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Speaker Height Problem

I recently dipped my toes into building a dedicated 2 channel system, with pertinent components for this discussion being an Anthem STR integrated amp, and Paradigm Persona 3F speakers. In general, I am very pleased with the upgrades from my home theater listening.

However, while not thirsty for huge low end performance, some music has sounded as though it is missing some mid and low end, to the point that I am looking at sub options.  And I have run ARC each time I add a component and/new cables.

My listening room is approximately 13’ wide x 20’ deep x 10’ high.  Due to original configuration of the room as a theater, my primary listening spot is centered 10’ from speakers and elevated 6” on first viewing platform (ie speakers are sitting 6” lower)

My laser level has my ear height at 8” above the top front edge of the speakers (11” above center of top tweeter). When I slouch down 11”  they sound like different speakers!  All of a sudden, not only am I getting mids and lows I wasn’t hearing, but the sound stage sounds deeper.

What is the ideal level height of the speaker top tweeter with relation to my ears? The 3F’s have 4-driver, 3 way floorstanding bass reflex.  

What are my placement options?  
I’ve thought maybe a raised box (which would need to be very sturdy…any suggestions?), or even a wedge that would tip the speakers upward enough to aim at ear level.

Any advice is greatly appreciated…thanks!

javaruke
knotscott
932 posts
 

Optimal placement is subjective, and will vary widely for different rooms, and different speakers.  Moving the speakers in more towards the corners will typically result in more bass reinforcement, but often at the expense of a more collapsed soundstage..  Experiment away and see what works for you.  

My speakers place the tweeter slightly above ear level, with the speakers angled back slightly, which puts the center point between tweeter and midrange at ear level, and helps time alignment.  

tomcarr
1,522 posts
 

I have never had speakers that sounded their best if my ears were above the tweeters. And angling them up to aim at my ears would result in me looking down on the soundstage. For me, the best sound is with my speakers toed-in and tweeters above my ears. 

FWIW, you might try a shorter chair instead of raising your speakers.

javaruke OP
5 posts
 

Wow…thank you all for your insights.

I did play with the toe in/out and did get different results with stage, but not much change on the low end.

So I will first try angling up with awareness of “looking down on the stage” effect.

If that is not satisfactory, I’ll take a look at the several suggestions for stands.  BTW, hockey pucks…now that is creative.

Thanks again, greatly appreciated! 👍

christianb5s4
237 posts
 

Another plus 1 for trying to experiment with the rake of the speakers, aka how they are tilted up or down. In my setup even a tiny adjustment moved the image and Soundstage up or down dramatically. I settled on where I felt the image placement was realistic for my room.

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