magiccarpetride
14-02-2011, 22:10
I've recently decided to arrange my audio system to comply with the textbook requirements. What I did is I first obtained a decent, vibration-resistent rack, and I placed my components (my Touch, Caiman, pre amp, power amp) on different shelves on the rack. I then carefully organized the cords and cables etc., so that the interference gets minimized.
After that, I shoved the rack all the way up against the side wall, so that it does not interfere with the sound stage.
Finally, did a very careful, Cardas-approved speaker placement. Using my trusted measuring tape, I placed the speakers 5' away from the wall behind them and 3' away from the side walls. I was going by the recommended 'best practices' guidelines. I then covered the wall behind the speakers with very heavy curtains.
Sat down for a listen, and was quite surprised upon realizing that my system sounds like utter shit. The sound is dead, absolutely lifeless, the soundstage is tight chested, and the bass is boomy.
OK, this forced me to spend a better part of the day playing with speaker placement. I've tried pretty much everything, including moving them closer into the corners, farther away from the corners, playing with the toe in, removing the heavy curtains half-way, all the way, etc. Nothing I've tried helped -- the system continued to sound like a piece of shit.
Finally, was forced to throw the towel in, and to bring everything back the way it originally was.
Hallelujah! That familiar, brilliant, kick-ass sound, that singing musicality, that razor sharp soundstage, were all instantaneously restored back to their former glory! I exuded a giant sigh of relief:)
So the conundrum is this: the way things are arranged right now is completely 'wrong' (according to the audiophile bible, that is). However, when I tried to go by the book and position everything the 'correct' way, the music sounded wrong. And I can't live with music that sounds wrong, even if everything else is done right.
This makes me believe that each audio system is pretty much unique, as it depends on infinite number of variables (listening room being probably the most complex). Because of that, to suggest that people go by the book is to paint the entire situation with a huge, broad brush. I think that there is no room for generalizing here, and that each situation must be approached with a fresh mind, willingness to experiment, until one hits that mysterious 'sweet spot'.
But to insist that our audio peers must arrange their system the exact same way we've arranged it, would be, in my opinion, unrealistic. In case something works for you, that's great, but don't feel like you have to coerce others to apply the exact same yardstick.
I am aware that what I'm proposing here is a more pessimistic approach, whereby you, the end user, must invest a lot of work upfront. But I believe that's the only way to achieve optimal results in your listening room.
After that, I shoved the rack all the way up against the side wall, so that it does not interfere with the sound stage.
Finally, did a very careful, Cardas-approved speaker placement. Using my trusted measuring tape, I placed the speakers 5' away from the wall behind them and 3' away from the side walls. I was going by the recommended 'best practices' guidelines. I then covered the wall behind the speakers with very heavy curtains.
Sat down for a listen, and was quite surprised upon realizing that my system sounds like utter shit. The sound is dead, absolutely lifeless, the soundstage is tight chested, and the bass is boomy.
OK, this forced me to spend a better part of the day playing with speaker placement. I've tried pretty much everything, including moving them closer into the corners, farther away from the corners, playing with the toe in, removing the heavy curtains half-way, all the way, etc. Nothing I've tried helped -- the system continued to sound like a piece of shit.
Finally, was forced to throw the towel in, and to bring everything back the way it originally was.
Hallelujah! That familiar, brilliant, kick-ass sound, that singing musicality, that razor sharp soundstage, were all instantaneously restored back to their former glory! I exuded a giant sigh of relief:)
So the conundrum is this: the way things are arranged right now is completely 'wrong' (according to the audiophile bible, that is). However, when I tried to go by the book and position everything the 'correct' way, the music sounded wrong. And I can't live with music that sounds wrong, even if everything else is done right.
This makes me believe that each audio system is pretty much unique, as it depends on infinite number of variables (listening room being probably the most complex). Because of that, to suggest that people go by the book is to paint the entire situation with a huge, broad brush. I think that there is no room for generalizing here, and that each situation must be approached with a fresh mind, willingness to experiment, until one hits that mysterious 'sweet spot'.
But to insist that our audio peers must arrange their system the exact same way we've arranged it, would be, in my opinion, unrealistic. In case something works for you, that's great, but don't feel like you have to coerce others to apply the exact same yardstick.
I am aware that what I'm proposing here is a more pessimistic approach, whereby you, the end user, must invest a lot of work upfront. But I believe that's the only way to achieve optimal results in your listening room.