Question about speaker angle

There are really four basic adjustments.

1. Distance from wall behind speakers.

2. Distance of listening position from speakers (assuming this is adjustable).

3. Distance from side walls (corollary: distance between speakers).

4. Toe-in.

Whenever you make a change to 1, 2, or 3, you need to adjust 4 to keep it the same angle, but in addition if you change 1, 2, or 3, a different toe-in may prove to be optimal.

But, to me, the biggest change one can expect is on the focus of the center image (toe-in increases focus) and the left to right spread of the image (toe-in decreases the spread), such that one is trying to find the right compromise.

I think this is application specific. More toe-in will decrease reflections off the wall, so that should help with image placement. Less toe-in will increase reflections from the walls which makes things seem more spacious, but can also confuse your hearing.

If you have no wall reflections, then all toe-in does is change frequency response.

Ultimately, you are constrained by your environment.  Each case is individual and must involve experimenting to find the optimal balance between frequencies and soundstaging.  Away from the wall is generally better, with an unequal distance to the side walls and just enough toe in to achieve center fill and realistic soundstaging.

Good post twoleftears!

Is that a Yorkshire related coat of arms I see?

Brad

I am at a quandary over this very issue.  From the day I installed my speakers I had them toed in to aim about two feet behind my head.  After a year of listening and then going to a local audio store. I thought there is no way my speakers are set up right. Like even sitting in dead center, was like I knew where the speakers were. and a little too top end. So for S&G I toed them right out flat. And low and behold. the most beautiful sound and soundstage I've witnessed for the first time with my speakers. More bass. More clarity.  Flat out. No toe. Go figure. That's where they are staying until some expert listens to them and can explain why it should be anything different. How is this anomaly possible?