2. home-theater
  3. 1390614934

Must L + C + R speakers be depth-aligned?

I have two high-end L + R in-wall speakers (that I am planning to mount on-wall in a special enclosure, drivers will sit about 5 inches from the wall).

I am considering buying the matched center speaker (not in-wall). The drivers in the center speaker would sit about 24 inches from the wall.

I understand that in an ideal system, the center speaker's drivers would sit further back than the R + L in a constant-radius arc from the listening positing.

How likely is it that I'll be frustrated with the effects of this? I understand the concept of a timing problem but I don't know what it sounds like. Will I experience a narrow soundstage? Can I remedy this with a surround processor (which I don't own yet)?

Any advice would be appreciated. Here are some details in case you were going to ask:

* Room size/configuration: 13' wide, 11' deep
* Listening position is a couch against the back wall
* I don't have rear speakers yet, those will come later
* Speakers are excellent quality but not extreme - Center used price is ~$1800
reeddavid

Showing 1 response by internetmin

internetmin
258 posts
 
The common misconception when looking at LCR diagrams is that the C speaker is recessed more. Technically, they are all supposed to be the same distance from the listening seat. When that's not possible, you compensate in your HT pre-pro and set the actual distances in the pre-pro or receiver. That unit then puts in the proper delay to address any issues related to timing.

Most entry-level pre-pros only go in 1 foot increments and higher end ones go in 1/2 foot increments. That's a generalization, of course, but something to keep in mind.
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