speaker placement help

When I place my listening position equilateral from the distance of the soeakers from each other I get a wider sound stage but when I move the couch 31" back to the back wall I get a lower bass response which I like. Is it important to have the listening position equilateral to the distance of the speakers or can the listening position be 1 and 1/2 times the distance of the speakers and therefor right at the back wall? Thanks

Most speakers work best with the listening position somewhere in the area of 1 to 1.5 times the distance between the speakers. This is a generalization because there are no iron-clad rules. As you have noted, each position will involve a set of trade-offs and it is for you to decide which set you prefer.

Since you enjoy sound in this position (at least for now) why not stop worrying and listen to music!

The most "correct", as in reproduction of the original, is when you are away from room boundaries & thereby reduce the effects of wall reflections. Reflected sounds are time delayed vs the source, and not in phase with the fundamental sound, generally muddling imaging, clarity, etc. Speakers are usefully 65-75 degrees apart, from listening position. In conclusion, watch out for an isosceles triangle -- but don't worry too much about the equilateral. Cheers

With your head against the back wall, you will experience some doubling of some frequencies - usually a significant increase in treble and sometimes a mid bass boost. If that sounds better, then no problem. But if you find the midrange lost a little bit, get your head away from the reflective back wall.

I once owned some Hales speakers and I loved the inefficient beasts. They produced a ton of bass and the treble was a little hot when the volume went up, so for me, a listening position against the rear wall would have increased problems with the sound. But your room and your speakers and your setup may be just the opposite.

FWIW, I'd try the Hales further apart, against the long wall, and toed in so that the cross point is about 3 feet behind your head.

If you have to be against the rear wall (room aesthetics, traffic pattern) hang something absorbtive right behind your head (thick rug, echobuster, etc).

Good luck,

Rich

If room is dedicated (if not, how did you get speaker placement past "WAF"), check out Immedia approach. http://www.immediasound.com/Speakersetup.html

Also, see Cardas approach. http://www.cardas.com/cgi-bin/main_content.cgi?area=Insights&content_id=26&pagestring=Room+Setup

My favorite is Plato's approach. There's a lot to be said for ignoring the "experts."