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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
skyscraper
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,457 posts
 
geoffkait

Thanks for the XLO test cd...I already look for it one year ago and forgot it....I try it seriously today...

Very interesting test....The 4 phase sections are very useful....


It seems my speakers are quite good and rightly located....


Before this test I guessed my system parts were in phase but it was only my impressions...Now at least I know that they are by testing.... Thanks with a smile from the past... :)
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,016 posts
 
I went to Soundings in Denver and they demoed master setting speakers.  The sound is very noticeable.  What's nice is you don't have to sit in the sweet spot, which is nice when you have guests over to listen to music and cocktails.  I moved my speakers away from the wall and toed then in perfectly and that made a huge difference.  Adding a pair of REL S3 SHO subwoofers also improved the bass extension.  
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,016 posts
 
I measured the distance from the back wall and side walls to measure exactly the same and then pointed the toe in to reach my listening position.  This instantly changed things.  I noticed my mid range and tweeters really settled down.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Yes skyscraper you are correct. With most modern studio recordings the image is based on what the mastering engineer thinks everyone wants to hear by virtue of his own ability to mix correctly and the quality of the system he is using to do this, all of which is questionable. Live recordings can be much more useful in evaluating a system. We all have our favorite records when it comes to imaging. We also know how favorite studio recordings image and know what to expect if a system is set up correctly.
As far as image size is concerned it depends on the type of speaker. Dynamic speakers create a small sound stage as if you are sitting in the back. Linear Arrays or Line source speaker throw a larger stage as if you are sitting up front. There are advocates of both types. A good system is capable of imaging beyond the speakers with the right recording. 
Using an out of phase signal to set up speakers seems a bit odd to me but hey, what do I know. I use a computer, a microphone and an impulse testing program to adjust the speakers in time, phase and frequency response. This does not negate the use of appropriate acoustic treatments and intelligent speaker location. I adhere to the symmetry concept and designed my media room accordingly. But, having measured quite a few speakers this does not guarantee the best imaging or symmetrical performance. Even the best manufacturers are not capable of making two speakers perform exactly the same. There are always some differences in frequency response. This is were a room control system comes into play. It can make both channels virtually identical which results in the best imaging.  
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,457 posts
 
Even the best manufacturers are not capable of making two speakers perform exactly the same. There are always some differences in frequency response. This is were a room control system comes into play. It can make both channels virtually identical which results in the best imaging.  
Thanks very astute observation.... My best mijostyn
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