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 ...
Ported vs Non-ported/ proximity to walls, and of course your drivers sensitivity, 2 way, 3 way; crossover components.....these are but a few that will all affect your listening pleasure. Ultimately, it comes down to your ears.Oh yeah, forgot to mention, vinyl/lossless(cd media), streaming device(s). As you can see it is a rabbit hole🤔
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Someone asked for some basics from Jim Smith: First, determine the optimum listening position in the room by determining where bass response is best (most even, not at a null). Instrumentation can help here. Next, relative to the listening spot, find the optimum speaker placement. Start at the 83%rule mentioned above, as a starting point. Adjust from there. Many fine adjustments over time are necessary for best results. Treat first reflection points. Lastly, a blend of absorption and diffraction is best ( ratio of 1:2 respectively - more diffraction). All other things equal, avoid equipment between speakers. If unavoidable, place it low to floor and behind speakers. Before spending on better equipment, try the above methods to improve performance of what gear is already there. Harder to do than say, admittedly. |
@bobbydd , Please show us how you have positioned the speakers in your system. Would love to see that. |
@mahgister said:
My wife puts up with acoustic panels on walls and I have autonomy in speaker and listening position - but don't think I'd get away with the experimental room tuning you've got going on:
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