4
Distance Between Speakers
Distance to Listening Ar
ea
50
°
HOW TO PLACE YOUR SPEAKER SYSTEMS
Speaker Separation
The distance between the speakers determines the width of the stereo image. If the speakers are
placed too close together, the image will be
too narrow; too far apart and the blend will
suffer, creating a hole in the middle. When
properly placed, your speakers will create a
continuum of “virtual images” from left to
right, with an illusion of sound outside, in
front, and behind the speaker systems.
We recommend an angular separation of
about 50 degrees (when viewed from
above). This is equivalent to a separation
between the speaker systems that is about
85% of the distance from the speakers to
the listener location.
Speaker Distance
Creation of sound between the speakers requires precise placement. The left and right speakers
both be the same distance from the listener location. We advise using a tape measure to
equalize these two distances to the primary listening position. The results will be well worth the
time and effort.
Aiming the Speakers
Your Snell speakers are designed to produce a very smooth response over as wide a range of
radiated angles as possible. Like all speakers of this type the response evenness is maintained
over a wider horizontal arc than vertical (assuming the long box dimension is vertical). Take
this into account when placing and aiming your speakers.
Toe-In
“Toe-in” refers to the angling of the speaker systems toward the listener location. Toe-in is a
matter of taste. As the degree of toe-in increases, the stereo effect becomes more direct-
sounding, like a pair of headphones. Speakers not toed-in will give a more diffuse sound with a
less defined central image.
Room-Related Bass Effects
As speakers are moved closer to rigid room boundaries – the walls, the floor, and the ceiling –
the deep bass part of the sound range is accentuated. However, if speakers are too close to the
room boundaries, particularly corners, the bass output can be uneven. Experiment until you
find the best overall sound for your room. Choose a musical selection with a strong, continuous
bass line. Repeat a short section until you have a firm impression of it in your mind, then try
another speaker location. Repeat this process until you are content with the bass response you
are getting. Moving your listening position will affect the sound as much as moving the
speakers. Try different listener locations as well as speaker locations.
