How to Set Up Your Speakers

"Set Up Your Speakers"
Wired How-to Wiki

"Whether you've got the same cheap system you rocked in college or 10 grand's worth of high-fidelity frivolity, one of the most important factors in how good your audio system sounds is where you put the speakers.

"Sound can trip over objects, bounce off walls, get lost in a big fluffy couch, or fall to any number of other physical impediments. Poor locations will spoil the sound, while careful placement will bring out the best in your gear.

"Be prepared to consider and experiment with even the oddest position —- it could be your perfect solution. And make sure to read any documentation that came with your rig. Some speakers are designed to sit up against the wall, for instance, and knowing as much could cut out hours of pointless tweaking...."

There's quite a bit of text, describing a four-step process:

1. Pick a test track
2. Pick the right spot
3. Dial it in
4. Configure the whole room

If you think you've got a better idea, you're free to share it. Wired points out that their page is "a wiki anyone can edit."

It seems to be pretty much common-sense advice. Like "Pick a test track:" making sure it's music that you like, and don't mind hearing over and over (and over) again. It's not particularly technical, so you don't need to be an audio engineer to understand what's being said.

And, best of all from my point of view, the wiki doesn't assume that you've got all the latest state-of-the-art audio gear.