Why Placement Matters More Than Price
A $500 speaker pair properly placed will outperform a $2,000 pair shoved in a corner. Room acoustics and speaker positioning account for up to 60% of what you hear.
The Golden Triangle Rule
Position your two speakers and listening position at the points of an equilateral triangle. If your speakers are 6 feet apart, your head should be 6 feet from each speaker. Angle the speakers slightly toward your listening position.
Height Matters
Tweeters should be at ear level when seated. For bookshelf speakers, use stands to achieve the correct height.
Wall and Corner Considerations
Keep speakers at least 1-2 feet from walls. Rear-ported speakers are especially sensitive to wall proximity. Corners amplify bass by up to 6dB due to boundary reinforcement.
Soundbar Placement
- Center the soundbar directly below your TV
- Keep it at ear level
- Don't enclose it in a cabinet
- Up-firing Atmos speakers need a flat ceiling
Room Treatment Basics
Hard surfaces create reflections that smear stereo imaging. Add soft furnishings: curtains, rugs, and bookshelves break up reflections.
