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Speaker positioning: why do audiophiles neglect this so much?

Went to a recent seminar featuring Jim Smith, well known author of the book  "Get Better Sound"  and hi fi set up guru.

The basic gist of the discussion was that the most important elements of a high end stereo installation are listening position and speaker positioning, in that order.  The actual hardware (speakers, amplifiers, source, cables etc) are of less importance relatively speaking.

Yet it is clear from this web site and it's contents, that set up is discussed much less than the actual hardware.

When I look at the Virtual Systems page on site, I'm estimating that, maybe, 10% of the systems posted are close to well set up.  Thus, hardly any of the featured hardware is performing close to it's maximum potential.

Shame, and why is it so?  Not sexy enough to talk about system set up in depth?  Lack of knowledge?  Or is it simply too hard to do and too complex a subject?

Just my 2 cents ...

bobbydd
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,592 posts
 

Actually, you may be surprised how good speakers can sound near, 1 - 1.5 feet, from side walls. Depends on many factors I pointed to in a previous post. My findings based on doing many hours of listening tests with speakers not necessarily sold for corner placement. Be careful with absolute type statements in audio. They rarely, if ever,  turn out to be absolute and universal.

 

I can safely share this one absolute statement.  You must try all the various placement and listening positions options available in your space. Pick the one that sounds best to you. It may mirror conventional wisdom, or not! 

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,279 posts
 

There are no hard a fast rules about loudspeaker/listener positioning.  Whatever works, works.  Real world considerations come into play and the "optimal" solution may not be doable or even desirable.  Let's not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

BTW, if your equipment is low to the floor it can be placed between the loudspeakers without any detriment to the sonics.

uncledemp
792 posts
 

@bobbydd 

You didn’t strike a nerve, some people forget it’s a stereo hobbyist forum. 

johnnycamp5's avatar
johnnycamp5
124 posts
 

It’s true there are just too many variables in all different rooms. Also in what people like to hear with respect to “too live” or “too dead”.

After decades, Im one of those folks that has come to my own personal conclusion that room acoustics come first. Whether it be broadband absorption and diffusers galore or just a few furnishings and a rug (or not), it’s room dependent.

Then comes the positioning of speakers/listeners. For me gear comes last.


But what if you do low volume/near field listening? Or headphones?

With no real boundary interference is room treatment necessary?

Here I would think the electronic gear would take priority.

Preferences and taste can’t be argued after all…

 

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,273 posts
 

In a small room near listening will be affected by all the room controlled or uncontrolled acoustic.... I know it perfectly well by listening experiments... My room is 13 feet square...

ANd my speakers/room acoustic beat my 7 headphones limitations...

My system value is 500 bucks...

Then why?

Acoustic science and psycho acoustic is always prioritary for me...

.

But what if you do low volume/near field listening? Or headphones?

With no real boundary interference is room treatment necessary?

Here I would think the electronic gear would take priority.

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