Value of burn/break in?

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.

I dont think anybody has mentioned the acoustics of the room. Speaker placement and angle can only get you so far. The room needs to be tuned which involves using absorbion and diffusion.
If the speakers present a boomy or loose sounding low-end then bass traps are probably needed. Plugging a speaker port may help, but it will also affect the sonics, IOW you won’t get the full dynamics or best timbre from the speaker.
If the room is too lively, the issue of brightness may not stem from the speakers, but may be due to room reflections causing standing waves. This would be dealt with using absorbion panels in the key areas of reflection.

A setup disk can be very useful in determining speaker placement, but tuning the room will improve the overall sonics, improve clarity, and help reproduce the music as it was originally recorded.

I'm breaking in two new things...a Pangea wall plug and a new belt for my Linn table. The wall plug's most important job is to power a REL sub, which it did right off the bat with zero break-in. Amazing. The Linn belt also seems to accomplish the task of making the platter go around also with zero break-in, which makes me suspicious of both these items...were they used previously? Hmmm...