"But within there lies the crux. The EQ is a product that works irespective of the speaker placement. So no matter what I do, according to Audyssey, I am using the product correctly".
No that's not going to be right. We've been to the Audyssey product training, and are trained to use the Audyssey. And I can tell you for certain that, yes, you still need to place things properly! You can't place speaker where there's major holes in the sound, and expect the Audyssey to fix that! It's not possible. Also, you need to properly setup the speakers for proper "aim" and "toe-in" for proper tonality from all the seats, or at least get that fundamental aspect with-in tollerance, to get even dispersion from the seating possition(s), as well as proper imaging/soundstage width considerations.
Tedmbrady is correct in stating that the acoustics need to be considered for best results, and the less the Audyssey has to do, the better.
You mentioned "book shelves" in the room, which may strongly help break up first order reflections, add diffusion, and tame slap-echo. All of these things are a plus in most smaller/medium domestic room settings.
I'd like to see your room personally to consult.
But yes, there'll be no replacement for experience here. Have one of us look at it and help you with design or at least setup, tweaking, consulting, and Audyssey calibration. Some out there will even "teach" you how to do it, while they do your system! That way you can kno what you're doing better on your other systems in the future. Good luck
No that's not going to be right. We've been to the Audyssey product training, and are trained to use the Audyssey. And I can tell you for certain that, yes, you still need to place things properly! You can't place speaker where there's major holes in the sound, and expect the Audyssey to fix that! It's not possible. Also, you need to properly setup the speakers for proper "aim" and "toe-in" for proper tonality from all the seats, or at least get that fundamental aspect with-in tollerance, to get even dispersion from the seating possition(s), as well as proper imaging/soundstage width considerations.
Tedmbrady is correct in stating that the acoustics need to be considered for best results, and the less the Audyssey has to do, the better.
You mentioned "book shelves" in the room, which may strongly help break up first order reflections, add diffusion, and tame slap-echo. All of these things are a plus in most smaller/medium domestic room settings.
I'd like to see your room personally to consult.
But yes, there'll be no replacement for experience here. Have one of us look at it and help you with design or at least setup, tweaking, consulting, and Audyssey calibration. Some out there will even "teach" you how to do it, while they do your system! That way you can kno what you're doing better on your other systems in the future. Good luck