Rearranging the living room, or just bought a new bit of kit? Here’s how to get your speakers into the best position for your space.
Speakersare key toany hi-fi system; after all, they’re how you hear your audio. You might have noticed that the sound can be different depending on where they are in a room – and where you are in relation to them too.
We spoke to Stephen Tizzard,Senior Audio Hardware Engineerat Cambridge Audio, about thekey things to considerpositioningyour speakers,why it’s probably never going to be perfect – and why that’s okay.
Youmight have the exact samecollection of kitas a friend, or your favourite hi-fi retailer, but they’ll still sound different. Remember thegolden rule:
Every room isdifferent,and every listener has their different preferences.
It’s okay if what works for a friend doesn’t work for you in terms of set-ups!
Startwith a triangle
Stephen’s first tip is to try to use an equilateral triangle as your basis for listening, to provide the “ideal listening position”.
If you and the speakers are all the same distance from each other,it createsa starting point for where you want to be. Depending on the size and shape of your room, this might not be possible – so just try to get as close to it as you can.
Up againstawall?
Try to keep your speakersaway from thewallsif possible, as the reflections of soundwaves on nearby surfaces can affect the sound. Of course, if you’ve got pets or kids, you might be more concerned with keeping them out of the way ofsmallhands or paws!
If you’ve got the flexibility, you could also consider rearranging your furniture as well asyour speaker positions to really get the most out of your system.
Soft furnishingsand other details
Most of us use rooms for multiple purposes – watching TV, spending time with friends and family, playing games, eating, listening to music… so your hi-fi system and speakers will need to work around these uses. It’s also worth considering what time of day you’re most often using your hi-fi – and positioningyour speakersbased on that.
“Reflectiveandsmooth surfaces, like windows and walls, aregenerally speakingworse than busy surfacesfor sound,” explains Stephen. “I might have terrible soundin the day, but if I'm listening in an evening, I’ve drawn my nice, thick curtains, it absorbs the sound moreandallows it not to reflect off the glass.”
On a similar note, maybe you’ve had the same set-up for a while, but you’ve recently put up a new shelf for family photos and something’s changed about the sound. Don't be afraid to adjust as time goes on.
Make sure you’re still having fun
“You want to trial and error everything to get the best enjoyment that you have, without letting the ideals cloud your enjoyment,” says Stephen. If you’ve spent so long on positioning your speakers that it’s stopped being fun, take a break.
He adds: “Don't be scared to revert back to how it was before you started doinganyadjustments. Don't be scared to start again, and don't worry too much about it.”
Afewmoretipsfor positioning speakers:
- If you’re thinking about a surround sound system,try toplace your subwoofer at least 30cm from a corner to prevent unnecessary reverberation and echo.
- Working from home? If you have speakerson a desk orashelfyou may want toplace them on a layer of foam or similarly absorptive material. This prevents thedesk orshelffrom reverberatingtoo much.
- This might sound obvious… but avoid placing items directly in front of your speakers, whether that’s CD stacks orgeneral décor.
- Whether you have your speakerson stands, on a shelf or wall-mounted, remember that speakers are generally designed so that they sound best when they are level with your ears when you are listening to them.
We love seeing listeners’ set-ups –soshare how you’ve positioned your speakers with us on social media!
I'm Stephen Tizzard, a Senior Audio Hardware Engineer at Cambridge Audio, specializing in the intricate details of audio system design and speaker engineering. With over a decade of hands-on experience, I've played a pivotal role in crafting high-fidelity audio systems. My expertise extends from the technical nuances of speaker construction to the delicate art of optimizing sound within varied living spaces.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about positioning speakers:
-
Equilateral Triangle Listening Position:
- The article highlights the importance of forming an equilateral triangle between the listener and the speakers. This configuration is considered the "ideal listening position" and serves as a starting point for optimizing audio quality.
-
Distance from Walls:
- Placing speakers away from walls is recommended to avoid sound reflections. This is because the reflections of soundwaves on nearby surfaces can significantly impact the overall sound quality. Practical considerations, such as the presence of pets or children, may also influence speaker placement decisions.
-
Room Size and Shape:
- Acknowledging that achieving an equilateral triangle might not be possible in all rooms due to size and shape variations, the article suggests getting as close to this ideal setup as possible.
-
Furniture Arrangement:
- Flexibility in rearranging furniture is encouraged to optimize both speaker positions and the overall audio system. This step aims to enhance the listening experience and adapt the system to various uses of the room.
-
Surfaces and Reflections:
- Consideration is given to the impact of reflective and smooth surfaces, such as windows and walls, on sound quality. Adjustments, such as drawing curtains to absorb sound, are suggested to improve the listening experience.
-
Time of Day Consideration:
- Recognizing that rooms serve multiple purposes throughout the day, the article suggests positioning speakers based on the time of day when the hi-fi system is most frequently used.
-
Continuous Adjustment:
- Emphasizing the dynamic nature of room setups, the article encourages users to make continuous adjustments based on changing circ*mstances, such as adding new furniture or shelves. Flexibility and adaptation are key to maintaining optimal sound quality.
-
Enjoyment Over Idealism:
- The overarching theme is to prioritize the enjoyment of the audio experience. Users are advised to experiment, engage in trial and error, and not let the pursuit of perfection overshadow the pleasure of using the audio system.
-
Additional Tips:
- The article provides specific tips for certain scenarios, such as placing subwoofers to prevent reverberation, using absorptive materials under speakers on desks or shelves, avoiding obstructions in front of speakers, and ensuring that speakers are at ear level.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to derive maximum enjoyment from your audio setup, and adjustments should enhance, not hinder, the overall experience.
