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Meadowlark Shearwater vertical orientation.

A couple of nights ago I was listening to Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" and stood up in the middle of a song. The image focus and clarity seemed much better standing. It started me thinking about the vertical angle of the baffles when I decided to check how level the speakers were. I put a level against the back of the speakers and was surprised to note how far tilted back they were, especially the left speaker.
I got out a pair of wrenches and leveled the speakers. The difference in the sound while seated in the listening chair is amazing. I've listened to "Court and Spark" three times now just to ensure it wasn't my imagination. The soundstage is wider, the image is focused, the sound is more alive. Didn't realize what I was missing.
If you are listening to these wonderful speakers and haven't checked their tilt, put a level against the back to make sure they're straight. It's worth checking.
timrhu

Showing 3 responses by tobias

tobias
1,534 posts
 
When I installed my Shearwaters I was advised by a more knowledgeable pal. He made a point of saying that levelling was important, and he suggested I use the Benz Micro round level that came with my cartridge.

I actually thought he was a little round the bend but I resolved to humour him once I got the speakers placed in the room. I was glad I did. Before that, I really only got the full imaging power of the speaker when I was standing up, just like you.

The next step was to add some acoustic treatment... I haven't finished that yet, but it's pretty clear that these speakers have an awful lot to give and room setup will let them do it.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Hi Jeff ! Nice new moniker. Thanks for the good words.

I like these public invitations. With any luck there'll be a few dozen over at your place swallowing your excellent beer and grooving.

Oh... unless you meant at MY place?

We're rebuilding after a fire (!), but when the new ballroom is ready we'll put it on the city tour guide :o) I need you to consult first; any time after the end of June is good.

All welcome... !

Timrhu, your system looks very well-thought-out. It looks as though you have gotten the max out of every buck. I'd love to hear it. The Roksan amps are very well esteemed and I know both your cable choices to be excellent value.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I too have wondered about the backward slant. If I get the idea properly, it is a feature not a bug. It is meant to help with pulse or step response, by offering a useful time delay so that the tweeter wave arrives at the ear in sync with the mid-woofer's. I read this on the Meadowlark web site.

I would say that three conditions need to be fulfilled for this to work at its best. First, the speakers have to be properly leveled. Second, the ear needs to be at a minimum distance from the front baffle in order to benefit from an integrated sound wave; Meadowlark say at least seven feet IIRC and I certainly concur. Third, the ear cannot be too close to the floor--better if your couch or other perch is on the high side.

Other than these, no matter what your speaker it is fun when you deal with first reflections, by absorption or diffusion or both. Those fiberglass panels sound keen, Douglas, and I'm itching to try some (not literally--I hate it when that happens with fiberglass).
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