Front speakers too high?

da5176

Hey guys, just bought some new Polk Monitor 60s and was wondering what you think. I know they are floor standers, but if placed on the floor the left speaker would be partly behind the end of a couch. I have them now on milk crates to get the left one up to where the base port is not blocked (see pictures) If left this way some substitute will be used for the milk crates. The speakers are 61" off the floor and the tweeters are in perfect alignment with the center channel tweeter. From the 2 couches in the room the ear is at about the lower mid-range level. I have a subwoofer next to the TV and I think I should keep the fronts as separated as possible for better sound. Is this a good placement? Are they too high? Any suggestions? Just looking to get the best sound I can.

dragon1952

Ideally the tweeters should be at ear level. On center channels sitting on top of the TV you have to angle them downwards towards ear level to achieve this. Not saying it won't sound good the way you have it but it's not the optimal situation. Also, those crates aren't the best thing to use as stands. Ideally you'd want something very solid for optimal bass response especially.

Willow

I would say put them on the ground, move the love seat which is against the wall out of the way of the mains and sub.

gregure

If you'd rather hear vocals in music recordings coming from Heaven than right in front of you, then by all means....

schwarcw

If it sounds good, then it works. Try it one milk crate lower, see how it sounds. If it sounds good at the lower level, get a couple of concrete blocks instead of the crates. You can paint them, or drape over some colored cloth material to match your room. At least get some black milk crates. Just some low cost suggestions.

Willow

If you want to have them that high, I would say find a wedge, to angle the speakers downwards along with the centre.

GATOR3000

You need two extra milk boxes to sit on at your sweet spot and your system will sound fine!!!…………..Just kidding.

As dragon1952 mentioned above, your setup will not be optimized. Yes, your sofa is obstructing part of your left speaker, but sounds coming from heaven are not realistic.

Audition your speaker setup with same material (HT or Music) you are familiar with.
First test with speakers on the floor where they should be and the second elevated on you milk boxes. IMO your system will be more pleasing to your ears when speakers are on the floor (even if the left one is obstructed a bit), but that is only my opinion. Also, if you have an option on your receiver to increase the volume on your left speaker by (+1db to +1.5db) after your initial surround/EQ setup, would help to equalize left and right volume of your front drivers.

In addition if possible, move your subwoofer to the right side instead on the left to compromise base of your obstructed left speaker.

If you decide to go with elevated configuration NOT A GOOD IDEA to wedge or tilt your monitors forward. The magnets on these drivers are big and heavy…………if you know what I mean!!

My left speaker is obstructed (a bit) by end table. Have made adjustments as above and moved my subwoofer to the right side and it sounds nice.

And YES, no one wants to move furniture around. Otherwise we wouldn’t be elevating our sweet Polks to heaven and asking all these questions.

Hope this helps

Gator

Willow

I honestly don't think putting speakers on an angle will damage the drivers.
Centre speakers are often angled using a door stop.
My rti'4 are on their backs and have been for a while, they work fine.

I think his setup is good, he just needs to elevate his couch, move the love seat on the side
or
put the speakers on the ground and move the couch on the side wall.

McLoki

GATOR3000 wrote:

Yes, your sofa is obstructing part of your left speaker, but sounds coming from heaven are not realistic.

Heathen....... (and so close to christmas too)

Michael

GATOR3000

McLoki wrote:

Heathen....... (and so close to christmas too)

Michael

Hey McLoki............right on! Maybe Polks come from heaven.............hehehehe..........they sound good. I'm looking at Lsi9's for my 2ch music gear with Outlaw M2200 blocks. Hope Santa is good this Year!!!

GATOR3000

Willow wrote:

I honestly don't think putting speakers on an angle will damage the drivers..

I didn't imply drivers would get damaged at all. What I meant in order to get the appropriate angle for tweeters to rich an ear from given height one would have to tilt the whole speaker cabinet in greater angle thus taking a chance of tipping over.

Gator

Willow

GATOR3000 wrote:

I didn't imply drivers would get damaged at all. What I meant in order to get the appropriate angle for tweeters to rich an ear from given height one would have to tilt the whole speaker cabinet in greater angle thus taking a chance of tipping over.

Gator

Misunderstood, sorry.....your comment is very true !!

VR3

way to effing high.

Your getting an ear full of midrange. I bet your top end is horrible. That would be an understatement...

I KNOW your top end is horrible. There is no way it couldnt be.

Put them on the floor.