$19.95 from the sourcehttps://referencerecordings.com/recording/xlo-test-burn-in-cd/
Adjusting speaker positioning. What, if anything, to expect?
I am going to adjust my Magico A3’s positioning a little bit to try to optimize their performance and the listening experience. Due to the logistics of the room they’re in, there’s only a limited amount I can move them. I’ll describe the room and what I can do within those limitations. I’m wondering what improvement I might be able to achieve with adjusting positioning.
The room is approximately 14’ x 22’. There is a high vaulted ceiling. about 15’ at it’s peak centered in the room on its horizontal axis. Picture how kindergarten child draws a house. That’s the shape of a cross section of the room and vaulted ceiling.. The speakers are located about 8’ apart centered on the long wall. The front of the A3’s are only out 22" from the wall, the rear of the speakers only 9" from the wall. That can’t be helped. The prime listening position is on a couch about 10’ out from and facing the same wall, also centered. The components are on shelves centered and built into the same long wall the speakers are on. There are some other furnishings, and books above built-in cabinets, line most of the other three walls.
I can move the speakers about a foot farther apart or closer together, and I can change their toe-in. What changes, if any, might I be expecting or hope to achieve moving the speakers within these limited parameters? Could the sound-stage be affected? I’m not sure what the sound-stage should be like anyway. Should it extend to the left or right outside the speakers, or be mainly between the speakers? Right now depending on the recording the vocals and instruments are usually between or no further apart than the actual speakers. Could the treble, midrange, or bass response be augmented or diminished depending on positioning? Are there any other factors that may be affected by positioning alone? Thank you for any guidance and please feel free to ask any questions. Thanks,
Mike
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For what it's worth, I prefer a sound stage that extends beyond the speakers; ie, to the left of the left speaker and to the right of the right speaker. I agree with the comments that say the singer should be anchored midway between the two speakers, as though they are standing in front of you. In the end, there is no right or wrong here, it's just what gives you the most enjoyment from your music. But don't have the soundstage coming from the ceiling; that would just be wack... |
The Baffle is the entire front panel of a Loudspeaker (the surface that the drivers are attached). The Baffle is also significant with regard to Radiation Pattern and how (in the case of) the A3 integrates in a room. Do not worry about this. Your primary concern is to listen for the differences in positioning. Exaggerate the spacing a bit to experience the difference. Six feet is close to a limit for spacing. Seven feet (7’) is only a reference for illustration. "How to Isolate Speakers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW9-r83IvhI Illustrates physical decoupling. Thanks Townshend! A direct Physical contact to a wooden sub-floor will transmit vibration in both directions! Isolating all Audio Components can help make improvements. Decoupling is something to be aware of while you are focusing on improvements. Using low friction pads under the spikes to slide the Loudspeaker on a carpet (for example) would decouple the A3. A reference point for measurement is a common question and not often specified. The centerline on the edge of the Baffle in the vertical axis is the reference line. Measure to / from any common point to the wall as it suits you though. Use string and a marker if you so choose. A throw rug on a tile floor could make a substantial difference in a ’Bright Listening Space’. |
Why not put the speakers on the 14’ wall and use the 1/3 speaker position which is placing the front of the speaker 7’ from the back wall and put your chair 7’ from the walk behind the chair. i actually have the same room length as you but a couple feet wider and I have my ushers 7’ from the back wall but I have my chair 4’ from the back wall. Give your speakers room to breathe. I also have room treatments for all corners and 1st reflection points |
Ncdogdoc, thanks for the link, that’s about $30 less for the XLO test disc. Cheeg, how due you get the sound stage to extend outwards without being out of phase? Rego, thanks for your clarifications and the link to the Townsend video on decoupling. That was interesting. For a second beforehand I thought you were referring to a Pete Townsend video and wanting me to smash my speakers with a guitar to decouple them. Rbstehno, the position of the doorways and the built-in cabinets below the bookshelves on the short walls precludes putting the speakers on the short wall. Also the flat screen TV is located above the stereo component shelves between the speakers on the long wall, and the couch needs to face that direction. On the short walls the TV would cover the built in book shelves if placed there. Other than that no problem. Your arrangement that way probably sounds quite good I'd imagine in a similar sized room. It's unfortunately just not possible here without some drastic remodeling. Mike |
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