Adjusting speaker positioning. What, if anything, to expect?



I am going to adjust my Magico A3’s positioning a little bit to try to optimize their performance and the listening experience. Due to the logistics of the room they’re in, there’s only a limited amount I can move them. I’ll describe the room and what I can do within those limitations. I’m wondering what improvement I might be able to achieve with adjusting positioning.

The room is approximately 14’ x 22’. There is a high vaulted ceiling. about 15’ at it’s peak centered in the room on its horizontal axis. Picture how kindergarten child draws a house. That’s the shape of a cross section of the room and vaulted ceiling.. The speakers are located about 8’ apart centered on the long wall. The front of the A3’s are only out 22" from the wall, the rear of the speakers only 9" from the wall. That can’t be helped. The prime listening position is on a couch about 10’ out from and facing the same wall, also centered. The components are on shelves centered and built into the same long wall the speakers are on. There are some other furnishings, and books above built-in cabinets, line most of the other three walls.

I can move the speakers about a foot farther apart or closer together, and I can change their toe-in. What changes, if any, might I be expecting or hope to achieve moving the speakers within these limited parameters? Could the sound-stage be affected? I’m not sure what the sound-stage should be like anyway. Should it extend to the left or right outside the speakers, or be mainly between the speakers? Right now depending on the recording the vocals and instruments are usually between or no further apart than the actual speakers. Could the treble, midrange, or bass response be augmented or diminished depending on positioning? Are there any other factors that may be affected by positioning alone? Thank you for any guidance and please feel free to ask any questions. Thanks,

Mike
skyscraper

Showing 1 response by insearchofprat

IMHO: you cannot do this alone - you need at least * one helper *...

Start by setting up by mathematical equilaterial GOLDEN TRIANGLE FORMULA, based on "The Spot" you plan to listen from. ACTUALLY MEASURE IT OUT TO START

Position speakers where you think they should be - from back and side walls

"Toe-In" - stand behind speaker and 'aim it' at that spot (mirror image, both with the same angle toward the listener. MARK IN CHALK AS #1

Play a 30-60 second repeat of sound (music, whatever) you are more than familiar with: repeat 3-4 times - with a good 5second in between plays.YOU LISTEN AND ONLY YOU LISTEN. WRITE DOWN YOUR INITIAL IMPRESSIONS...

Have your "helper" adjust each speaker (obviously do with both speakers) out away from the direct line you started from, in about 1/4" increments. MARK ON THE FLOOR/CARPET/WHATEVER in chalk #2... Repeat the listening repetition and WRITE DOWN YOUR IMPRESSIONS ( BIGGER WIDER DEEPER SOUNDSTAGE; MORE FORCEFUL BASS; LESS FOCUS OF VOCAL; LESS REAL: WHATEVER YOU ACTUALLY HEAR)

Repeat above procedure moving speakers more away from initial position...

The most important caveat for any initial listening experiences are: IS YOUR EQUIPMENT AND ALL CABLES AND CORDS BROKEN IN ?
ARE YOU SURE?