Speaker distance

@geoffkait

Can you describe (in writing here in this thread) how this track "works" in order that it is "fool-proof"?

Thanks.

>>>>>The XLO Test CD speaker location track is the OUT OF PHASE track. You have already determined that your system is in correct phase using the previous IN PHASE track. The objective of the OUT OF PHASE track is to allow incremental movement of the speakers until the sound of the voice on the track sounds like it’s coming at you from all around the room, I.e., completely diffuse. If the speakers are not (rpt not) in the absolute best locations, the voice will sound like it’s coming at you from a particular direction. The caveat here is that *completely diffuse sound* is very difficult or impossible to achieve without room treatment. Which is why I suggested a program of the XLO Test CD AND room treatment. Rome wasn’t built in a day. 😛

Thus, the reason I say this XLO Test CD method is fool-proof is because there is only ONE solution, only one set of speaker locations where you will get the sound coming at you from all around the room, instead of any particular direction, whereas the trial and error technique of moving a little, listening a little can only result in good locations but not the best locations. Without some room treatment it might be difficult or impossible to achieve this state of Nirvana. As room anomalies are discovered and addressed the sound will get better. And the sound will be perceived as more diffuse on the out of phase track.

There are details in the XLO Test CD instructions how to move each speaker incrementally according to the diffusion pattern you hear on the OUT OF PHASE TRACK.

WHEN THE SOUND IS THE MOST DIFFUSE ON THE OUT OF PHASE TRACK IT WILL BE THE MOST FOCUSED AND COHERENT WHEN PLAYING RECORDINGS THAT ARE IN THE CORRECT PHASE/POLARITY ON A SYSTEM THAT’S ALSO IN CORRECT PHASE.

@geoffkait 

Thank you.

Vandersteen 2Cs, 84" C to C
+1 geoffkait...

@geoffkait , "I would be remiss if I didn’t say that there’s an infinite number of speaker locations for a given room, so obviously the ye olde trial and error method can only get you so far. You can NEVER find the absolute best locations that way."

You make a good point for most people. Although this may sound controversial, ONE AND ONLY ONE best location to site the loudspeakers exists in a given room for a system. That doesn't mean there's only one single point in the room, as altering components changes that position.  It works exactly like focusing a lens. When you find it, the sonic level of the system jumps to a point otherwise unreachable.  Just like a lens, it's immediately, obviously, and infinitely more right than anything else.  It transcends so many of the dollars folks spend on supposedly better components. This doesn’t normally work for most people, as the complexities of life gets in the way. So unfortunately, they don’t even come close to realizing the capabilities of the system they already have

ESP speakers are 7ft 4 in. apart center to center in a 14 ft wide room, toed in at 37 degrees.  The projected axis cross at 6 ft out which is about 4 ft in front of my seated position.  

There is no "hole in the middle" effect and the sound stage is wall to wall.