Value of burn/break in?
Speaker placement is fundamental to good sound (as is the speakers' dispersion pattern-but we can't change that!). I suggest you try the following: measure room width and place the spkrs at ~45% of that width from the back (i.e. behind them) wall and ~25% of that width from the side wall. Measure from the centre of any unit (say, the woofer). Listen and then fine-tune the sound moving the speakers in very small increments. Good luck! |
have read that pretty much everyone puts their speakers toed in at about 45 degrees so there is a triangle listening arrangement Toe-in depends on many factors. 45 degrees is common if you’re sitting close in the near-field. Different speaker designs and room acoustics will dictate the angle of toe-in. My setup is in an equilateral triangle, but due to the dispersion from my speakers they are firing almost straight ahead. This is what the designer John Devore recommends and the soundstage and image are right on the money. There are different theories on how to set up speakers, but whichever method you use, it’s always time consuming. Taking measurements, listening, adjusting position, then listening again. And each time you adjust the speakers it should be in small increments as stated above. One inch may get you to that perfect soundstage. It should be mentioned that the rake angle of the speakers will play an important role in setting your desired sonics and image. |
If folks would use the speaker set up track on XLO Test CD or similar Test CD instead of guessing by trial and error they would probably find that speakers should usually have no toe in. They would probably also discover that their speakers are too far apart, which partially explains why they toe the speakers in. Trying to find the absolute best speaker locations by ear is like trying to solve n simultaneous equations in n+x unknowns. The best you can do that way is find local maximums. |
easola said: "n80...so you noticed bass tightness and soundstage with minor adjustments in speaker angle? Interesting! " No, not just speaker angle but also distance from the wall/corner. My speakers also have a bass port in the rear. Not sure how this changes the equation. The manufacturer actually makes a foam plug for those ports. I'm assuming that is for when the speakers are too close to a wall/corner and the bass is too boomy. Of the two variables (angle vs room position), small changes in room position made the most difference. In my case, moving them away from the corners (I'm talking 6 inches or so) decreased bass more than I wanted it too and I'm wondering if I need to play with a sock on the bass ports as well as position. "Will try but I have read that pretty much everyone puts their speakers toed in at about 45 degrees so there is a triangle listening arrangement " Most of the things that come up on a Google search of the issue says this is true. I think it is based on the fact that high tones are very linear and focused. But even reputable (looking) sources say a lot of conflicting things about speaker set up. Most say speakers should be spiked a few say they need to be isolated. |
Here’s a tool that can help one properly set up their listening room and system. https://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_ledr.php That test is also available on the Chesky Records Jazz Sampler & Audiophile Test CD Vol. 1(as well as other test CDs). Stereophile(though I’m not a fan of the mag) ran an article regarding it’s usefulness: https://www.stereophile.com/features/772/index.html They bemoan the fact that the LEDR doesn't help one test soundstage depth. The Chesky CD does have a demo, that helps one learn to listen for that too. |
