Speaker Placement

The optimal placement of speakers is highly dependent on room shape and acoustics, but some general principles may be used. However, it is often the case that some experimentation is required to hear how placement affects the sound each particular situation. The intent is to have an image painted in sound with discernable separation and placement of instruments and musicians.

A good starting point is to have the listener seated away from the plane of the speakers at a distance 1.5 times the distance between the speakers. Also, the front speakers should toed in slightly towards the listener.

For a strict audio setup:

• With a two speaker configuration, the speakers should be placed away from the corners of the room, and if possible away from the rear walls. You can begin with the speakers placed one sixth of the distance of the width of the room away from each side wall and 2 ft out from the rear wall. If the speakers require stands then high quality stands which place the speakers at a height of your ears when seated should be used (usually 30"-high stands work fine).
• With a two speaker plus a sub-woofer configuration, the main speakers should be placed as above in the two speaker configuration, and the sub-woofer placed in between them projecting into the room. This should give a smooth soundscape for audio if the components are well integrated.

In a home cinema setup, it is important to have the audience seated somewhat away from the back wall of the room allowing the full effect of the multi-channel audio to be experienced.:

• Here the main front speakers should be placed as above for the audio setup. Directly above or below the screen, a centre channel speaker should be placed.
• In the rear, two additional speakers should be placed facing back into the room towards the audience.
• Finally a sub-woofer should be placed behind the audience, and may be oriented to project towards the back of the room.