6
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.
