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Speaker positioning: why do audiophiles neglect this so much?

Went to a recent seminar featuring Jim Smith, well known author of the book  "Get Better Sound"  and hi fi set up guru.

The basic gist of the discussion was that the most important elements of a high end stereo installation are listening position and speaker positioning, in that order.  The actual hardware (speakers, amplifiers, source, cables etc) are of less importance relatively speaking.

Yet it is clear from this web site and it's contents, that set up is discussed much less than the actual hardware.

When I look at the Virtual Systems page on site, I'm estimating that, maybe, 10% of the systems posted are close to well set up.  Thus, hardly any of the featured hardware is performing close to it's maximum potential.

Shame, and why is it so?  Not sexy enough to talk about system set up in depth?  Lack of knowledge?  Or is it simply too hard to do and too complex a subject?

Just my 2 cents ...

bobbydd
Post removed 
rudyb
141 posts
 

Speaker placement, listener position, and room acoustics ... they might have the highest impact, but they are the least 'sexy'.

Two sets of shiny speaker pods look much flashier than a 4 inch translation and a 3 degree toe in.

knotscott
944 posts
 

My wife thinks my listening room should be decorated like a living room, so the speakers are typically unceremoniously crammed into the corners where they're less obtrusive.  Every once in a while we let them out to play.  

clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

@bobbydd 

So you can determine bad set ups by looking at photos eh?

A lucrative career awaits you as a remote system designer, undercutting all the others who need to listen in the room.  You could also set up as the equipment reviewer who decides by looking at photos of the kit.

I am at a loss to understand why you believe this, except possibly that you are deaf?

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

My system is not set up optimally, I'll admit. It is a compromise called a marriage. Yes, I have a low boy credenza between my speakers, and a 50 inch flat screen TV sitting atop. To me, my system sounds pretty darn good. The best that it can possibly sound? I doubt it. However, I have taken the time to properly set up the speakers, toe in, height, proximity to rear wall, listening position, some diy acoustical treatments, a mix of hard and soft surfaces/ furnishings, etc etc.....I've done the best I can possibly do in my current situation and room. I'm pretty well content.

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