Making speakers “disappear”…..


So I’m just setting up my new system and dial it in-

Benchmark AHB2

Benxhmark DAC 3

Totem1 speakers

 

all trial and error here but…..when you guys are dialing in speaker placement do you move them around, closer and further away until the sound doesn’t actually seem that it’s coming from the speakers? So far I’ve found that sitting in a “triangle” - equal distance from the listening position that the speakers are placed apart and so far so good - do you guys do this or have any tips for me on this?

thomastrouble

Don't forget toe-in, which can not only affect imaging but widen the sweet spot. Some speakers sound better below the tweeter axis, and with little to no toe-in.

Getting your speakers to disappear is fundamental to good stereo sound and is relatively easy. Don't accept less. But, FWIW, that is only the starting point of good/great imaging to creating a 3d image which can be fun, addictive, and a lot of work if that type of sound would be important to you. A  triangle works works well but I always finding myself at slightly longer distance to the chair than between the speakers (i.e. mine speakers are (presently) 10 feet apart and 11 feet from my chair. 

Thanks guys, I will keep experimenting in the coming weeks. One thing I noticed when I got the speakers to disappear was the sound seemed to come from the amp etc straight in front of me….sounds crazy but I need to move that so there is nothing that distracts my perception.

Oh, one thing….because my room is only 8feet wide I have the speakers closer to the wall than I would like, or if I brought them in two feet each I’m only left with four feet between the speakers !

Anyway, I’ll keep playing around with the limitations I have.

The equilateral triangle should be considered a guide or a starting point. What works for some users in some rooms with some speakers may or may not work for you. The experimental process should be fun and not a chore. When you discover a placement you like, mark it with tape on the floor or document the dimensions and see if you can make any further improvements from small adjustments. If not, go back to your preferred positioning. The stereo image coming from your amp between the speakers is actually what you are striving for. If this bothers you, move the amp as you said or even better listen in the dark.