Speaker placement vs angled toward listener

[1AGOFST]

Looking for some clarification. I have read that the front L/R speakers should be between 22 and 30 degrees off center for optimal listening. Does this already assume pointing the speaker at the primary listening position, or is it recommended based on speakers facing straight forward. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Seth=L]

Usually on making that angle based off of the speakers first being pointed straight forward. It's a guideline though, some speakers require more or less toe-in than others, in fact some speakers are designed to be placed straight forward, it depends on the design and the manufacturer.

 

[KenM10759]

Also, it can be different for home theater with multiple listening positions than for a small space stereo (2.1 or 2.0) system with one main listening position. In that case especially, the distance between them and angle of toe-in can be more critical.

What's your application?

 

[1AGOFST]

Also, it can be different for home theater with multiple listening positions than for a small space stereo (2.1 or 2.0) system with one main listening position. In that case especially, the distance between them and angle of toe-in can be more critical.

What's your application?

5.1 setup in living room. 7 ft between front speakers and about 9 ft from primary listening position on couch so it equates to about 42 degree angle. I feel like when watching blu-rays the soundtrack comes thru great but when listening to music in 2.1, wondering if I am missing space in the sound due to the sharper angles.

 

[KenM10759]

My system is also 5.1 and my L-R mains are about 6 feet apart. My problem is the MLP is just too far away, so when "critical listening" of 2.1 is what I'm doing, I move me to just about 7 feet away. Speakers remain pointed dead straight.

Under those conditions, I have got to stop getting up to check if the center speaker is on. It's just unreal how perfect the stereo imaging is that way.

 

[markw]

There is no hard and fast rule on this. Some speakers sound best on axis while others tend to bloom a little off.

One good thing here is that finding what works best for you just tales a little time to experiment and see what works best in your particular situation. And, it doesn't cost a penny.

 

[1AGOFST]

My system is also 5.1 and my L-R mains are about 6 feet apart. My problem is the MLP is just too far away, so when "critical listening" of 2.1 is what I'm doing, I move me to just about 7 feet away. Speakers remain pointed dead straight.

Under those conditions, I have got to stop getting up to check if the center speaker is on. It's just unreal how perfect the stereo imaging is that way.

Yeah, I have found myself getting up to see if the center was playing. So balancing left to right is good, but wasn't sure about the separation. I will play with it to see how it sounds in different distances. Thanks

 

[3db]

Yeah, I have found myself getting up to see if the center was playing. So balancing left to right is good, but wasn't sure about the separation. I will play with it to see how it sounds in different distances. Thanks

Experimenting with placement is fun. Its a trial an error process but the rewards will be worth it. My main systen down stairs serves both HT and 2 channel music listening. I've set the L/R mains for 2 channel. They are angled slightly towards each other, are 8 ft, apart and 11ft from the listening position. I found this works best for the speakers and my room.

 

[KenM10759]

I wish I had options on placement, but don't. Any further left (with the left) or right (with the right) speakers and I'm interfering with active doors. Any closer together would be impossible (and bad for stereo separation) due to the low & wide stand.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

I too have no options. In all of my systems at my house, the speakers are in about the only place they can be. Peace and goodwill.