2. amps-preamps
  3. 1286164638

best position of components in relation to spkers?

According to Jim Smith's book, "Get Better Sound," one of mantras he repeats over and over is the negative sonic effects of having your electronics positioned in between your speakers. At present my Fisher 500c and CDP are on a rack positioned between and somewhat behind (perhaps a foot or two) my actual speakers (Vandersteen 2ce's). I tweaked my system ad nauseum and the position of the speakers in relation to the room, etc. has resulted in what I consider quite satisfying sound. However, according to Jim, even with much cheaper speaker cable at longer runs, if I were to place my component rack on a side wall my overall system sound would improve significantly. Anyone tried this? Thanks for any insights!
lincnabby
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I have had equipment in-between the speakers for years. I have had the stuff away from the speakers along a wall with stuff keeping a direct path from speakers to equipment. Then back to between, then to the immediate right of right speaker, now currently 15 ft back.
So I have found that i did enjoy the system better with the stuff far away from the speakers.
I cannot say exactly what it is that is better, except the sound makes me happier and I listen more.
So I find the added cost of long cables ($800. for Kimber Hero 7 meters) (my amp is still between the speakers, but i could move it away...)
The added cost of long cables is well worth the bother of distancing the electronics from the speakers.
Distance is even more important for a turntable.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I have had the best sound with my equipment on the side wall. While using mono amplifiers behing the speakers with short (1 meter) speaker cables and 25' interconnects.

I agree with Elizabeth, it just sounds better. The music is more involving with an across the board improvement.

This is especially true with turntables which I have found to sound their best 2/3 to 3/4of the way down the side wall from the speakers.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
I agree with keeping the equipment from being positioned between the speakers. I have used the side wall in the past and in my new apartment I have the sources and preamp in another room and drilled a hole in the wall to run the interconnects to the amp in the listening room.
jfz
570 posts
 
I have found the best position to be with the equipment behind me. This also allows for similar sound treatment on both side walls.
More to discover