One speaker observation from the New York Hifi show.


I was just at the New York Hifi show, and perhaps because of the size of the rooms, all speakers were toed in, and most were toed in severely. The result was very little effective imaging.  Most sound appeared to come from one central spot between the speakers.  I realize hotel rooms are not ideal, but even in the larger rooms, noticible toe ins were prevalent  I don’t believe this positioning shows systems off to their best advantage.  To me, speakers pointing straight ahead produces the best imaging.
rvpiano

Showing 1 response by ptss

Regarding the wall behind the speakers. Regardless of the type of speakers the wall is a reflective surface. There will be a time delay between sound from the speakers and that from the wall. This is Distortion. If you want refined,delicate,nuanced sound,at all volumes, this distortion Must be avoided. ie keep speakers away from that wall. I like a minimum of 40 inches; and use diffusion as well to make the reflected sound-noise- as diffuse as possible. 
Re “Toe in”. Take a look at any data on speaker measurements - Stereophiles are good- and you’ll find curves showing how high frequency sound diminishes at 10/15 degrees off centre, and goes down from there. It’s in the nature of the all drivers,other than the rare omnidirectional efforts. So if you don’t toe-in, you’re missing high frequency sounds that are part of the music. People do adjust for taste; like food preferences. Speaker manufacturers primary frequency specification is for measurements made directly in front of the speaker. There’s the facts. Cheers