2. amps-preamps
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Is toeing speakers a bad idea?

I was toeing in my speakers and that seemed like a good thing to do. But then I decided to de-toe the speakers. I was hoping that the speakers dispersed things well enough and maybe they don't need to be focused so much to create a so-called sweet spot.

I found the imaging in the room was a lot better and sound improved. The room is a rectangular room and the speakers are placed at one end of the room about 3 feet from the wall. Room sizes 17 x 23 with a 7 ceiling. Maybe someone can share some rationale for this.  I feel the sound waves may spread out better and not be so disturbed when they collide in a so called sweet spot near my skull.

emergingsoul
rwwear
2,847 posts
 

Some speakers need it like the Charios I still have but don't use. They sounded best with the speakers converging just in front of the listening position and far apart. The owner's manual even showed that configuration. My current JBLs sound great with just a little toe in.

riccitone
218 posts
 

It’s interesting the deviation that might occur between a speaker company’s recommendations and your own experience. Reflections, dimensions, ceiling height, even with what amp or dac you use, there are many factors that can influence the sonic outcome. But I always have found only a small adjustment to what is recommended for any given speaker is pretty standard due to its design becoming paramount to that overall equation.

my Spendors “should be” directly at my seated position and no less than 6 feet apart. But I get the most natural and clear presentation when they’re toed out just a few degrees from directly at me. That might change if I actually ever get into a larger room 🙏🏼

velocityofhue
177 posts
 

From my listening chair, It helped the low bass when I toed in my speakers but soundstage gets a little bit smaller. I rotate them straight ahead any time I get the itch for a component upgrade. 😂

rwwear
2,847 posts
 

Sometimes it helps to spread speakers further apart to increase soundstage when toeing in. But it may diminish height.

lukaszwk
56 posts
 

When I had my speakers toed in, where they crossed about three feet behind my head, the soundstage depth began literally in front of my face and I was distinctly aware of sound emanating from the speakers. When I decreased the toe in to maybe a three, four degrees, soundstage recessed behind the speakers, width increased by a wide margin, deep bass increased as well. 

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