Speaker shootout question -- do you position the same or differently, depending?


If you're comparing two speakers at home, do you position each the same or do you position each as (roughly) optimal for that speaker in your room?

I'm comparing a tower and a bookshelf now, and their design is different. It would seem that the best way to compare would be to figure out what is optimal for each and then compare them in (likely) different positions. 

What kind of process do you use for comparing two differently designed speakers?

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Dispersion pattern will be a major consideration regarding speaker placement. 

Why wouldn't you want to hear each speaker to full potential in your room? Absolutely, move to preferred location for each speaker. Per above, dispersion patterns different for different speakers.

I agree with finding the optimal position. I agree that any one pair should be removed to get out of the other pair's way. 

Johnny, not sure what you mean by "The room dictates the best position not the given speaker" since it would be room-AND-speaker, right?

Generally, the room will dictate where the speakers will be placed within the room, to deal with peaks, nulls, modes, etc.  Once they're in those positions, then speaker toe and rake angles can be experimented with to dial in each given speaker pairs soundstage, focus, etc.

Ideally the speakers should be compared in their optimal sounding position assuming this is a position you are willing to live with. 
 

In my case, the system/speakers reside within the main living space and therefore have to sound good in the space allocated to them. Fortunately, I can place them at least 3’ out from the front wall and at least 6’ from a side wall. So far, this location has worked pretty well for 2 different floorstanders and 2 different bookshelves.