Owners Manual

17
SPEAKER POSITIONING
Identifying the ideal sound/acoustic room to play an audio system well is not that strictly related to the proportional
dimensions of the rooms as many audiophiles believe. The sound played through an audio system is just “Energy
diffused in a closed environment” that is all absorbed, reflected and dispersed. The loudspeaker position is the
most important aspect because managing the reflections is a key factor to get the best sound. The first two
reflections are crucial, after them the energy of the reflection starts being lower and does not particularly affect the
sound performance.
The first reflection creates a 25m/s delay. Such delay is not favorable because it creates a disturb overwhelming
the sound while the delay in between 40 and 80m/s creates what is called ambience.
Therefore it is very important to reduce the first reflection keeping the speaker as far as possible from the side
walls and using some carpets on the floor in front of them is advisable.
A symmetrical position of the speakers in the room, having the same distance from the side and rear walls is also
very important and should be implemented when possible. The better the positioning the better the focus and the
sound stage will be.
WALL MATERIAL
Generally, most of the walls are thick therefore there is the best bass extension control as well as good acoustic
isolation. Dry walls vibrate quite a bit, therefore they are usually not favorable or should be treated accordingly.
CEILING
The higher the better. The ideal works between 250 and 360cm having the same regular height.
The vaulted ceiling is quite critical because it works like a magnifier lens increasing the power in specific
areas. In case of an attic where typically the ceiling slopes down it is better to position the speakers closer
to the lower ceiling and place the listening point in the higher ceiling area.
FLOOR
Marble floors are the worst because they are extremely reflecting but even the all carpet floors don’t work well
because they absorb indiscriminately. The best option are wooden floors. In any case, all floors can be easily
corrected with a 2/4cm thick carpet placed in front of the speakers.
SIDE WALLS
Covering the side walls with a carpet is wrong but leaving them naked is not the ideal solution either. Pictures with
frames on the walls are ok if they come without glass protection and are placed symmetrically on both sides of the
speakers. Eventually some small specific traps could be a good solutions.