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Corner Placement

My visit to Capital Audiofest last weekend reminded me that the Audio Note speakers with their corner placement are always one of the more enjoyable listens at these shows.

It got me wondering more both about the speakers and corner placement.

Corner placement done well is clearly good for bass levels but not so good for depth of soundstage.  That seems to be the main trade-off.    Would you agree?

Also I am not sure I can determine anything unique about the Audio Note speakers compared to others that give them any special advantage for corner placement.  I suppose they are designed to produce the right level of bass with that placement especially being acoustically sealed rather than ported I believe.   But why could not other speakers that may be a tad bass shy benefit similarly?

How much of the Audio Note sound is the speakers versus the corner placement?

It made me get around to trying out corner placement at home.   I have at least two pair of smaller monitor speakers that might work best that way, like seemingly Audio Note does.   So far I am liking what I am hearing with these speakers that are also very good but would be considered a tad bass shy otherwise perhaps.



128x128mapman

Showing 2 responses by jetrexpro

jetrexpro
506 posts
 

Map,

Audio Note AN-e speakers are rear ported.

I think they are adequate for sound stage depth although not their priority. I’ve had very critical audio friends over and they commented that they were not expecting sound stage depth and were surprised. I think some of that depth is enhanced by the texture of the mids created by drivers and as mentioned above the carefully braced wooden enclosure and also the rear port. Add to it a 10 watt DHT SET amp and the texture and depth are increased. Over all sound stage is big rich and textured. I feel no dissatisfaction. The combination of a SET amp and these speakers seem to create a different type of depth. A depth created by a beautiful mid range texture. I frequently go to my friends NYC apartment and hear YG speakers driven by CH electronics that are positioned into the room that have amazing depth but unless one has a dedicated listen room having speakers protruding into a living space is usually a problem. At least it would be for me. The depth of the YG/CH system is different than my AN/DHT SET system. I hear the difference and appreciate both approaches. They both have virtues. Some folks use AN-e’s out into the room but I’ve never heard them positioned like that.

You are correct, very careful placement in relation to the corners/rear wall will either add or subtract to the bass, texture and depth. Even as little as an inch either in or out will change the sound. My speakers are about 5 inches from the back wall and what is counter intuitive is if I pull them away from the back wall, I get more bass/depth and if pushed closer less bass. That rear port is most likely having quite a bit of influence. Using silver speaker cables vs copper will also change the bass, texture and depth and require a slight change in position in relation to the corner.

As Erik mentions above I also believe their sensitivity is enhanced by corner placement and very much wife approved since they integrate nicely into our living space. 


jetrexpro
506 posts
 
Map, I forgot to mention that my speakers as along the long wall in my living room and there happens to be very shallow corners in which the speakers fit into. It's nice not to have any side walls. I guess this helps the sound to expand beyond the speakers sides, which also helps create some sense of depth.

Thanks Pops. You are welcome anytime if you are near NYC. It has been great hanging out with the guy who has the YG speakers CH amps. As you mention- a totally different and very expensive system compared to mine. I have learned from him and his system and he has helped me when he stops by for a listen. He helped my come upon the right IC's and speaker cables to bring it all together.
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