Magnepan MG 20.1 - Manual (Page 9)

BASS RESPONSE
lf you do not have access to a spectrum analyzer, play a record with a
repetitive bass line (preferably an acoustical bass instrument). Try the speakers
in several parts of the room. Start experimenting with the speakers about 3 feet
from the back wall. Try moving the speakers forward or backward by increments
of 6 to 12 inches at a time. One part of the room should be noticeably better than
the rest, as should one distance from the rear wall.
STEREO WIDTH AND IMAGING
Once you have located the best position for the speakers and your chair
for good bass performance, separate the tweeters by 50% of the distance from
your chair to the speakers. (For example, if your chair is 10 feet from the
speakers, move the tweeters 5 feet apart.) Now move the speakers apart in
increments of 3 or 4 inches at a time, listening carefully at each position. At
some point you will start to hear two separate speakers instead of getting a
''stage effect'' (or continuous image). If you have a hole-in-the-middle effect, your
speakers are too far apart: begin moving the speakers closer together in small
increments until you notice a point at which you achieve one cohesive ''sound
stage."
NOTE: Once you have located the ideal position you should mark it. A
small tack or piece of tape can be placed on the carpet so your ideal listening
spot can be easily relocated when the speakers (or chair) are moved for
cleaning, etc. The entire placement procedure may seem like a great deal of
work, but is necessary in the setup of any high quality system. The time and
effort expended should be necessary only once, and will repay the owner with
countless hours of musical enjoyment.
13. ROOM ACOUSTICS
Magneplanars, like other bipolar speakers, usually sound best with a
moderately reflective surface behind the speakers. In situations where the
speakers must be placed closer than 2 feet from the back wall, a heavy damping
material directly behind the speakers is advised; however, it should not cover the
entire wall.
Damping material in other parts of the room is a matter of trial and error. A
word of caution-when audiophiles discover the effectiveness of damping
material, they sometimes overdo it (on the premise that if a little is good, more is
better). Before you make a permanent change to your room, experiment with the
positioning of the damping material. Usually a portion of one of two parallel walls
should have some damping.
An over damped room will provide very precise imaging, but you will have
a reduced sense of ambience (less reverberation, spaciousness). An under
damped room may heighten the illusion of being in a concert hall, but the
imaging will seem imprecise with all the instruments mixed together. Moderation
is the word.