The cardas triangle doesn't take into account such things as large pieces of furniture, windows and doors etc. It's a good starting point. Start by playing around with toe in. Try no toe in, then slowly increase it to see if it helps. The most toe in that you want to try is when the axis of the tweeters cross right in front of your listening position. Also, the tweeters should be at about ear level when sitting. Next you need to move the speakers around a little. Move them forward or backward a few inches at a time. Also, you might have to move them farther apart or closer together. Remember that when you move them you will have to re-adjust the toe in.
When you get them into position where you have the best soundstage you need to damp the first and second points of reflection. Sit in you listening position and have a friend move a small mirror along the left wall, at ear level, until you can see the left speaker. That's the first reflection point. Now, have him move the mirror until you can see the right speaker. That's the second reflection point. Repeat this procedure on the right wall. Now, damp those four spots with some accoustic foam. Next you want to damp directly behind the speakers. Also, damp the midpoint between the speakers on the front wall and the spot on the wall directly behind your listening position. This will greatly improve the width of you soundstage. And yes, with proper setup, it is possible to get height also. Remember a tweeter radiates in a 360 degree pattern. Also, if there are any objects between the speakers, such as a tv or a cabinet, the front baffle of the speaker needs to be at least 12" in front of the object.
It usually takes me about a week to "dial in" a pair of speakers. When I get a new pair of speakers in my listening room, I place them according to the Cardas recommendation. I take a quick listen then I put on some cable radio, shut the door and let them burn in for about 3 weeks. Then I start playing with positioning. Sometimes I get a speaker that's a little harder to "dial in" and it might take me two weeks. I've had all kinds of speakers in my system ranging in price from $229 a pair up to $16000. It's possible to get them all to image; some better than others, but it is possible. My room measures 18 x 20 (almost a square - not easy to setup) with a vaulted ceiling. I have 48 custom accoustic panels on the walls. However, being married, I had to "incorperate" the panels into the decor of the room. I've had friends over and the swear that the surround system is on because they can hear sounds coming from the sides as well as behind them. I love the look on their face when I show them that they are only listening to two channels.
I have not got around to posting my system yet because it's constantly in a state of flux and I'm too lazy to keep updating it. The speakers in the system in the last year are B&W N805's, B&W N805sigs, B&W N802's, Paradigm Titans, VSA VR4jr's, Totem dreamcatchers, Totem rain makers, Totem hawks and Soliloquy 5.3i's.
Also, I see a lot of mega-buck system here on the Gon. Very few of them are setup properly. But, I do realize that most people have to set their system up in the living room or family room and don't have a dedicated listening room.
Check out the rives oudio site at www.rives.com. They have a wealth of info on proper room setup.
Good luck,
