How far back are you sitting from your SRS 2?

Rex81

I recently upgraded my 2B to SRS 2 and I love the added impact, soundstage, and depth. I loved my 2Bs before, but the SRS 2 just takes everything to a new level. However, I think my listening room forces me to sit a little closer to them than what would be ideal. My room is long and narrow, 23’ x 11’. I have the speakers 6” off the long wall, 7’ apart, with plenty of open space on either side of each, which is good. I get plenty of SDA effect. I have a couch up against the opposite wall (not ideal I know), which puts my ears about 9’ from the speakers.

Just curious what other SRS 2 owners are working with.

machone

Rex,

I don't have SRS 2's but I have been studying this subject. The 38% rule gives us a starting point as to where the listening position should be in a room. It should be either 38% from the front or rear wall but never dead center (50%) of the length.
If you apply the 38% rule to your room that puts you 4'-2" from the front wall which is too close. If you calculate 38% from the rear wall or 62% from the front wall it puts you 6'-10" from the front wall. If your speakers are 7' apart (center to center?) then this creates close to an equilateral triangle. My guess is anywhere from 7' to the rear wall is your best bet.

I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night so my interpretation of the 38% rule may need comments from those in the know.

Rex81

Thanks for the info. Interesting. I'd never heard about the 38% rule. And I'll clarify that I have 7' BETWEEN the speakers, so more like 9' center to center.

I also wonder if normal speaker placement formulas may not always work as well with speakers as tall as the SRS 2 due to the height of their drivers. Seems like that fact alone would mean you'd want to sit farther away from them.

I have no complaints about sound quality. I had a pair of original SRS in the same space and those were definitely too much. The sound was compressed and overpowering. You could just tell they needed to breathe more. Not necessarily so with the SRS 2. Although I'm sure they'd sound better with a little space between me and speakers and maybe more importantly, between me and the back wall. I'm just curious is others are making similar compromises to keep these babies.

honestaquarian

You are sitting a good distance from them. As long as you can keep them at least three (*Bare minimum*) to five feet (*optimal according to Polk*) from any sidewalls or large furniture(*which cause early reflections that destroy the imaging*) then you are good. If you have an equipment rack in between them,it should be no less than a foot behind the plane of the front of the speakers.
Preferably more.
SDA-SRS 3.1TL owner here

westmassguy

Not sure that would apply to SDAs. They have very specific requirements, namely and equilateral triangle for proper interaural crosstalk cancellation

machone

wmg,
Theoretically it is possible for the equilateral triangle to fit the room, satisfy the 38% rule and not encroach on the side walls. When I remodel my listening room I am going to try it as a starting point and work from there.

SDAkid

I know I have not much to offer but I sit as far as my room allows it. LOL

Lots of great information here

Braddles63

Love the kiddy barrier.

[Deleted User]

I've found that these speakers have a small sweet spot. I always sit the same distance as the distance between the tweeters. I can tell a difference in moving a few inches one way of the other.

pkquat

TForan wrote: »

I've found that these speakers have a small sweet spot. I always sit the same distance as the distance between the tweeters. I can tell a difference in moving a few inches one way of the other.

I recently got a par of 1C's. I found they have a small sweet spot as well. Its been mentioned on a few forums and makes sense given the design. I am not sure what effect the added width for the SRS2 mids does compared the 2B spacing. I assume it attempted to open up the sweet spot a little. I also found that the distance from side walls / wall dampening is important. 3 feet from a hard wall or window is not enough. At about 4 ft from a window I notice a difference if the curtains are open or closed. With them open that side is a little off. It has some "BOSE" effect, and not in a good way.

honestaquarian

Again Polk said a long time ago that five feet from any sidewalls or large pieces of furniture is optimal. It has to do with the speed at which sound travels and the deleterious effects of early reflactions on the soundstage. Minimum of three feet as not everyone has that much room to work with. I know I certainly don't!