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Objects Between Speakers

Here's an odd question: do objects between speakers (assume 2-channel setup) significantly affect the sound we hear from the speakers?

For example, I don't have a dedicated music room. I have two audio racks in my living room - one is the "home theatre" rack, and one is the "stereo" rack. The rear-ported "music speakers" sit on 30" stands 30" to either side of the edge of the TV/TV stand, and the front edge of the speakers are roughly 4" closer to the opposite wall than the front of the TV/TV stand. Does the fact that I have the TV between the speakers affect how well the speakers sound?

On a related note, I have the speakers set up on the short wall of an 11'x17' room. My L-shaped sectional sofa extends along the side wall to about a foot away from the right speaker, and the arm of the sofa (24" tall) is literally in front of, though slightly below, the right speaker. Is the sofa likely killing some of the sound coming from the speaker?

I've listened to electrostats and noticed they are very affected by objects being between them and the listener -even a coffee table produces a noticeable effect- but what about cone speakers?

Thanks for the insight to all.
aggielaw

Showing 1 response by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
Generally, large things situated between the speakers can have an effect on the sound, due to sound waves reflecting off these things.

The severity of this effect may vary depending on the location of the items, the reflectivity of the items, the room, the dispersion pattern of the speakers, and other variables.

When a TV is located between the speakers for HT use, it needs to be there, so some compromises may have to be made in the music-only behavior of your system to accommodate the HT system needs.

Yes, the sofa is absorbing some of the sound from the speaker behind it, but probably most of the sound is still making it to your listening position. It may slightly affect channel balance at some frequencies.

That being said, you must be able to live in the room, as well as playing music in it, so it's likely that you will have to employ some compromises. Just try to do the best you can, and enjoy yourself.
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