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Speaker Height Problem

I recently dipped my toes into building a dedicated 2 channel system, with pertinent components for this discussion being an Anthem STR integrated amp, and Paradigm Persona 3F speakers. In general, I am very pleased with the upgrades from my home theater listening.

However, while not thirsty for huge low end performance, some music has sounded as though it is missing some mid and low end, to the point that I am looking at sub options.  And I have run ARC each time I add a component and/new cables.

My listening room is approximately 13’ wide x 20’ deep x 10’ high.  Due to original configuration of the room as a theater, my primary listening spot is centered 10’ from speakers and elevated 6” on first viewing platform (ie speakers are sitting 6” lower)

My laser level has my ear height at 8” above the top front edge of the speakers (11” above center of top tweeter). When I slouch down 11”  they sound like different speakers!  All of a sudden, not only am I getting mids and lows I wasn’t hearing, but the sound stage sounds deeper.

What is the ideal level height of the speaker top tweeter with relation to my ears? The 3F’s have 4-driver, 3 way floorstanding bass reflex.  

What are my placement options?  
I’ve thought maybe a raised box (which would need to be very sturdy…any suggestions?), or even a wedge that would tip the speakers upward enough to aim at ear level.

Any advice is greatly appreciated…thanks!

javaruke
erik_squires
16,013 posts
 

Hi OP!! While the height issue matters, more importantly is the angle, vertically and horizontally.  Audiophiles tend to want to do something religiously and that's point the tweeters at your ears like a laser guided missile.

In reality there's two things wrong with this.

  • Speakers are often designed for a lot less toe-in.  Magico, Revel and Focal are some I can think of.  They want to be flat to the rear wall.
  • As you have discovered, the tonal balance is often better BELOW the tweeter axis. 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,459 posts
 
  • Speakers are often designed for a lot less toe-in.  Magico, Revel and Focal are some I can think of.  They want to be flat to the rear wall.
  • As you have discovered, the tonal balance is often better BELOW the tweeter axis. 

No. Maybe in 1960. But I have not heard any modern speaker that wants to flat to the rear wall.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

What is the ideal level height of the speaker top tweeter with relation to my ears?

ALL tweeters at ear level is ideal. If you need to raise your speakers checkout Isoacoustic stands. If you need more height contact butcher block acoustics for custom stands:

 

sounds_real_audio
986 posts
 

The placement options are totally up to you and your musical tastes. Don't restrict your options because some authority tells you were to put them. Why can't we trust our own experience. 

erik_squires
16,013 posts
 

But I have not heard any modern speaker that wants to flat to the rear wall.

You haven't auditioned the list I made properly then!  It's not always flat but less toe-in.  The reason is simple.  Most speakers are made for consumers who prefer a wide sweet spot over 1 position listening.  This is best served by wide-dispersion speakers with less toe-in.

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