Speaker Toe-in

[ursus262]

I have a dilemna. I recently adjusted my speakers so that they only had a small amount of toe-in, and instantly I noticed how the imaging improved with the sound coming from beyond the speakers.

However, having done that, I found I've lost some bass in the process. And if I move them back, the bass returns. The trouble is, I want both :rolleyes:

I keep on fiddling with the speakers, and I just can't seem to get the right balance. Has anyone else experience this problem, and how did you overcome it?

[Welder]

Yep and it’s a constant source of irritation and no, I haven’t found a way to cure it where I live currently.

I’ve settled for the best sounding bass I can get because I’m not overly concerned with sound stage depth which is what i notice a small reduction in.
I’ve learned to live with the cymbals in particular on some tracks deciding they belong to the band in the adjacent studio :lol:

[The Grand Wazoo]

Have you tried keeping the toe-in (or even increasing it slightly), but playing with the distance to the back wall?

[ursus262]

Well, unfortunately, I don't have a lot of wriggle room. My living space isn't that big anyway. I think I'll have a go at experimenting by putting a graticule on the floor, and noting the change in sound depending on the settings.

[worthingpagan]

Well, unfortunately, I don't have a lot of wriggle room. My living space isn't that big anyway. I think I'll have a go at experimenting by putting a graticule on the floor, and noting the change in sound depending on the settings.

If your space is too small why not sell your speakers and use the money to invest in a high end pair of headphones?

[ursus262]

If your space is too small why not sell your speakers and use the money to invest in a high end pair of headphones?

My partner would love that!

No, I love my speakers. Would post a pic of them here, but it's such a sodding faff! We have a seventies retro interior, and they blend in very well. We have ladderax-style shelving, and the speakers sit in front of them, so they are about 60 cm from the wall, which is good in a way. There are two bass ports, one front and one rear, so the speakers do need room to breathe.

I've replaced the cheap-looking plated links with OFC cable, and that has helped to improve matters a bit.

D

[Spectral Morn]

Have you tried keeping the toe-in (or even increasing it slightly), but playing with the distance to the back wall?

Just what I was about to suggest......



Regards D S D L

[ursus262]

Just what I was about to suggest......



Regards D S D L

Unfortunately, one doesn't have much room to move the speakers I'm afraid. My partner and I are considering moving to Ireland (I prefer Belgium myself, as I can speak the language - Flemish - but no matter) and we're looking to have installed a large kit house, like a Huff Haus, so there will be much more space. Quite when that will happen is not clear at the moment. Probably within the next few years, especially after my parents have croaked :lol:

[Andy]

Silly suggestion time, not from me but from an old college friend who insists it works. Other than saying he has Epos 3(I think they're 3's) on stupidly expensive Sound Organisation stands, I make no comment....

"...I placed a 6" x 4" mirror about six inches behind the ports, and angled them so the sound reflected down in front of the speakers- Like if sound was a straight line it would come out of the middle centre of the port, hit the mirror and go down through the stands to hit the floor about three inches in front of the speaker. Reflecting up didnt work at all, I didnt notice any difference sideways, but down defo improved bass clout."

So there you go, suck it and see as they say ;)

[HighFidelityGuy]

Try experimenting with different things under the speakers. Different speakers need different things in different rooms. Some need metal spikes, some need softer materials like Sorbothane. Making an isolation plinth out of a granite or thick wood chopping board and some foam/rubber and putting them under the speakers can help. There's a thread on that. Another thing to consider is room treatment. There are various products available to reduce wall reflections and to smooth out bass response. The tricky part is making them fit in with your room styling. Some of the panels can be printed with photo's or covered in a wide range of coloured fabrics. Advanced Acoustics (http://www.advancedacoustics-uk.com/highendaudio/?gclid=CLnEpdfDyaoCFYINtAodMBIezA) will be able to advise you on this. Other brands are available and there are some cheaper but less aesthetically pleasing alternatives such are pro audio panels and bass traps.

You can also use room correction in your system. This is basically advanced EQ which measures your room's acoustics and then EQ's your system to counteract some issues caused by your room. However I wouldn't recommend trying this until you've tried everything else as it's a bit like treating the symptom rather than curing the problem. :)