Matt A.K.A. mgbaron's System

[Alki]

Originally Posted by mgbaron

I've wondered about that myself. Sometimes I've wondered if there is slightly more volume in the right channel, but shifting my listening position by even a tiny amount can have a greater effect so it's hard to tell.

In any event, there is very little I can do about it and it's definitely the best position available in the room.

Great attitude that you work with what you have and the number one thing is to enjoy the music.

By the way nice clean system.

[chops-tube]

If it were me, I'd have all that beautiful equipment lined up on that ledge below the window. They deserve to be displayed. ;-) Then I would move that great looking cabinet to another room, which would leaving nothing but the TV, sound bar and B&W's up front. But that's just me.

Regardless, that's a great looking room and system as is.

[tweet]

Matt,

You have a beautiful system and have done an excellent job integrating music into your family living space. I like it a lot!

[mgbaron]

Originally Posted by chops-tube

If it were me, I'd have all that beautiful equipment lined up on that ledge below the window. They deserve to be displayed. ;-) Then I would move that great looking cabinet to another room, which would leaving nothing but the TV, sound bar and B&W's up front. But that's just me.

Regardless, that's a great looking room and system as is.

That thought had crossed my mind. It would require a little electrical work, but it may well be the optimal configuration. Anyway, I'm definitely going to keep it as is for now. My wife has plans for that ledge becoming a window seat

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by mgbaron

That thought had crossed my mind. It would require a little electrical work, but it may well be the optimal configuration. Anyway, I'm definitely going to keep it as is for now. My wife has plans for that ledge becoming a window seat

It seems to me that the window ledge, while a nice idea, may pose other issues. For example cabling issues, with the amplifier being much closer to one speaker than the other. That isn't the end of the world, but if you are to keep the speaker cables the same length you are going to end up with a good amount of it coiled up or otherwise "stashed". Then you have the visual aspect...while moving the gear to the ledge may make things look "cleaner", I for one enjoy looking at my gear while listening, and having the gear between the speakers is ideal for that.

As to the commonly held belief that having gear between the speakers, I've felt for some time that this argument is overblown. Sometimes the real world forces us to do this, as is the case with my main system. But I still have an excellent soundstage, with voices and instruments very clearly defined in space between my speakers, in spite of the large amount of gear that is residing there. I agree that the speakers shouldn't be "behind" a lot of stuff, but in looking at your arrangement (particularly in one side perspective) I would not expect any issues here.

At the end of the day, I think your arrangement is beautiful, and completely appropriate.

Pete

[audioguy3107]

Really awesome looking room, I've always thought the B&W 802's were one of the cooler looking speakers out there.....well done!

[thesaint519]

Originally Posted by mgbaron

I've wondered about that myself. Sometimes I've wondered if there is slightly more volume in the right channel, but shifting my listening position by even a tiny amount can have a greater effect so it's hard to tell.

In any event, there is very little I can do about it and it's definitely the best position available in the room.

I asked because I have a similar situation that I can't do anything about.

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by thesaint519

I asked because I have a similar situation that I can't do anything about.

The reinforcement from corner loading and reflection from the right side wall will tend to deliver more acoustic energy. The right side will tend to be louder.

cg

[thesaint519]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

The reinforcement from corner loading and reflection from the right side wall will tend to deliver more acoustic energy. The right side will tend to be louder.

cg

Makes sense. Do u think a room divider, I kinda like those folding dividers with Chinese decor, would make much of a difference considering it doesn't have the same density as the wall?

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by thesaint519

Makes sense. Do u think a room divider, I kinda like those folding dividers with Chinese decor, would make much of a difference considering it doesn't have the same density as the wall?

There is no perfect cure because of the asymetry of the room, but you can minimize the issue. A room divider is a large flat surface and will only act as a secondary resonator. And it will be closer to the speaker which would not be good. A wall hanging of a heavy and thick fabric would help to the right and in front of the speaker. A single Tube Trap in the corner could help the trapped bass loading in the corner if approval can be obtained from the WAF department.

Everything about Matt's system looks great and I am sure it sounds good. The biggest issues with acoustics are those that are nearest the speakers. If a wall or object is within inches or a couple feet of a speaker if will have a significant deleterious effect on the sound, usually blurring and a lack of spatial acuity. Just remember that you can go crazy with this stuff. He has a beautiful system in a beautiful room that many of his friends can sit, listen to and enjoy. Dedicated listening rooms with heavy acoustic treatments are not usually as socially inviting. If you enjoy the music, you really don't need to do anything. JMO

cg