Are My Speakers Too Far Apart (and if so, why do they sound so good) ?

Posted by: Borders Nick on 17 December 2016

About a month ago I switched my speaker locations from firing across the living room (around 2.75m apart, 3m to listening position).

to firing down the room:

In this set up, owing to various factors (location of doors, sofas etc) they are 4.5m apart, toed in, with around 4.5m to the listening position). I was flabbergasted by the boost in SQ, everything sounds much fuller, very detailed and with a great soundstage, even SWMBO commented how good the sound was. No new components added although obviously the speaker cables lie differently and the SU is on a different platform.

4.5 m apart seems wider than other folks on here have their systems, so I am curious to hear of others experiences. Any thoughts ?

Another plus side is that my upgrade hankerings have been significantly suppressed (temporarily at least) due to the new-found improved SQ.

Posted on: 20 December 2016 by The Strat (Fender)

I recognise so much of this thread. A few months ago I moved my Dynas approx 4" left and right to give a total gap of about 8' and what was so apparent was the greater space and resolution in the middle.

Moving on to yesterday when the S20s arrived what was so apparent was how even the finest adjustment - tow in, height etc - could change things - Peter Swain is an absolute master at this.

And of course every room will be different.

Regards,

Lindsay

Posted on: 20 December 2016 by dayjay

I'm sorry I read this thread, the last time I experimented with moving my speakers around I developed a mild OCD and drove Mrs DayJay mad moving them every two minutes for about six months. I only have a little space to play with but I've always felt they are a little too close together

Posted on: 25 December 2016 by ryder.

An update. I figured out I cannot live with the compromised setup (distance between speakers 3.7 m and sofa in between the speakers). I have made some rearrangement. No sofa in between, speakers about 2.75 m (9 ft) apart. Listening position at 10 ft away from the speakers. It's all good now.

Posted on: 25 December 2016 by ChrisH

dayjay posted:
I'm sorry I read this thread, the last time I experimented with moving my speakers around I developed a mild OCD and drove Mrs DayJay mad moving them every two minutes for about six months. I only have a little space to play with but I've always felt they are a little too close together

I know it's going to be a faff but reading this thread got me thinking too. A bit like you Dayjay, I don't have too many options, and Ive thought for a while that i would benefit by getting more space in between my speakers.

Its going to mean changing my listening position and rearranging a bit of furniture if its successful, but worth having a tinker I think. Something for the next few days or early in Jan....

Posted on: 25 December 2016 by TOBYJUG

Borders Nick posted:
I think this pic shows that the upper 3 drive units have a pretty clear direct route to the listening position whereas the bass driver is blocked by the sofas, but I guess the bass isn't as directional so it's not so critical. Reflections off the coffee table in the previous cross-room configuration have been commented on by HH previously; in this setup it's a long way from the speakers so perhaps that's helping.
Perhaps the moderator can move the thread over to the Hi Fi Corner ? (where I had intended to post it originally doh..)

As a well meant guess, I'd say your right. A lovely big room that plays along better with this set up. Congratulations.