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Is rack between speakers always less than ideal?

I am planning a dedicated stereo system around a pair of standmounts but not sure what to do about gear placement. I can either have a tall rack off to the side or a low wide rack in the center. I am leaning toward center rack to avoid long interconnects.

The center rack would be 6 inches behind the plane of the rear of the speaker and would be about 75% of the speaker stand height. Width is approximately from the inside of one speaker to the inside of the other.

I understand that TV's and large objects directly in between the speakers can affect soundstage but what about something not technically between the speakers but slightly behind and below? Would something like this be sonically invisible, or would having "nothing" there be even better?
solman989
inna
7,447 posts
 
Yeah, generally, the lower the better though, I think, the equipment might vibrate more because of low frequencies. So I wouldn't put a turntable on an amp stand.
daverz
487 posts
 
I'd worry more about what's at the first reflection points on the wall behind the speakers (front wall). I can't see much energy being reflected toward the listener from a rack between widely spaced speakers. The first reflection points are going to dominate and should be treated first.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I have tried moving my equipment to the side several times. I find the loss due to the longer ICs (balanced and single) makes that setup no good for me. So I always end up with my stuff between my speakers. I suppose it is a trade-off one way or the other.

Lower is definitely another option and one that I hope to explore soon. I'm planning on taking at least a foot out of the height of my stands and maybe spreading things out. Much like Stringgreen's amp, but with all of the rest of the sources close by. Short ICs and short speaker cables seem to work best for me and I realize not every one shares my preferences. Still, it is another option to try and get the best of both concepts.
cio52
121 posts
 
I have used the advice from the Mapleshade website on system set-up and have been well pleased with the results. Pierre Sprey is my set-up guru and his recomendations are: very short interconnects and at least 8 foot speaker cables. I have my rack between the speakers and enjoy great sound. My Viper source to preamp ic's are 1/2 meter and from pre to amp is 1 meter. The Caldera speaker cables are 8ft. single bi-wire FYI. Since my 2 channel system is in the living room, looks are important so close shelves hide the wire (at least from in front of the system). So my answer to the question is NO, having the rack between speakers is not always less than ideal. Like Daverz has suggested I would like to add a solid wood diffuser panel directly behind the rig in the furture.
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
No, it is not "always" less than ideal. Let the space and ergonomics of the room be the deciding factor. If you look at my systems you will notice the different setups. Both systems soundstage just fine but as always a bit different. I would think the low/wide would be easiest to implement.
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