Crazy Cardas?


There is a web page from Cardas that discusses speaker placement that seems to be a bit different than most. The most shocking is for the placement of speakers from the wall behind them. In my 15 foot wide (rectangular)room, the Cardas formula calls for my speakers to be out about 80 inches!!!! It also calls for an equilateral triangle for the listener and speakers. This puts me 55 inches away. Am willing to try anything for a little while but have never spent any serious time on nearfield listening. Have I made some significant error? Am currently listening on Salk Songtowers(the rule is different for planar speakers). Google Cardas and Golden Ratio to find web page.
trytone
Another good suggestion is Jim Smith's book, Get Better Sound. Lots of great ideas and experience. Worth the money even if you don't agree with him on all points.
The Cable Company has a listening room/system set up with the Cardas formula. If you gave them a call, I'm sure they could tell you if you have it worked out properly for your system.
Another vote for the Sumiko Master Setup.
Here are some easy to follow instructions (and you really don't need two people).

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?5894-The-Sumiko-setup
I'll be the boring one and say that the Cardas triangle works for me. It does! in most of the rooms I have set up over the years anyway.
OP-

all of the math is irrelevant. Ask yourself, 'am I a near-field listener?' - this will give you guidance as you solve the problem (no pun). Keep us posted & happy listening!
This Cardas setup is often discussed and recommended. Didn't work for me either.

Here's another article from Decware with a more realistic approach. I have a near perfect square listening room and the recommended angled set up worked wonders.
I tried the Cardas' formula with my Chapman T7's. Not even remotely livable, even with a very supportive wife!
If you understand the principal (not soundstage shape?) then you can answer your question. The dimensions can be manipulated using the ratio as Cardas has done. Sanders Sound has different approach; I hear so do others with using small asymmetry from side walls.
Cardas is into formulas. Golden ratios and the like in his cables and rooms. Didn't work for me. It might work if you were building a room from scratch. It doesn't account for variables such as seating height, furniture, wall composition, etc. Sumiko Master Set accounts for all variables because every room is unique and you have to let your ears decide.
Use formula for the soundstage 'shape' you desire most in your room weather it's Cardas or Czardasz.