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Speaker Placement Issue/Thoughts

I'm not sure if it's my hearing, my rooms (I've had the stereo in three different ones over the past few years), or a recording bias, but I consistently hear my image being biased slightly left of center.

I've had to resort to balance controls to fix this issue, but have also tried various speaker placement solutions (Thiel 1.6s and now 2.4s). When thinking about how to address the problem, I regularly get stuck in what feels like a logical paradox.

So, to shift the center image to the right, I can alternatively convince myself either that I should A) make the right speaker louder by moving it closer to me, or B) move the right speaker further away to shift the actual center of stereo speakers. Unfortunately every time I try to test this, so much ends up changing (the damn spikes are so hard to deal with) that I never figure out which is the appropriate solution.

Maybe I just need to pay a professional to come in and place everything for me...
cal3713
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Or move *both* speakers just a wee bit to the right, thus shifting the center that way, too. Moving one speaker closer will mess with the timing too much. You might also consider using something like Audyssey XT32 to fix your probable room issues...

-RW-
tbromgard
814 posts
 
Pretty basic suggestion, but have you used a tape measure to make sure your speakers are equal distance (probably yes). How about sound absorption panels on the side walls-maybe a tapestry or something to help tame side wall reflections? That can help alot when trying to create a solid center image.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,702 posts
 
Some amps like the TAD Hibachis in my 2 channel a/v system have output level adjustments on-board which can be very effective for providing left/right balance when needed for whatever reason.

Placing speakers to match volume levels is probably not a productive approach as you have found. Placement is key for soundstage, imaging, bass levels etc. Placement to match loudness is likely different than placement to optimize these other areas where placement is the key.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
I have a similar issue in my non-symetrical room. My expericnce has shown that it only takes a couple of inches, but I guess that will depend on factors secific to your situation.
As I see it you hae 3 choices:
1. Move the left speaker to the left, thereby moving it farther away from you
2. Move the right speaker to the left, thereby moving it closer to you
3. Move your seat to the right, thereby moving the left speaker farther and the right speaker closer

You could also do a little #1 and a little #2
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