How close is too close?
Subscribe to Ask Paul Ask a QuestionUsing the classic Rule of Thirds in a stereo setup is often a great starting point but not always the best place to wind up when a high-performance stereo system is concerned.
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How can you critique one of the industry’s best?
How can you critique a leader in the industry that GIVES so much to its enthusiasts?
Because he takes it AS feedback and nothing else.
Here goes; I’ve got a dedicated 2-CH listening space, built for said purpose. I too carefully utilized the “1/3s” spkr & seating generalization to start & equilateral L-R-Seating layout. Your “next step thinking” for him was spot on re: listening for peaks/valleys with his room/spkrs/seating interaction(s) and make tweaks to their position.
Though I WILL be purchasing your new book when available, my “critique” FINALLY , is the # of times you referenced its forthcoming to answer his questions; seemed like a commercialized answer of sorts. ♂️
To add to your answer: I’d say he has a great feel for his fundamentals simply by his preparation & description of what work he’s done so far. I’d look around in his room for “obtrusive or complementary objects” that may be causing unintended audio effects; a glass coffee table between he and his L/R spkrs, or a 2nd chair/recliner/table, windows, rugs, etc that could very well be tweaked to improve his experience.
Related, without going down the rabbit hole, I’d suggest modest research & application of dedicated acoustic treatment in his space as another tool.
You did briefly mention, toeing his L/Rs – subtle adjustments can/do make a huge difference in response. To that end, I’d start with a quick email / call to his MFG re: their suggested toe angle to start.
One of my biggest suggestion is to HAVE A NOTEBOOK & record his tweaks! Again, only because he seemed to have prepared his space & gear well, he appears to be a cat that would enjoy the logging of tweaks (plus his music choices, etc) as he goes along. Others of course won’t care much about the above once things are basically setup.
My two cents,
David C.
The listening position should be 1 1/2 the distance between the left and right speakers. I think that is about what the IRS V are to your seat Paul. However ideally it would be much better if your room was at least 10 feet wider so you could space the infinities further apart. That would improve imagining specificity of instruments and give more air around each instrument.
Yay!
Nobody (else) knows that where you sit is more important than where you site your speakers.
To hammer it home: moving your seat a few inches has far more effect on the bass than moving speakers by the same distance.
Yes FatRat I know; centimeters matter less. 🙁
“how close is too close”?
In 2020, 5’11”
Looking forward to the book!