Speaker/ Subwoofer Placement

[Joe Fedenecz]

I currently have my subs to the inside of my speakers and was thinking of moving them outboard. This would entail moving the speakers closer together and I wonder if the soundstage would be affected negatively. I'm not talking of a big move but soundstaging is something I value. I know my ears are the final arbiter but before I move this heavy stuff I thought I would get some opinions as I am always impressed with the content on this forum. Thanks, Joe.

 

[sbnx]

Subwoofers are a hot topic lately. What frequency are you crossing over the subs? How far is it from the center of the sub to the side wall.

 

[Nemal1]

Subs need to have some free space and avoid corners where possible
Another good idea is to raise your subs from the floor. Maybe try that before moving your speakers?

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

Thanks for the reply. I have my S/812s crossed over at 40hz or so and my ML ESL11As go to 29. If I leave them inboard they are 4' from the sidewall and 3 1/2' from front wall. I think I'll leave them there as Nemal1 says to give them free space and avoid corners. Mt room is small at 12' x 15' x8. I am happy with the sound but thought I would experiment a bit. Think I will enjoy the current setup. They sit on maple blocks with Mapleshade spikes on the carpet. I am not so focused on deep bass as much as a wide and deep soundspace on orchestral music. Great hobby ours, I wish I had someone here in Philly to hear my system and get feedback. Thank you.

 

[DasguteOhr]

A friend has put his 16 "active subs on stands. The result is fantastic, the first floor reflection affects the impulse fidelity. If you are too close to the floor, you will hear a mixed signal from loudspeaker and floor reflection at your listening position. Try it and report.

 

[Hear Here]

I currently have my subs to the inside of my speakers and was thinking of moving them outboard. This would entail moving the speakers closer together and I wonder if the soundstage would be affected negatively. I'm not talking of a big move but soundstaging is something I value. I know my ears are the final arbiter but before I move this heavy stuff I thought I would get some opinions as I am always impressed with the content on this forum. Thanks, Joe.

No reason why they should be in front of you. At 40Hz XO the human hear is incapable of identifying where the sound is coming from. In the first sub system I heard in a London showroon, the sub was placed near the wall oposite the main speakers. In my opinion subs should be heard but not seen - ugly beasts!

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

As they are they are 12" from the floor to the center, I do have a few maple blocks 2" thick that I can add. I'll try, much obliged.

 

[bryans]

Thanks for the reply. I have my S/812s crossed over at 40hz or so and my ML ESL11As go to 29. If I leave them inboard they are 4' from the sidewall and 3 1/2' from front wall. I think I'll leave them there as Nemal1 says to give them free space and avoid corners. Mt room is small at 12' x 15' x8. I am happy with the sound but thought I would experiment a bit. Think I will enjoy the current setup. They sit on maple blocks with Mapleshade spikes on the carpet. I am not so focused on deep bass as much as a wide and deep soundspace on orchestral music. Great hobby ours, I wish I had someone here in Philly to hear my system and get feedback. Thank you.

Given that you have Rel subs I would suggest you reach out to them for guidance. I know their setup video starts with you putting the subs in the corner of the room to energize the room. When I owned S/3 SHO subs I had them in the corners. When I moved to S/510 and later stacked subs I have them slightly inside of my speakers. They seemed to work better in my room this way.

Good luck.

 

[sbo6]

IME subs placed near the mains in moderate to small rooms usually result in sub - optimal bass. Reason being - you're starting out working against physics by exacerbating room modes (speakers woofers + subwoofers). And yes, phase, xover frequency, raising subs, sub driver placement (forward, to side, down firing etc.) do play a role but won't overcome predominantly omni - directional low frequency waves.

In large rooms it's much less of an issues as room modes are usually minimized in both amplitude and quantity. A layout of your room and your speaker / sub placement would help with any advice.

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

Wow, didn't think I could do it but here is my setup. Haven't posted here before.

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

As you can see moving the right sub outboard would have it facing my rack. Don't know if this would be problematic.

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

After speaking to REL my placement is fine. Gonna spin another record and enjoy, thanks for all the positive comments.

 

[Nemal1]

Enjoy your system Joe

 

[CDC77]

Should you use the same speaker cable for subwoofers as main speakers? or is there special cable meant for subwoofers?

 

[MysteriousMrM]

Thanks for the reply. I have my S/812s crossed over at 40hz or so and my ML ESL11As go to 29. If I leave them inboard they are 4' from the sidewall and 3 1/2' from front wall. I think I'll leave them there as Nemal1 says to give them free space and avoid corners. Mt room is small at 12' x 15' x8. I am happy with the sound but thought I would experiment a bit. Think I will enjoy the current setup. They sit on maple blocks with Mapleshade spikes on the carpet. I am not so focused on deep bass as much as a wide and deep soundspace on orchestral music. Great hobby ours, I wish I had someone here in Philly to hear my system and get feedback. Thank you.

I

 

[MysteriousMrM]

If you have a REL sub, the company recommends that it should go in a corner. Since you have a pair, the placement might change, not sure. I suggest looking at the videos on sub placement that REL puts out. You can find them on YourTube and on their website. Also, you can email the company and ask direct questions. They are good about responding.