Hello. I listen in near field. I have a very small listening room, 9' x 12'. I have a pair of Mirage MRM-1 Reference Monitors. I played with placement for weeks. What sounded best was the factory prescribed "rule of thirds." Listening position is 1/3 off the rear wall (into the room), speakers 1/3 off the front wall (rear and front refer to the 9' walls). This really cleaned up my room, eliminating most of the room anomalies. Only room treatments or room correction devices can really clean up the anomalies.
There is another school of thought. Speakers are placed in the middle of the room, with the listening position against the rear wall.
Near field = soundstage city.
1. That is my understanding as well. Be forwarned, near field is a bit like headphones, really big headphones.
2. My MRM-1's are rear ported, so they needed to be off the rear wall. Use rear wall distance to adjust your bass response, especially to get rid of mid bass boom.
3. I'm no expert, but I would assume more carpet = less reflective surface = quiter room. You've got the main area taken care of, though.
4. see above
I hope this helps. As previously stated, I'm no expert. This is just my own imperical data. Happy listening.
Erik
There is another school of thought. Speakers are placed in the middle of the room, with the listening position against the rear wall.
Near field = soundstage city.
1. That is my understanding as well. Be forwarned, near field is a bit like headphones, really big headphones.
2. My MRM-1's are rear ported, so they needed to be off the rear wall. Use rear wall distance to adjust your bass response, especially to get rid of mid bass boom.
3. I'm no expert, but I would assume more carpet = less reflective surface = quiter room. You've got the main area taken care of, though.
4. see above
I hope this helps. As previously stated, I'm no expert. This is just my own imperical data. Happy listening.
Erik