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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 5 responses by rego

rego
378 posts
 
Textbook Nearfield Listening Positions as described.
Try changing the distance between the Speakers.
The A3s are much larger than my stand-mounted mains.
Also the 15' vault should really help with A3s. 
My experience suggests closer would be right.
From 8' to 7' and leaving the listening position the same.
You should experience a sense of more power and greater depth.
As a goal anyway.
Before changing the spacing though do experiment with toe-in.
Go to zero toe-in (and any between) in the current position and listen for a bit.
Get an idea of what your sense of the sound is.
You may also experience some difference by moving the A3s toward the listening position.
Move the Sofa out of the way and Stand away from the back wall at an
equal distance to that of the Baffles from the front wall.
And listen for a bit.
The final positions could be inches in either direction (short axis/width).
But get a sense of what the sound does in the space.
Decouple the A3s if you have not done so and if the room is Lively / Bright (hard and harder surfaces) start thinking about treatment.
Once you have a good idea of how the Loudspeakers integrate then you can fine tune. 



rego
378 posts
 
@onhwy61, I think that I have already suggested this much (with exception of tilt angle).
"Rather than asking for opinions before you take action, why not just move the loudspeakers around and see what you think is happening? Try different locations, toe-in and tilt angles."

rego
378 posts
 
@needfreestuff,
as stated; "The front of the A3’s are only out 22" from the wall" indicates that the placement (current) is approximately at a ’recommended’ distance.
1"-5" in both directions (from 20") could make a difference.
Measurement is to the Baffle and on centerlines (OC).
Would you please share your reference for "recomended" ...
rego
378 posts
 
@skyscraper, that would require a Guitar also ...
Note to myself ... Listen to more Pete Townshend!
rego
378 posts
 
The Baffle is the entire front panel of a Loudspeaker (the surface that the drivers are attached).
The Baffle is also significant with regard to Radiation Pattern and how (in the case of) the A3 integrates in a room. Do not worry about this.
Your primary concern is to listen for the differences in positioning.
Exaggerate the spacing a bit to experience the difference.
Six feet is close to a limit for spacing.
Seven feet (7’) is only a reference for illustration.
"How to Isolate Speakers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW9-r83IvhI Illustrates physical decoupling. Thanks Townshend!
A direct Physical contact to a wooden sub-floor will transmit vibration in both directions! Isolating all Audio Components can help make improvements.
Decoupling is something to be aware of while you are focusing on improvements.
Using low friction pads under the spikes to slide the Loudspeaker on a carpet (for example) would decouple the A3.

A reference point for measurement is a common question and not often specified.
The centerline on the edge of the Baffle in the vertical axis is the reference line.
Measure to / from any common point to the wall as it suits you though.
Use string and a marker if you so choose.
A throw rug on a tile floor could make a substantial difference in a
’Bright Listening Space’.


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