4. Room positioning
The performance of a loudspeaker system in a room varies with placement. Ideal
positioning of the speakers is 3-4 m apart and preferably at least 0.5-1m away
from side and rear walls. Avoid distances from walls that correspond to 1/2, 1/4,
1/6 etc., of the room dimensions. Seek instead odd fractions; 1/3, 1/5, 1/7 etc. to
minimise effects of room related resonances.
The longer distance from the back wall, the deeper stereo image you will get. You
can also place some damping or diffusing material on the back wall behind the
speaker, which can help you to get a deeper stereo image.
It’s important that the distance form the listener to each speaker is equal. Differ-
ences as small as 1 cm can make difference. Use a small rope or laser meter to set
the distance as equal as possible.
Choose a stand height so that you barely notice the top area of the speaker when
sitting. Then the treble unit will be at the same height as your ears. You will per-
ceive the most accurate sound stage if you listen from a position halfway between
the loudspeakers and three to four metres away.
Avoid corner placement as it leads to colouration and often will over emphasise
the lower frequencies. Image stability and stereo perception is increased if the two
speakers are turned slightly towards the listening position. Start where you just
can see around two cm of the inside wall of the speaker. Close to this is normally
the best. More toe in will make the stereo image and centre voices more narrow.
The other way the voices will be wider. Try to find a position where you get a
wide and even stereo perspective from left to right. Then try for best stereo im-
age and centre focus. Objects in the direct sound path can disturb the coherence
