Speaker shootout question -- do you position the same or differently, depending?


If you're comparing two speakers at home, do you position each the same or do you position each as (roughly) optimal for that speaker in your room?

I'm comparing a tower and a bookshelf now, and their design is different. It would seem that the best way to compare would be to figure out what is optimal for each and then compare them in (likely) different positions. 

What kind of process do you use for comparing two differently designed speakers?

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@djones51  I agree with your comments about both red and blue plots. I think the blue plot represents a great improvement over the red one, but I'd like to try to get it to where you describe and then take a listen. I have not measured at 3 feet. I'll try that.

Agon should have a thread for measurements and commentary, as well as one for rooms and treatment. 

@richopp Right, the room is important. Got it. Also, the ROOM is important. ;-)

Here is a response both speakers averaged from a bookshelf KEF R3 at LP in an untreated room with no filters applied. There is only normal living room furiture and a rug. This is a good response from a properly designed speaker IMO which only needs a correction at about 35hz or use a sub crossed around 100hz.

 

 

Edit: these are not my speakers just an example of what can be done in usual rooms where treatments can only be minimal or none. 

Just want to add that if people are overwhelmed with a large room, it's sometimes easier (and maybe even preferable in sound quality) to section the space and be closer to the speakers. I've heard many setups where I preferred my at home closer, more direct interaction with my speakers to larger, even well treated spaces. Lots can happen for better or worse in that space between your speakers and your ears. There's nothing wrong with being a bit closer if the dispersion works. I've yet to see an 18X40 mixing room. 

 

For some reason the pictures are not showing again!

IMHO one should start with absolutely no room treatment, get the best sound the room can give you, and then treat those deficits, because if you start with room treatment then you will end up treating the effects of the room treatment you already have and might not be necessary.

Lets try again...


here is where i stated for decay and stored energy

 

This is were I ended with absolutely no room treatment. 

Thanks for posting graphs. Very interesting and great improvements!

@djones51 Nice graph! Any DSP?

Agree about starting without treatments and building up.