Strategies for improving your speakers sound, for free

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  • Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
  • The Audiophiliac's helpful hints for audiophiles!
    #speakerplacement
    #audiophile

КОМЕНТАРІ • 312

  • @briansimmons5363
    @briansimmons5363 4 роки тому +22

    Steve, I hope people take your advice here. I spend a few hours playing with toe in with my Elac UB5s and I can tell you this for sure made more of an improvement in imaging or sound staging than any component upgrade I would say. Time so well spent to extract the best performance of this speaker. Settled on 32" from the wall, toed in so they cross about 2' behind my head, not directly facing at me. Sound stage kinda guy and this change made it open up in width with great focus in the center stage. Such a significant improvement.

    • @briansimmons5363
      @briansimmons5363 4 роки тому +2

      And on 28" Pangea sand filled stands putting tweeter at about ear level.

    • @rolandrohde
      @rolandrohde 4 роки тому +1

      The UB5s are particularly sensitive to toe-in.

    • @dilbyjones
      @dilbyjones 4 роки тому

      @@rolandrohde I would think so.

    • @BadMonkeyFinger_Audio
      @BadMonkeyFinger_Audio 4 роки тому +3

      Yup! Setup/ placement is definitely key in extracting the most from what you have. I slowly realized this in my 35+ year hi-fi journey... It's not all about $$ spent on gear; it's about how careful you can be to extract its best performance. I used to spend HOURS and HOURS on it - particularly when I had only one system. Now that I have several, I have to mark my floors with tape for each of my pairs! lol (I don't want to forget the exact spot of one, when I swap it out for another).

  • @gosolobox
    @gosolobox 4 роки тому +6

    My listening room woven rug has these really great parallel lines, which I use for measuring tow in. Very handy for insuring that both speakers are set up the same...

  • @randombouy01
    @randombouy01 4 роки тому +1

    Here's a suggestion for those listening to their music and watching videos on computers with either built in sound or a dedicated sound card (no external DAC); turn the master volume to max. It can improve bass, mid and treble response as well as provide a more detailed sound that seems louder than before. Even if you set all your apps and programs to 50% in the Volume Mixer, set the master volume to max. This is on Windows computers, not sure if it's doable on macOS or Linux. If so, do it on those computers too.

  • @allisonsailsandcanvas
    @allisonsailsandcanvas 4 роки тому +6

    Good morning Steve, I always enjoy having my morning coffee with you. Speaker placement is so important. One thing I've done in the past just to get started is tape a couple of cheap laser pointers to the tops of the speakers. It gives you a visual aid and a point of reference for aiming the speakers. It helped me to actually see that they intersected in front of me, behind me, etc. When I decide which sounds best I can fine tune from there. Happy New Year!

    • @Aswaguespack
      @Aswaguespack 4 роки тому +2

      Neat idea. A nice way to gain a visual perspective upon an audio concept.

  • @chipstern1
    @chipstern1 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks, Steve. In terms of toe-in, for me, with my Meadowlark Ospreys, about four feet from the rear wall, 2-3 feet from the side wall, 6-7 feet apart from tweeter to tweeter. Recent toe-in tweaking goals involved not only fine-tuning the center image, but making left and right speakers angled so the axis is such that they are not so point source...where one is less conscious of images emanating directly from a speaker, but as part of a more complex sound stage, where it is not so much a case of the speakers disappearing, as the room itself dropping away....where what remains is a complex and convincing acoustic venue.

  • @J.D3NNIS
    @J.D3NNIS 4 роки тому +2

    I did this over a year ago, I've not looked back. Best tips ever. I use them for my music and my tv. The sound is 👌
    Thank you 😁👍

    • @jazzman1626
      @jazzman1626 4 роки тому +1

      I also use mine for the tv. I’ve had my speakers toed in for 3 or 4 years now. When I connected the tv to the speakers, it was then that I noticed how perfectly focused they are in the centre. The speakers disappeared and it sounds like the sound comes from the tv and are far better than tv speakers. Sounds superb.

    • @J.D3NNIS
      @J.D3NNIS 4 роки тому +1

      @@jazzman1626 That's exactly how I feel. It makes the experience so much more immersive. Forget soundbars.

  • @MrPeeBeeDeeBee
    @MrPeeBeeDeeBee 4 роки тому +1

    Having your speakers asymetrical in relation to room works wonders too... especially for those annoying standing waves in the bass frequencies. I always use this technique because it works.

  • @iwokeupforthis
    @iwokeupforthis 4 роки тому +1

    Listen to Steve! I knew the importance of playing with speaker placement, but Steve's reminder made me think of repositioning my KEF LS50s. I thought the soundstage was OK, but after about 2 hours of experimenting i found placing them about 4' from the back wall and 8' apart, toed in to a point about 1' behind my head yielded remarkable results. Here's the test that I use: with the placement I just described, the speakers disappear. I can actually stare at each speaker and the sound does not seem to emanate from that speaker, but from a broader soundstage between each speaker, even when turning my head right and left, and yet the imaging remains pinpoint and accurate. So that's the test that works for me, having the speakers "disappear" means they are correctly spaced.

  • @monsterjazzlicks
    @monsterjazzlicks 4 роки тому

    Good and simple way of explaining the process! Thanks.

  • @matthewwright4458
    @matthewwright4458 4 роки тому

    Hey Steve - I brought my speakers further into the room and toed them to in front of the listening position. The change is stunning. Thank you!

  • @Splenda257
    @Splenda257 4 роки тому

    Great advice, and a perfect prediction of the effect. My speakers sound brighter and more detailed. I'm leaving my speakers toed in.

  • @pauld7069
    @pauld7069 4 роки тому +1

    Ah yes... The magic of trying new things. IMHO you are spot on Steve with encouraging audiophiles to try new positions with their speakers. In some cases the results can be shockingly amazing. 😉

  • @Aswaguespack
    @Aswaguespack 4 роки тому +34

    For Steve’s Shirt Collection every day is New Year’s Eve😂

    • @Splenda257
      @Splenda257 4 роки тому

      Lowed, like the music.

    • @AudioElectronicsChicago
      @AudioElectronicsChicago 4 роки тому +4

      I suggested him to start a channel for the shirts or to make a video and show us all his shirts 😅

    • @Aswaguespack
      @Aswaguespack 4 роки тому +1

      Audio Electronics I would also be interested in that as well. 👍🏻

    • @nanao1267
      @nanao1267 4 роки тому

      Most of the shirts are Africa Tye and dye or batik materials.Some of the shirts has symbols has a deep meanings.I am willing to get him more for free but he doesn’t reply.Happy new year people.

    • @steelydanfan100
      @steelydanfan100 4 роки тому

      He’s the Tommy Bahama version of Doc Severinsen, the Johnny Carson show band leader/trumpet player with the crazy jackets.

  • @ReeWebster
    @ReeWebster 4 роки тому +3

    Before listening to all this I’d have to say the best thing I ever did was get speaker stands, even simple foam isolator pads on a desk make a massive difference.

  • @markmaloof2984
    @markmaloof2984 4 роки тому

    Good common sense advice. Many people turn to cables, power treatment, tweaks, etc to get the most out of their system (and those things can sometimes make a difference for sure), but a lot of people ignore how much speaker placement (and your room itself) can sometimes have a major impact on the sound. Move those speakers around and listen!

  • @ej732
    @ej732 4 роки тому +2

    Played around with my klipsh 280F’s, they definitely sound better toed in and a couple feet from any wall. Thanks for the input.

  • @coogycoogman3715
    @coogycoogman3715 4 роки тому

    I wasn't sure if moving my speakers closer into the room further away from the back wall would work. Totally amazed by the improvement. I will continue to experiment with slight adjustments and toe in too. Problem is each speaker weighs 50kg. The speakers are Kralk TDB12s, they are amazing. I actually spent considerably less on these than my PMC twenty 22s that they replaced. Thanks Steve for another informative video.

  • @3rdaxis649
    @3rdaxis649 4 роки тому +1

    This channel should be on television:) Love this guy.

  • @armanddimeo6575
    @armanddimeo6575 4 роки тому

    Your advice is well taken. I toe in my NHT C3's slightly. The manufacturer recommends not toeing them in at all because of the three-way design. I find they sound better slightly toed in but not as aggressively as I would with a two-way design. Small differences in speaker placement can make a big difference. Moving one speaker back three inches made a huge difference.

  • @robertcowart2456
    @robertcowart2456 4 роки тому

    Good advise Steve, even moving the speakers an inch at time can make a huge difference in terms of focused imaging. Your shirts are emblematic of you: a man with good cheer.

  • @-syN
    @-syN 4 роки тому

    Steve you read my mind by making this video. This is something I thought about the other day, but had no idea how to recommend/ask you directly. So nice to hear your voice over my brand new Klipsch RP-600M speakers which was only made possible because of you!

  • @jlmain5777
    @jlmain5777 4 роки тому +4

    Nice tips. Most excellent drawings Steve.

  • @WTJ3405
    @WTJ3405 4 роки тому

    Thanks Steve!! Redid my Linton 85th Anniversary edition. They weren’t sounding bad before but after reading Herb’s setup arrangement when he reviewed them and starting there, a few inches here and there later and they are so much better!!
    Thanks for sharing so generously your knowledge with all of us out here!! Be well.

  • @miguelbarrio
    @miguelbarrio 4 роки тому

    Great episode Steve!
    Couple of comments:
    My horn speakers (Avantgarde Duo Mezzo) are pretty directional, so toe-in is key to get the right tonal balance at the listening position. I think the higher frequency horns are more directional than the lower frequency ones, which is why the tonal balance changes as you toe-in. Same with Klipsch I presume.
    Additionally, the separation between the speakers does change the tonal balance. In fact I experimented and changes the separation of my speakers after a comment you made. My yardstick is again the tonal balance - in particular piano and voice. I find the midrange gets "richer" as you bring the speakers together, and thins out when you separate them. In my case I brought the speakers closer together by about 18 inches.

  • @zizendorf
    @zizendorf 4 роки тому +1

    Do not be afraid to go past what most consider "toe-in". Give "Time Intensity Trading" a try! That's where you toe-in aggressively and have the center axis of each speaker cross in front of the primary listening position. If you've got a square or rectangular room aim each speaker at its cross corner. This positioning works for cancelling side wall reflection.

    • @gurdyman1
      @gurdyman1 4 роки тому

      I've used this method for many years and many different speakers. It does work.

  • @user-xb4nn6ql5l
    @user-xb4nn6ql5l 4 роки тому +2

    Really sound advice, if you’ll forgive the pun. One thing I would (perhaps controversially) add is that you can avoid a lot of “room effects” by just angling the speakers a bit from the back wall. 10-15 degrees is great. You’ll be surprised how much smearing is reduced by that.

    • @user-xb4nn6ql5l
      @user-xb4nn6ql5l 4 роки тому

      I should add that what I mean is that you angle the back end of the speakers away from the wall by 10-15 degrees. So instead of pointing them down the centre line of your room (with whatever toe-in works for you) point them 10-15 degrees off that centre line. This dramatically reduces “first reflection” smearing by effectively breaking them up and sending them away from your ears. Model them carefully and you’ll see what I mean.

  • @hf3593
    @hf3593 4 роки тому +2

    One thing l do, is find a piece of music that has the deepest, and best bass. Then l set tone controls on my receiver to flat, playing said music at a fairly loud volume. Now , while listening to the bass. l move my speakers as close to the walls ( back or side ) as possible, without them sounding boomy. That could be inches or feet from the walls, depending on the speakers and room.
    l almost always keep my tone controls flat. But there are times, where l will turn the bass up one tick, if the bass seems weak. But after a few songs, l usually go back to flat.

  • @DjClimamusic
    @DjClimamusic 4 роки тому

    Thank you Steve for the information! Thumbs up! :)

  • @nasskhan4543
    @nasskhan4543 4 роки тому

    Great video Steve. One of your best. When a potential improvement costs nothing you gotta give it a try .

  • @KozmykJ
    @KozmykJ 4 роки тому

    For the longest time I've worked with the equilateral triangle positioning arrangement for monitor speakers, pointed straight at my ears.
    After watching a video with the record producer Tony Maserati, I've been playing with angling them just behind my head.
    Not by much but maybe a foot or so behind.
    Lucky for me my speakers are front ported so it's enough for me to have the speaker fronts just 15” away from the wall.
    Low cost speaker stands - Second hand furniture stores can yield bedside cabinets and flower-pot stands in the 27” to 30” range.
    A useful height for small to medium speakers ...

  • @sonofawwiivet1626
    @sonofawwiivet1626 4 роки тому

    The toe in affect work great in the 80s in my old 72 Manatee mobile home that I use to live in. I hung the speakers from the ceiling and turned them inwards and it sounded fantastic through my Fisher receiver even with my vhs, I use to crank up Rush videos especially! Thanks for the reminder I will do it in the garage asap!

  • @remaxremax
    @remaxremax 4 роки тому

    Best advice ever for stereo system FREE significant upgrade. Placed Kef R3's form 2 feet to 3 feet and 2 inches away from the wall (and 6 feet apart) and a whole new world of sound opened up. The depthe and holographic imaging INCREDIBLE. Just TRY it!

  • @rhwinner
    @rhwinner 4 роки тому

    I had a difficult place for my bedroom speakers, a pair of Monitor Audio Silver R2's, on a shelf against the short wall. Try as I might I couldn't get them to sound open and clean. Mudiness was all I heard. I tried everything, but no joy. Finally I moved the knick knacks away from the sides of the speakers, and that did it. Who knew, that in addition to having clearance behind and in front of the speaker, you need to let them breathe on the sides as well. Lesson learned.

  • @RickMahoney2013
    @RickMahoney2013 4 роки тому +6

    Steve when will we see your top audio items of the 2019 year,looking forward to seeing what you recommend.

  • @512bb
    @512bb 4 роки тому

    Superb advise Steve!!!!

  • @johnsweda2999
    @johnsweda2999 4 роки тому +2

    Well it's not just towing in you might want to go out or only on one speaker more adjusted than the other and tilting them back an inch from the bottom for time alignment as well swapping them upside down and placing them on their side is all valid

  • @Yalookin
    @Yalookin 4 роки тому +1

    I’ve read that for most situations the best place for the speakers is close to the wall because it reduces cancelations in the sub bass. That’s why in studios they have speakers either in the wall or atleast 2.2 meters away from the wall. But 1 meter from the wall is supposedly the worst for the bass.

    • @awdadwadwad1723
      @awdadwadwad1723 4 роки тому +1

      If you put speakers under 1 meter from main wall then bass is destroying spaciousness and 3d effect. The best is speakers 1/3rd into the room and sitting place about 30 cm from back wall. Atleast 70 cm from back walls and no more than 1.2x distance between speakers and listening position (x). Also distance between speaker and side walls/main wall must be atleast 1.3x different, it can't be the same.

  • @carlitomelon4610
    @carlitomelon4610 4 роки тому

    Solid advice!
    Finally tracked down a set of 24in tall, original 1988 Acoustic Energy STAE1 stands for my KEF LS50s. I was using 18in Foundation Audio lead filled stands previously.
    This got the driver's up to ear level.
    Clarity improved, but I lost the creamy (HR)"butterscotch sundae" sound I liked :-/
    It wasn't until I filled the stands with 23lbs of lead shot each that the rich tone returned. I also had to rebalance the REL subs.
    I find BluTak works best for affixing speakers to stands, with spikes at the floor end.
    This morning I'm playing with toe in of my freestanding Rega Naos....
    Thanks Steve;-)

  •  4 роки тому +1

    I run two pairs at once, one aimed directly at me and one angled slightly outward. The direct pair is set back and closer together than the front pair. Seems to work pretty well. I get focus plus ambience.

  • @louisperlman8030
    @louisperlman8030 4 роки тому +5

    My current speakers actually came with a chart showing recommend toe in for various listening distances. I also followed Steve's advice from a previous video, and used a laser tape measure for horizontal and vertical final adjustments before tightening the spikes.

    • @Audiofreak71
      @Audiofreak71 4 роки тому

      Louis Perlman sounds like Vandersteens, mine came with the chart as well and how to get the tilt angle correct , very helpful.

  • @Aswaguespack
    @Aswaguespack 4 роки тому +80

    I used to move my speakers in and out. Then I got lazy and kept them out. Then I got yelled at for leaving the speakers away from the wall. I put them back because it was cheaper than a lawyer. 😂

    • @carlosbauza1139
      @carlosbauza1139 4 роки тому

      But keep alert for incipient subversion.

    • @stephanea5364
      @stephanea5364 4 роки тому +3

      Beta male alert.

    • @Merlin-wo1kj
      @Merlin-wo1kj 4 роки тому +4

      My wife yelled too, I said there's the door....

    • @MrLuka10
      @MrLuka10 4 роки тому

      😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @lifewithherbthedog6509
      @lifewithherbthedog6509 4 роки тому +2

      Get a dog,cheaper and you meet some nice people out walking.

  • @brydon10
    @brydon10 4 роки тому

    I finally got around to getting my speakers out from the wall and setup in a triangle (Required a lot more width between the speakers than I thought!) and the speakers pointing towards me. ~ 8 feet apart and I sat 8 feet away from them. It pretty much blew my mind. Huge soundstage, more accurate frequency response, awesome imaging, smoother bass. Listening with the speakers back up against the wall and close together just doesn't cut it anymore at all.

  • @onefatstratcat
    @onefatstratcat 4 роки тому +6

    Wife yells!! "Honey.... why are sitting in the middle of the room?" "WHAT?????"

  • @matthewbarrow3727
    @matthewbarrow3727 4 роки тому +1

    The track "Letter" in Yosi Horikawa's Wandering album was very useful for determining toe-in. It basically sounds like someone scribbling out a letter with the pen moving from left to right. I have very directional speakers (Legacy Audio Aeris), which are 9 feet apart, and about 11 feet from the listener. I started with them both facing straight forward, and toed them in a little bit at a time. When the speakers were straight forward, I would hear the pen move from left to right but seem to jump the center. With enough toe-in, the pen would move smoothly from left to right through the center, at a constant speed. The system has room correction, so I was able to have one speaker 7 feet from the front wall, and the other speaker 7 inches from the front wall, with the sound being just fine.

  • @rothschildianum
    @rothschildianum 4 роки тому

    I tried to pull my speakers away from the back wall about 6 feet. Wow, I have never heard my speakers sounded that good. They totally disappeared, I felt as if I were in Chicago Symphony Hall. Thx for the suggestion! By the way, mine are a pair of small Sonus Faber Auditor with Nait 5i. I love this combination.

  • @peterC12221
    @peterC12221 4 роки тому +1

    Great advice Steve. Much appreciated! Peter

  • @pbarach1
    @pbarach1 4 роки тому +17

    What about using a mono recording to adjust toe in for a strong center image?

  • @RickRoberts_simplyrick
    @RickRoberts_simplyrick 4 роки тому

    First wave reflection at a side wall that hits the listening spot is a big problem. Treating that sidewall with dampening material to kill that reflection is key. Then toe in, combined with closer placement or distance from the sidewall is the experiment for width and depth of sound stage. Use some masking tape to mark different speaker positions and toe in so you can repeat.

  • @stevemiller9480
    @stevemiller9480 4 роки тому +1

    Great advice Steve! Thank you.

  • @violinist3
    @violinist3 4 роки тому

    Roger Sanders gave a talk at the local audio guild here in San Diego. He recommended putting wings on planar speakers to prevent the 180° out of phase sound from the back from interfering with the sound from the front.

  • @kelsnake
    @kelsnake 4 роки тому +1

    This might be cringeworthy, but I spend most of my day in my wood shop. Lots of stuff to soak up random sound reflections, but this video has me thinking more about their placement. The tweeter level has me thinking too. A big thing I am concerned about is dust for my amp etc, so building a fan driven and filtered/ventilated cabinet. Also, since I am playing with 10 speakers, I am working with multiple amps as it allows me to customize volume levels between them for amazing sound! Is that a thing? ...or am I way to experimental for my own good?

    • @JohnDoe-np3zk
      @JohnDoe-np3zk 4 роки тому

      Check out Engineer 775 channel he will keep your mind busy with other things.

  • @briansimmons5363
    @briansimmons5363 4 роки тому +1

    I should add I also have a pir of HSU HBK-1 MKII which are horn tweeter speakers like the RP-600Ms. HSU actually recommends the cross about 2' IN FRONT of the listeners head. I have not put in the time to optimize their placement yet.

  • @juliaset751
    @juliaset751 4 роки тому

    I have a digital laser measure. It is very easy to not only make sure your speakers are an equal distance from you, but also the red laser beam makes it a cinch to aim them to wherever you want. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to aim a laser at a person sitting in your listening position.

  • @adeelcyril3339
    @adeelcyril3339 4 роки тому

    Absolutely awesome video Steve. Look at Wilson Audio. They taking this very seriously. And in actually it makes a huge difference. I had the pleasure of talking to Dave Wilson many years ago and he gave me the same reason.

  • @stephenmeinhold5452
    @stephenmeinhold5452 4 роки тому

    the tip of moving the speakers away from the wall is golden it gives the speakers room to breath and the results can be breathtaking. but my speakers are on dedicated stands I don't think you will get the same results if you stick your speakers on a chair of something other than stands.or a large block of concrete.

  • @rizalahmad4207
    @rizalahmad4207 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the tips! This is soo helpful.

  • @garysvinyldungeon2764
    @garysvinyldungeon2764 4 роки тому

    I just purchased Cornwall III's and I have them aiming directly at me and they sound best in this position. I also built 2 boxes to set them on with wheels so I can move them around with ease.

    • @zizendorf
      @zizendorf 4 роки тому

      Very interesting. I'm very curious about the Cornwall as my next speaker. How are your results when they're close to back wall and corner? They're said to be designed for this positioning.

    • @garysvinyldungeon2764
      @garysvinyldungeon2764 4 роки тому

      Eric Sell To be honest with you I’ve never had them against the wall, but they have front ports so that shouldn’t be a issue

  • @allansoria3478
    @allansoria3478 4 роки тому

    I found the farther the speakers are from the back wall and around 6 feet apart creates a much better soundstage and imaging, though not for bass heads. I can imagine why some prefer headphones for critical listening because it eliminates room or environment influence. I always believe 50% of good sound comes from good listening room and speaker placement though not always practical.

  • @MrLuka10
    @MrLuka10 4 роки тому

    Yes, it's a matter of experimentation but also a matter of individual taste.
    Now, I would like to know your opinion on placing a regular rectangular two or three way speakers vertically. For example the woofer, mid-range and teeter all at the same level instead of one on top of each other like the traditional placement.
    Thanks for your excellent job always.

  • @MetalsForBrunch
    @MetalsForBrunch 4 роки тому +1

    I would only angle the surround speakers behind me. The center channel and front right left speakers sit parallel against the wall.

  • @seabud6408
    @seabud6408 4 роки тому

    Agree about what you are saying re moving them into the body of the room. Feels more like the musicians are inhabiting the space.

  • @sam66hazmal
    @sam66hazmal 4 роки тому

    Excellent video Steve, it’s such an effective tweak that can result in huge benefits. I use Rega speakers which have a mid bass driver in the side of the speakers. It provides multiple options for speaker placement. ie mid bass facing in or facing outwards etc , besides all the options for toeing in or straight on , distance from rear and side walls etc. But it’s also a fun thing to work with the placement, using some favourite music or suitable tracks etc. Thanks again I enjoy your videos

  • @ChrisJKing-se4dp
    @ChrisJKing-se4dp 4 роки тому

    great advice Steve 'im using a pair of Theil speakers their advice is to fire them straight ahead However i toed them in and moved them further into the room and the difference was amazing so there you go it worked for me happy new year

    • @jeffmpvd7689
      @jeffmpvd7689 4 роки тому +1

      Chris J. King I also have a pair of Thiels. I too followed their advise to point thenm strait ahead. Today I tried towing them in an got a much better center and better detail too. Don't think I will go back to the way I had them set up for all these years.

    • @ChrisJKing-se4dp
      @ChrisJKing-se4dp 4 роки тому

      @@jeffmpvd7689 good for you Jeff it's just a matter of experimenting you'll know the
      sweet spot when you hear it Happy Listening

  • @lukasnitsch8641
    @lukasnitsch8641 4 роки тому +1

    try pointing them upwards a litte bit, it might open your image a little more

  • @jamiemcneil9462
    @jamiemcneil9462 4 роки тому

    Best, very easy way to improve your speakers, but it is not free. If you know how to use a screw driver you can easily replace the standard crossover, or crossovers with high quality crossovers. This is where nearly all speaker manufacturers cheap out to increase their margins, but you can easily remedy the situation. This will make a REAL difference in the performance of your speakers.

  • @3rdaxis649
    @3rdaxis649 4 роки тому +1

    One of these weekends when I have time I have to come into the city and demo my car stereo for you Steve. Been installing since the mid 80's;) 93' Phoenix Gold MSa nd MQ A-B Tipple Darlington amps and one set of Dev Tech drivers from their Demand series in custom fiberglass enclosures. Absolutely breathtaking and at any volume. Nd the kind of sound I prefer is.... Real. It will freak you out. I'm tempted to try the drivers from the KEF LS50's because your rather close in the car but they won't sell me just the drivers and crossovers:(

  • @Greedynessnish
    @Greedynessnish 4 роки тому

    My speakers are about 2 feet away from the wall and about 7 1/2 feet away from each other. They are also 8 feet away from me. As far as toe in, I make sure that I can't see the sides of the cabinets while I'm sitting in my seat as the baffle board faces me. I have a modest set up but, I believe I get the most out of it with speakers positioned this way. I'm set up in my basement(MAN CAVE) so I don't have to move the speakers back when I'm done. I also built my stands so the tweeters are ear level.

  • @andypyne
    @andypyne 4 роки тому +3

    One of the best 'free' changes I made was to bi-amp my front speakers.
    Now, I know that's not free if you only have one amp anyway, but if I had to pay it would have cost me maybe $50-$100 .
    I'd love to see if Steve (or anyone) has tried what I did which was actually to connect a 30-40yr old Harman Kardon stereo amplifier (~$50 off eBay if you were to buy it) to my ~$2500 Yamaha AV Receiver.
    I'm a real fan of warm and musical sound (even if it's not the most accurate) and found my Yamaha AVR to be great for films but somehow lacking for enjoying music. I tried loads of things and kept on harking back to how I used to love my 'old' Harman Kardon stereo amp and wanted to tune my Yamaha AVR to a close approximation.
    I then had a lightbulb moment - what if my Harman Kardon amp were to power the bass/midrange drivers of my speakers.
    Let me tell you - it's a delight! Despite the AVR costing 50 times the cost of the stereo amp.
    If you have an old stereo amp gathering dust that's been replaced by a swish modern AVR but you hark for that warm, musical, nostalgic sound then give this a go!
    Steve, if you happen to read this I'd love to hear your thoughts on this in a future video. I imagine many people haven't the space for two full systems to be setup but have been swayed to the 'dark side' of giving up stereo audio fidelity in their setup for the home cinema 5.x or 7.x AVR experience.
    Great channel and great video today Steve, I've registered my upvote/like :)

    • @kevinkopelman
      @kevinkopelman 4 роки тому +1

      Absolutely. Remember your AVR has to have pre-outs for this to work. For Yamaha that includes the RX-V685 and the RX-A780 and above, but not the A680.

  • @stevenjackson8226
    @stevenjackson8226 4 роки тому

    All those things are good, critically important even, for getting a speaker dialed in to sound its best (maybe fair to say the way you like the sound of it best). The vertical position of the speaker is just as critical. Yes, it maybe more work to change the speaker height, especially with floorstanding speakers, but it's just as important a set up dimension as all the others. One way to simply test how changing your relative ear position to the speaker is simply to raise and lower all of you staying in just the vertical axis and see how the sound changes. With every speaker I've ever owned things will change a lot. As you mention, the place to start is with the tweeter center at ear height.

  • @nathanwalsh3028
    @nathanwalsh3028 4 роки тому

    Finally someone speaking my language. You can have many different options as far as how your system sounds without spending money. Just spend some time.

  • @oo7naughtyusmaximus933
    @oo7naughtyusmaximus933 4 роки тому

    I still have my Tannoy 611 speakers hooked up to my system. I also still have my Sharp Optonica 7100 turntable.

  • @mikehydropneumatic2583
    @mikehydropneumatic2583 4 роки тому +3

    Steve, for christmas I had a great album (David Sylvian Brilliant Trees) and I will experiment for a bit.
    Have some nice days and of course a healthy 2020!

    • @davidcripps3011
      @davidcripps3011 4 роки тому +2

      Awesome album :-)

    • @mikehydropneumatic2583
      @mikehydropneumatic2583 4 роки тому

      @@davidcripps3011 Yes David, Gone to Earth is another epic DS album.
      Are you aware of Nils Frahm? You might like his work too.
      ua-cam.com/video/xih8aiacRSk/v-deo.html

    • @nostro1001
      @nostro1001 4 роки тому

      @ Mike....I've got that on vinyl. Haven't played any Sylvian in ages. As for Nils Frahm....I think I've got all his albums, including his late night tales compilation.
      Very chill neo classical (where I categorise him) artist.
      😎🎶🎶😎

    • @davidcripps3011
      @davidcripps3011 4 роки тому

      @@mikehydropneumatic2583 I had a listen to a few of his pieces and I can tell he's really good but I can't listen to instrumentals for very long. It's weakness of mine with music, have to have a vocal

    • @mikehydropneumatic2583
      @mikehydropneumatic2583 4 роки тому

      @@nostro1001 Yes Nils mixes piano with synth and Mellotron, very nice!

  • @JohnDoe-np3zk
    @JohnDoe-np3zk 4 роки тому

    I keep these Infinity Kappa 8s parallel to the wall because they don't benefit from toe in from my experience. The mid is a dome and the tweeters face front and rear and are ribbons so both have a good dispersion. Even the mid bass is a dome.

  • @Digbysexpot
    @Digbysexpot 4 роки тому

    I always remember in one video where you stated that “you’re not listening to speakers, you’re listening to the room”. There’s a lot you can do with the room that can affect the sound. Unfortunately my listening room has knee walls and I’m forced to listen across the room rather than the length.

  • @brydon10
    @brydon10 4 роки тому +2

    I pretty much have to move my whole entire setup every time I want to listen! Yeap, take down the speakers, put the amp away, disconnect a cable or two. I can't have my stereo stuff in the way and I don't have a good permanent place that sounds any good at all right now. Maybe in the future...

  • @jonv2911
    @jonv2911 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the inspiration Steve. I'm part stereo, part surround guy, I have a pair of Aura Sound floorstanding speakers that I bought on Ebay some 20 years ago, tweeter is on top. For that fact, I am not as dependent on positioning, just wonder what became of the company Aura Sound(?). Recently I upgrated amp+cd player (Denon x3600 Avr, DCD800NE). The result was beyond expectations, crisp clarity in higher frequency and much cleaner bass response, its just gets better as the system burns in... It was like the Aura speakers almost rose from dead! Eventhough, I still have a dream of Klipsch, went to the retailer here in Reykjavik and they blew me away!

  • @NoEgg4u
    @NoEgg4u 4 роки тому +4

    Some percentage of folks that might try this will fall into a group that is accustomed to the way their speakers sound, and have sounded, for years. Those folks need to listen and give the new positioning of their speakers a chance.
    They should not be too quick to hear something different, and dismiss it. It could be a "better" different, and it might not be apparent, unless you give it some time. Then, upon putting the speakers back to where they were, you will make a more informed decision.
    If you are one of those who have an ear for this, then you will be able to make a snap judgement. But only some folks can do that.

    • @nostro1001
      @nostro1001 4 роки тому

      @ Perhaps...good point. Very hard to A - B, especially when for some the change in sound might be only subtle, depending on current set up.
      Not always so clear cut.

    • @robertamess9440
      @robertamess9440 4 роки тому

      nostro1001 c vcmnc

  • @hotjazzbaby
    @hotjazzbaby 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks! Magnepan actually provides accurate info on how to set this up properly. Google "magnepan position speakers filetype:pdf"

  • @jeffreypryor4549
    @jeffreypryor4549 4 роки тому

    I've always kept my speakers toed in and tweeters at ear level in my sitting position. I'll experiment with moving them out from the wall tonight.

  • @stephanea5364
    @stephanea5364 4 роки тому +2

    I put my speakers upside down and i listen to it with my rocking chair facing the wall behind me instead of the speakers. After that, i put a tinfoil hat on my head.

  • @TheMirolab
    @TheMirolab 4 роки тому +1

    Steve really shied away from the raising/lowering idea as being too difficult, but you just need to be a bit creative. I've found that raising my floorstanding 801's just 3.5" really helps the bass. I have them each sitting on a pair of 4x4's. I tried going higher, but at 3.5", it reduces some bass bloat, and gets the tweeter/mid at the right height for a bigger soundstage.

  • @suncookrocks
    @suncookrocks 4 роки тому +4

    I love trying new positions. Sometimes I even rearrange my speakers.

    • @petermitchell7607
      @petermitchell7607 4 роки тому +1

      Rob P regards Rob, sounds like you have it in hand! Hehe😂 -happy listening too

  • @S.L.1211
    @S.L.1211 4 роки тому +1

    I have a 1978 Yamaha Receiver & 1982 Technics turntable. I also stream audio via my iPad. I have Wharfedale diamond 220’s hooked up. Would I benefit more from upgrading my speakers to more expensive ones or my amp/receiver to more modern?

  • @Soldano999
    @Soldano999 4 роки тому

    I tried angling my speakers for a while but interestingly flat parallel seems to work better for me. More open sound.

  • @Gregor7677
    @Gregor7677 4 роки тому

    Hi Ho Steverino! Good post. Happy new year!

  • @bigjay1970
    @bigjay1970 4 роки тому

    Smart tips!🤗😉😁

  • @Hanssone
    @Hanssone 4 роки тому

    speaker stands with height adjustment will make a huge difference, try it before buying new speakers, amp or whatever

  • @MrGonzo4000
    @MrGonzo4000 4 роки тому

    Good video as a DJ and music lover I have been doing this for years and my speakers are on stands that swivel...

  • @shane6326
    @shane6326 4 роки тому +3

    Steve..... Big New Years Party coming up..... can I borrow the shirt!!😋

  • @shane6326
    @shane6326 4 роки тому +2

    Jokes aside..... Spot on Steve👍..... one question in all seriousness.... always wondered.... how far apart from each other should my floor standers be to shine besides the toe in and distance from the wall criteria 🤔🤔🤔.... 8 feet???

    • @carlitomelon4610
      @carlitomelon4610 4 роки тому

      Jim Smith of Get better Sound recommends 80-85% of the distance from the listener.;-)

    • @awdadwadwad1723
      @awdadwadwad1723 4 роки тому +1

      ​@@carlitomelon4610 for old recordings yes, for modern 100-120. And even with old ones I still PREFER 120% and minimal toe in.

  • @Projacked1
    @Projacked1 4 роки тому

    After that....experiment with rake, find the right height of the singer. Also, angled speakers cause less or no standing waves in the room...

  • @Dulkh4n
    @Dulkh4n 4 роки тому

    I would love to hear your opinion on dap's. I'm looking for one right now and I could use the guidance

    • @awdadwadwad1723
      @awdadwadwad1723 4 роки тому

      DAPs and EQs... blaah. They are ALWAYS doing more damage to the sound than good. Get better DAC, treat your room, move speakers from the walls.

  • @anderssoderlind90
    @anderssoderlind90 4 роки тому

    I have tried many different variants how to setup the speakers in the room everything depends on how big they are or small on pedistal are more dependent on toe-in than big on 2-300 liters for a lot of toe-in on large then you feel that they is out of phase.
    Moving the speaker into the room from the back wall is like using eq you end up in the middle of the sound circle that controls how it will sound, small speakers have more to gain than larger ones.
    My big speakers 300lit. stands about 20-25cm from the back wall with a weak toe-in to sound better. How much toe-in you need is really individual, there are those who listen on my speakers would like to change my settings but when they have tried it usually ends up where they were from the beginning.

  • @horrortackleharry
    @horrortackleharry 4 роки тому +1

    Buy a cheap antistatic feather duster and regularly clean out your bass ports. Amazing how just a bit of dust in there can seriously dull the low-end....

  • @Merlin-wo1kj
    @Merlin-wo1kj 4 роки тому +2

    I agree with Steve on moving your speakers away from the rear wall. I also understand this is where most people who are married lose the battle... I moved mine out about 34 inches off the rear wall and it allows the sound stage to deepen, placing itself behind the speakers,. It also eliminates any possible bass boom..

  • @pson3801
    @pson3801 4 роки тому

    I have been adjusting my speakers in almost every way for month
    It is working and gives you alot of alternatives to your taste
    Please see Hans Beekhuyzen video about speaker placement, free very good tips about this subject
    You can replace your chair to an without headrest and listen if its making someting in the right direction

  • @salvadorrodenas3071
    @salvadorrodenas3071 4 роки тому +1

    It's there some self proclaimed audiophile that don't experiment every couple of days? Anyway, good advice.

  • @olimphus26
    @olimphus26 4 роки тому

    There's so many people on the audiophile subreddit that post pictures of their setups and their speakers are not toed in, I mean its basic speaker placement but lots of people dont do it or some of those setups I'm sure would benefit for the speakers further apart from each other and from the wall yet when you give them advice some of those people get mad at you LoL has happened a couple of times.

  • @Justwantahover
    @Justwantahover 4 роки тому +1

    Also angle the speakers back a few degrees to make a semi omni effect. Some speakers already have that built in and are sloped back but not many.

    • @awdadwadwad1723
      @awdadwadwad1723 4 роки тому

      Sadly almost noone is doing that but this is REALLY GREAT tip.

    • @JohnDoe-np3zk
      @JohnDoe-np3zk 4 роки тому

      @@awdadwadwad1723 both my old Infinity Kappa 8s and the new Mag LRS do this. Both have a dipole effect with the Kappas having rear facing tweeters.

    • @Justwantahover
      @Justwantahover 4 роки тому

      @@JohnDoe-np3zk I'm into dipole stuff. Got dipole tweeters inside my coaxial full range drivers that are "float mounted" just above the speaker hole. And the speaker hole is bass vented with a short tube running inwards. The sound from the back of the full range cone escapes around the edges and gives the voice an "airy" sound.