You didn’t strike a nerve, some people forget it’s a stereo hobbyist forum.
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 ...
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- 141 posts total
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.
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…
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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...
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@mahgister Shouldn’t have been too bad at low level (and near field) except at the lower frequencies (<250Hz)… Still that’s nothing to sneeze at (starting around middle C on a piano) Also correcting those lower frequencies throughout the room are perceived as 40-50% increase in music quality to most listeners… You don’t have to sell me on the importance of optimized room acoustics with proper treatments. |
- 141 posts total