Putting your components inbetween your speakers.


Would like to know if there is any truth about putting your components inbetween your speakers will affect the imaging other than an amp between the speakers on the floor.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtattooedtrackman
I’ll agree with Erik on this one. In fact I sought his advice/opinion on how and what to do to minimize the effect I was/am having with my television. I like his suggestions, however, they may not be entirely practical for everyone, especially if ones decor has to accommodate others who couldn’t care less about quality music reproduction.

In most situations, not having anything between the speakers is ideal from a sound quality perspective.

EDIT:

OP, in your case the equipment between your speakers is minimal and in all likelihood not negatively impacting the sound in a practical sense.
Well, my point was not that you should go to TJ Maxx and buy more blankets. :) My point was to use your own ears to listen and experiment. If YOU can’t hear a difference, doesn’t matter what I think. Why ask others to tell you what you can hear? :)

If you are worried, cover your gear with a blanket and then listen! Usually the biggest culprits are big TV’s and bit flat entertainment center surfaces. The less, the better. Will 2 pieces of gear matter to you? I do not know, but the best way to find out is by experimenting. Also, the advice is free and takes minutes to set up... so, try it! :)

Even if you have nothing in between, trying this experiment can help you realize the value of comprehensive acoustic treatment.

Best,

E
Also, kind of like physical therapy, you can make up deficiencies in one area by improving another. There is no absolute answer to how to put gear in your home.

As a _rough_ example, filling corners with dampening materials may somewhat make up for excess reflections in the middle of the wall.

Best,

E
@erik_squires  I agree, it certainly makes a difference, however people may not always be able to keep the space between the speakers empty. Basically any "fill-in" between the speakers will act as a diffuser, so sometimes it may not be desirable, other times it may improve the imaging, when compared to an empty reflecting wall. The only way to find out is using your ears. In general I would say, try to keep the objects in the space between the speakers below ear height. That way you can run shorter cables, (shorter=better) and most likely still keep good imaging.