Speaker placement and other factors......

[Al M.]

anyone who sets up their speakers with just a tape measure is a moron imo. the guy you're talking about seems to really know his stuff. if you're a OCD audiophile you might not be able to handle the sight of your speakers not being exactly the same in a perfect triangle of some kind.. i would say try not to restrict yourselves in this way as you will also be restricting your hi fi.

Tape measure (or better, laser measurement) is very useful, and I employed precise configuration based on that to obtain significantly improved presence and palpability of sound images. So I would be the last one to dismiss it, and I would recommend it as a very good starting point. However, as you suggest, it is no absolute. With perfect geometrical alignment my center image was not precisely in the middle. So I moved the left speaker back an inch and, voila, the center image was spot on. That small trick to get the center right, moving one of the speakers back or forth a bit, is actually described in the manual of Genesis speakers.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I found years ago on the internet from some mechanic supply retailer giant (several feet long) precision rulers and giant "T" squares made out of thick aluminum. I set these rulers and "T" squares out on the floor, clamping them together for longer lengths, if necessary, and measure and line up the speakers against them. It works pretty well.

 

[DaveyF]

Ron, a good laser is not expensive these days....and well worth it for ease and precision of set-up.
As to glass behind a speaker....iMHO never a good thing as far as SQ is concerned.Although there are multiple ways to minimize glass impact on SQ, none of which look like they were utilized in the photo above...

 

[Al M.]

Ron, a good laser is not expensive these days....and well worth it for ease and precision of set-up.

Yes, 80 bucks, a no-brainer.

As to glass behind a speaker....iMHO never a good thing as far as SQ is concerned.Although there are multiple ways to minimize glass impact on SQ, none of which look like they were utilized in the photo above...

I describe the effect that ASC window plugs have on the sound of my system here:

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?17334-My-minimonitor-subwoofer-system/page2

(post #12 photos, # 13 description of effect)

 

[Bruce B]

WOW, That is really an awesome picture, Bruce! You say she....is that a typo??? If not, at least 'she' has some great gear,LOL. Hate to think what it must have sounded like in that set-up and room. OTOH, probably better than the Bose systems that most all ladies are enjoying.

Yes, she.... her name is Tamara and drives a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG....!

 

[spazmatron]

Tape measure (or better, laser measurement) is very useful, and I employed precise configuration based on that to obtain significantly improved presence and palpability of sound images. So I would be the last one to dismiss it, and I would recommend it as a very good starting point. However, as you suggest, it is no absolute. With perfect geometrical alignment my center image was not precisely in the middle. So I moved the left speaker back an inch and, voila, the center image was spot on. That small trick to get the center right, moving one of the speakers back or forth a bit, is actually described in the manual of Genesis speakers.

yea, i use a laser too, its good for toe in as you can often pull the left speaker in more than the right but i adjust by ear and end up with things non regular.. like you by the sounds of it

 

[Ron Resnick]

Ron, a good laser is not expensive these days....and well worth it for ease and precision of set-up.
As to glass behind a speaker....iMHO never a good thing as far as SQ is concerned.Although there are multiple ways to minimize glass impact on SQ, none of which look like they were utilized in the photo above...

I hear 'ya!

But it is comforting to me to measure the distances manually and to see the speakers properly aligned on the giant rulers on the floor. : )

 

[DaveyF]

Yes, she.... her name is Tamara and drives a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG....!

Typical, a girl and her toys!!

 

[Barry2013]

Well, we make sure to mention to potential customers the characteristics of each speaker, and any particular positioning they'd require. For instance, YGs are generally easier to place, and will sound peachy up against the wall. Other brands, particularly with ports in the back, won't be as easy/simple...

From what DaveyF describes, this guy needs a Linn system, with the DSP/room correction mechanism. If only he'd visited us before buying all that stuff...


cheers,
alex

A belated thank you for your post Alex.
I have a Scarlatti Transport and DAC on audition at home together with my Scarlatti Clock which normally sees service with my DCS Puccini.
The Scarlatti Transport/DAC is as you would expect a big improvement but a few days ago I thought this is not sounding as good as I think it can. I wasn't sure why and I then remembered your above post.
My Kipod Signature passives fire across my 21x12 room and I decided to try moving them back about 1.5". Really successful.
The bass has improved significantly, sound stage deeper and vocals project more into the room. Jagger has never sounded better particularly on SACD and FM broadcasts on my Magnum Dynalab 109 have improved similarly.
They are now just under 12" from the long rear wall and sound better than ever.
So thanks very much and a good example of the benefits of WBF and how you can learn from others!