[kalhua]

I have had most of my gear for awhile however never taken the time to "dial" it in. This is partially due to not having the time but mostly due to not having a clear understanding of the steps to take. This forum is an amazing resource however it is a bit overwhelming for someone who is unfamiliar. I have taken the time to read a lot of threads on AVS and various write-ups online however the process I need to take is still not clear to me. I don't have a lot of flexibility with the location of some speakers as they are mounted to the wall. However all of them can be angled some due to being mounted with a ball type mount. I have attached a file illustrating my current layout. I have not yet placed the 2nd SB4000 shown just to the right of my screen but am planning to before I move forward with tweaking the system. My main goal is to optimize the sound of my system without remodeling the room utilizing the gear I currently have. I am currently have a Yamaha CX-5200 along with the matching amp in my room. Its main source is a dedicated HTPC. A few of my initial question are listed below. My apologizes in advance if I am asking in the wrong area, I wasn't sure the best one to use.


1. Any suggestions for improvement of my speaker placement whether angling the speakers or moving them (where possible)?
2. I have read mixed reviews about YPAO and various opinions about the process to go through to utilize it in the best way. This has left me unsure where to head. Advice?
3. I also have MiniDSP 2x4 HD and UMIK-1 to help with the process. I originally bought them to "tweak" my subs but had trouble figuring it out. Is it generally accepted that REW software is the best to use on conjunction with these tools? If not what do you suggest? I have read that some guys utilize computer software instead of the MinDSP, any idea what software does that sort of thing?
4. Is there a recommended workflow to follow to dial things in? I think the mistake I made in the past was going in too many directions at once ending up getting nowhere.


Thanks in Advance!

 

[sdurani]

Can you flip the layout 180 degrees? You haven't got door & window locations in your diagram, so I don't know if it is possible, but had to ask.

In any case, I would place the Side speakers slightly forward of the main listening position (around 80 degrees from centre), for greater wrap-around envelopment and better side-vs-rear separation in the surround field. I would put the Rear speakers around 60 degrees apart on the back wall (150 degrees from centre), to anchor those sounds clearly behind me.

Height speakers should go on the ceiling, around 45 degrees elevation forward and rearward of your main listening position. If ceiling placement is not possible, then mount them as high up as you can on the front and back walls. In either case, they should be spread apart roughly the same width as your Front L/R speakers. Aim all speakers at the listener farthest away (to compensate for distance).

You can get smoother frequency response (fewer/smaller peaks & dips) by moving the seating so that the listeners' ears end up 2/3 room length from the front wall. Bass response can be improved by centering your 2 subs at the 1/4 and 3/4 locations of room width.

 

[kalhua]

Can you flip the layout 180 degrees? You haven't got door & window locations in your diagram, so I don't know if it is possible, but had to ask.

Unfortunately, general layout at this point is pretty much fixed unless I tear things apart. There is a window behind the couch that is "blacked out". The door to the room is located just to the left of the FHL Channel, (looking at the diagram) between the front left and the end of the couch.

In any case, I would place the Side speakers slightly forward of the main listening position (around 80 degrees from centre), for greater wrap-around envelopment and better side-vs-rear separation in the surround field. I would put the Rear speakers around 60 degrees apart on the back wall (150 degrees from centre), to anchor those sounds clearly behind me.

I can see how this would be beneficial. I can look into other methods of dealing with those speakers. Currently the wire is coming out of the wall right where I have shown it. It may be possible to put them on stands and route a wire under the house.

Height speakers should go on the ceiling, around 45 degrees elevation forward and rearward of your main listening position. If ceiling placement is not possible, then mount them as high up as you can on the front and back walls. In either case, they should be spread apart roughly the same width as your Front L/R speakers. Aim all speakers at the listener farthest away (to compensate for distance).

Again here I am kinda screwed. It I have star panels on my ceiling and the space above is very difficult to access without extensive demo.

You can get smoother frequency response (fewer/smaller peaks & dips) by moving the seating so that the listeners' ears end up 2/3 room length from the front wall. Bass response can be improved by centering your 2 subs at the 1/4 and 3/4 locations of room width.

I have shifted the couch forward and back a bit but where is makes one thing better it has a negative impact on another. In this case it put the sides further behind. It looks like I have to either settle with what I have or plan a remodel of the room. Do you feel there is a benefit to angling the speakers that aren't in optimum locations?

Thanks for your reply!

 

[sdurani]

Do you feel there is a benefit to angling the speakers that aren't in optimum locations?

Yup, where to aim them was mentioned in my previous post.

 

[kalhua]

Yup, where to aim them was mentioned in my previous post.

Oops, missed that the first time.


Thanks