position" for all aspects of the sound)

Why are measurements so useful - because it is very hard to be objective in listening tests and the most exciting engaging position may actually be the worst in terms of accuracy and ultimate musical clarity/enjoyment...the old boom boom tizz setup that most people fall for....impressive...wow I can really hear the bass...and the highs are scintillating ....sure but it is not musical cause you just downplayed the most important element the midrange...

Bob, you can get the EQ "right" at any listening position, but if you left the IM distortion in then it'll sound like CRAP, no matter what speaker you use. Go to any audio show and you'll hear it in room after room. (Harsh, edgy, grating sound from really good components).

Like you said, "You paid for the speaker, why not get all you can from them?". Until you minimize IM distortion you can't enjoy your system to the max, no matter how flat the EQ. My method is set the speakers first, for the best combination of low IM Distortion and minimal bass nodes, then start addressing any problems that remain with room treatments and/or active EQ.

Dave

Hi Newbee said, "BTW, if you do this, buy some graph paper and keep careful notes of your set up distances - it can get a little complex trying to keep all of these in your head, as it will also give you some visual clues about what you can change, cannot change, and whether its lspeakers or listening position that is causing the issues you like or dislike.'

I say, just download the Room EQ Wizard for FREE and you dont need graph paper just click and save the measurements. Also 1/3 octave test tones are not enough, you need much finer measurements than that to really see what is going on in your room.

Hi Dave, you said "Until you minimize IM distortion you can't enjoy your system to the max, no matter how flat the EQ. My method is set the speakers first, for the best combination of low IM Distortion and minimal bass nodes, then start addressing any problems that remain with room treatments and/or active EQ."

I know what IM distortion is, but what are you talking about? How are you adressing IM distortion with your speakers placement? Or are you talking about IM distortion in equipment?

Bob

IM distortion is also caused by speaker-to-speaker timing misalignments. If you think it's important for the drivers within a speaker to be properly time aligned, then you'll likely agree that getting both speaker firing in sychronicity will also be beneficial. It very critical, yet easy to hear when done correctly.

Dave

I own (and like) Cremonas, but you might want to think about speakers with a more limited dispersion pattern. If you're willing to move the speakers out into the room when listening (and back when you're done) a narrow planar (Final, Martin-Logan, etc) might do the trick. If you're unwilling to schlep, you might consider a horn or horn/subwoofer set-up. Either way, you'll be pouring less off axis energy into the side walls.

Good luck.

Marty