Niles Audio OS5.5 - Manual (Page 10)

Speaker
Placement
Zone
Speaker
Placement
Zone
10'
5' 10'
Figure 5. Illustration depicts the optimum placement zone
for a listening distance of 10 feet (3.04 meters).
PLACING LOUDSPEAKERS FOR THE BEST SOUND QUALITY
(CONTINUED)
When using more than one pair, it is usually best to alternate a left channel and then a right channel,
so that you have the best possible stereo coverage possible.
The position of the loudspeakers and their surroundings play a very important role in how a stereo
image is created. You should experiment to find the very best position for your loudspeakers. Here
are some guidelines to make the process quick and easy.
Make sure you are not blocking or reflecting the sound off of furniture or other objects. You should
have a direct line of sight with the front of the loudspeaker. To determine the best position, measure
the distance between the ideal listening position and the wall you plan to mount the loudspeakers
on. Try to place the loudspeakers so that they are at least one-half the listening distance apart (this
maintains a large, pleasant stereo “image”) and less than the entire listening distance (this avoids a
“hole-in-the-middle” effect). For example; if you are ten feet back from the wall, the loudspeakers
should be between 5 and 10 feet (1.5 and 3.04 meters) apart (see
Figure 5).
If possible, mount the loudspeakers between 8 and 12 feet (2.43 and 3.65 meters) high. The less
the downward angle of the loudspeaker, the further the sound will carry. If the sound is carrying into
areas where you do not want sound, try pointing the loudspeakers more downward; this will reduce
the amount of sound further away from the loudspeaker.
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