A Master Class in speaker placement

It comes up again and again. Because it's important. An inch here and an inch there, it all makes a difference. And it's tough to get right.
Setting up your speakers is real work - concentration and patience paramount.
We've invited our Senior Manager for the Dynaudio Academy, Roland Hoffmann, to join us in the Ask the Expert studio to talk about speaker placement. It soon turned into a true Master Class, packed with tips, tricks and practical takes on real situations sent in from our Facebook fans.
01:56 - Distance to the wall
10:13 - Rear ported speakers vs. the wall
13:03 - Bass performance and square rooms
19:55 - Applying theory to real setups
25:11 - The best test music for low-frequencies
28:37 - Stereo triangle and listening position
35:52 - How to place a Contour 30
38:04 - The best test music for imaging
Find the tracks and music Roland recommended in the video below:
Bass:
Lou Reed - Walk on the wild side, Transformer
Daft Punk - Get Lucky, Random Access Memory
Kraftwerk - Das Model (2009 re-master), Die Mensch Machine
Turboweekend - Sweet Jezebel, Ghost Of A Chance

Stereo image and soundstage:
Norah Jones - Little Room, Not Too Late
Jennifer Warnes - Bird on a wire, Famous Blue Raincoat
Pink Panther Soundtrack by Christophe Beck (2006) - Pink Panther Theme
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[@letsplayagain3508]

Every time this dude looks at me...He makes me feel like I did something wrong

[@ustoopia]

He sees all. What did you do?

[@killerfitz84]

I think they got the work experience guy or girl or non gender specific person to direct this..

[@liayesung5721]

Thank you for saying that xD

[@Dan-iy8ig]

Low self esteem

[@NOVAISPERES]

Lol

[@qtthagod]

That guy looking onto the camera keeps making me laugh!!LOL Hillarios

[@ustoopia]

Same here. Every single time he turned around I had to laugh. Hilarious,,

[@valiantmasayiti497]

Fucking hilarious 😂🤣😂😂🤣 reminded me of that Kevin hart scene

[@DJ_BROBOT]

exactly....he is doing this as if youre actually in the room with them....but its wild to watch.

[@joelramirez4688]

Mmmm mmhmm

[@justsayin4632]

It’s like he’s judging us for how much we spent on our setups😂

[@mikemmikem2758]

Aside from the moderator looking at the camera this is definitely one of the best technical presentations on speaker placement I've ever seen. It really makes sense to me. For example, I had a 5.2 Atlantic Technology many many years ago. My room is 14 L X12 W and I had tv and speakers next to the tv and my two subs (8") next to the tv (57" Sony) placed asymetrically. Seating was approx. 8' from tv. The calibration disc was a Sound and Vision one that really only measured the distance and volume with a SPL meter. The one thing I vividly remember about that setup was the bass you could feel in the chest. All from 2 8" subs. I remember having friends over and a guest commenting about the physical punch in his chest. I have been chasing that sound for over 25 years. Of all the times I've rearranged my sytem over the years I've never put my subs (2 SVS PB1000) on what is now side wall. I was about to do that but my AVR crapped out on me (Pioneer VSX 52.) That AVR had the MCACC calibration tool and the more I think about it, and read, there are definitely pros-cons about any speaker setup software. To be continued....

[@HailKingCeezer]

but that's what's so funny for me, i was hoping he would turn completely around and stare into the camera on the over the shoulder look 🤣

[@quar7]

He looking back like...." hmmm. Interesting...you hear that guys?" 🤣

[@simeonemascarpone]

😂 The other guy had a look that said. What the fuck is he constantly looking at. I'm talking here dude.

[@Vinyl-Movement]

Can not thank Roland Hoffmann enough. The 1/5 rule for speaker setup is pure gold. What a difference to my results before. Incredible room depth.

[@dynaudio]

🙏

[@joelpilotte5233]

I literally took advice from this video and have already seen a drastic improvement in the way sound fills my space. I used the 5:2 ratio and moved the speakers further from the rear walls. I thought I had a great sound stage before, but boy was I missing out. It is truly unbelievable how such small changes can have such a large impact. Thank you for posting this great discussion.

[@professionalyoutubecomment7272]

Haven't started watching the video, but I heard about a strange man looking at the camera. Now I'm more excited to watch the video!

[@FJBx100]

I'd really like to watch this video to the end but I'm terrified about the guy who randomly looks at me. It's creepy as hell.

[@dynaudio]

Don't worry, David. We'll have a transcript of the video soon. But... I've hidden a close up of me looking at you somewhere in it. Very suspenseful. Best horror experience of 2018. Promise 😂//Christopher.

[@arthurwatts1680]

ROFLMAO - we have a trigger-happy sociopath in the White House and you're 'terrified' that some guy in a *video* might randomly look at the camera ?? The Russians are fighting a proxy war with the US and its allies in Syria but, what the hell, I guess we have to prioritize our fears ;)

[@808j3]

I stayed a little longer to see it. LOL. 23:06

[@cafe80s]

808 J ...haha, that's a good look all the way back to the camera!

[@rogerhalt3991]

Like on the London tube, I instinctively looked away when he caught me looking XD

[@reginaldjeannotte8961]

I'm so glad I tried this method of speaker placement. With some modifications it's incredible what I am now hearing

[@dynaudio]

Great!

[@watchnerd]

Such a great educational resource. This reality-based approach, instead of mysticism, is one reason why I continue to use Dynaudio.

[@dynaudio]

Thanks, David 👏 I'm happy you like our way of approaching these topics. //Christopher.

[@SebastienPBoret]

What a great teacher ! Thank you Mr. Roland Hoffmann

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

THIS seems to me to be a ‘one of a kind’ on KZbin, presently. These are very real World - oriented examples, and the effecting and influencing factors that are discussed are the farthest reaching. Certainly, I could find a textbook, and go digging through the many pages to find a few mundane and monotonous calculations that are only going to give me a general hint at best and eventually lead me into doing huge amounts of mathematics then to only account for trivial artifacts that are dismissible. Grade A - PLUS discussion here! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING!!

[@carterwagner6459]

Jesus dude spit it out

[@b_r_i_z_z_y]

One of my favourite presentations on speaker placement, Ive come back to this a few times now. Thank you!

[@dynaudio]

Wow, that's great to hear, and definitely what we aim for - nothing more rewarding than a repeat customer 🙂

[@acsmichael]

Fantastic video. Simple. Straight forward. Comprehensive. Thank you.

[@twilightzonepinball]

I think you should do another video and just stare at the camera the whole time.🤩

[@Waitaminutesilly]

Focus 380 owner here. Love Dynaudio. Owned my speakers for 2 years and still experimenting with positioning.

[@MK1Records]

Great Video, thank you Dynaudio !

[@gotham61]

Useful advice. One trick I like to use for adjusting focus with a mono signal, is to simply connect both speakers to one channel of the amplifier. This also eliminates any variations in the phase or channel balance caused by the electronics. Make sure your amplifier is happy driving the lower impedance load first however! My favorite track for checking bass smoothness is Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. It has a bass solo that goes up and down the scale and extends extremely deep at points. It shows problems very quickly.

[@Mr83wesley]

OK, so this video is a gamechanger. I actually didn't realise my room was very nearly square until measuring. Using 8:5 rule and making equilateral triangle out of speakers and listening position everything has been brought into focus. I dare say things can be improved further, however its now 1am and I can't tear myself away! I have a lot of love for this man who cares enough to check we're still paying attention throughout the video. Thank you sir 🙏

[@l.mrteera]

The best video about speaker positioning!

[@jesuiskiwi4033]

Easily the most informative guide on speaker setup !

[@MartinLeschinski]

Outstanding input. Thank you guys!

[@societyofhighendaudio]

Thanks. It refreshed my memory of the past lesson of similar. Thumbs up

[@JingoLoBa57]

Very helpful presentation thank you. I just replaced my PMC Twenty26 with MB2SE much larger speakers. Starting position is same as the Twenty26. Measured the distance apart Centre to Centre at 3.2m. Perfect really. Thanks for the tip. Mine is a special case room because it is open at the back creating a shoebox rectangle with an arch divider halfway splitting the room into living area and dining area. I use the living area for tv projector movies and music with sep electronics for each. Walls are of concrete block. Lots of furniture cushions and a rug. Bass feels good at the LP.

[@andyandy2684]

Perfect!!! All questions that I would ask...were asked.

[@erictam7129]

I follow the 1/5 rule to set the speakers. It makes the bass and clarity improved. Everything comes into its place. Thanks for the tutorial video. Very helpful and informative even though I'm not using Dynaudio speaker.

[@benjaminlescoffier5070]

Best video I've seen on the subject, hands down. And I've seen a few. The graphs are a great help to understand what's up and how to go about placing your speakers. Thanks very much.

[@timr3563]

Informative video. One thing not mentioned in the section on square rooms was setting the speakers in a diagonal configuration. This removes a lot of the negatives issues associated with square rooms. If you have a square room, try it on a slow weekend.

[@hankhill5409]

I listen to a lot of people on KZbin talk about audio and 9 times out of 10 I ask myself, "Does this person really know what they are talking about"? I didn't ask myself that once during the video. Its excellent.

[@TEAMRUDRA]

Wow, that was some valuable information , Thank you so much for taking your effort and making a video like this.

[@ManosPairis]

Now that was very informative. Thank sfor the video guys.

[@jamesmarr8736]

It was a good perstaion he speaks well you can understand what he's says well done thank you for the video

[@BacktotheVinyl]

I'm a crusty old audiophile but still found new tips in this video. Thanks!

[@dynaudio]

That's perfect! 😎You're most welcome. //Viktorija

[@bobvaningen578]

Very helpfull advice. After fitting new tubes (all of them) my soundstage changed dramaticly so I started finding the new spots. So crazy a 4mm angle in tow out or in of the speakers changes everything in my room.

[@jcaff6963]

Thank you, Roland. I tried the one fifth rule on my setup (room is figure L reversed). What a difference. I first used a local, quality FM jazz station because some of the classics have a lot of bass performers. Then used some smooth jazz cds. I thought I had good bass from my speakers, but using your method I discovered so much more response. Mid and high frequencies also seemed clearer. Thanks, again, for your easy to follow instructions. I will be doing more experimenting to fine tune. John

[@dynaudio]

Thanks, John. We're glad to hear that the video was of use!

[@aspirinwhite]

Excellent. Thanks so much!!

[@dragui9932]

very interesting and useful. Thank you!

[@sebastienlapointe3582]

Relevant! Thanks!

[@MundoManu2049]

So so helpful. Such a great video!

[@birgerolofsson2347]

Great video with Good tips! Thanks!

[@TheNaka9]

How cares about the odd staring... the content is great, well presented and it sure addresses the right questions. I am not kidding, after watching the full video I went back to my listening room, applied the 1/5 rule, set toe-in, play a bit with the position of the chair and voilá, amazing soundstage and deep controlled bass came out. In 2 hours I got the results I was trying for months...Oh and my speakers are KEF LS50. Thanks a lot guys.

[@zyphryx9]

Great video. Very helpful for me as I am presently experimenting with speaker placement. The song recommendations for bass, kids, and highs are very helpful tip

[@dsartain3404]

Excellent and informative. When the presenter keeps looking at the camera, it gives it a cartoon-like quality. But definitely one of the best I’ve seen. Thanks Dynaudio!

[@realitytunnel]

Thanks this is really great. I've been messing around with speaker and listening placement for years and I find this 1/5th placement to be generally excellent!

[@dynaudio]

Happy to have been able to help 🙂

[@blech71]

Great video to keep in favorites to come back to time to time or when changing up rooms.

[@dynaudio]

Awesome. Thank you :-)

[@ravindrajahagirdar2701]

Fantastic info. Thank you.

[@Malamba4231]

The content is fantastic, really learned a lot. Thanks. The presentation...hmm. Just ignore us, talk to each other!

[@eliseomoran7388]

It is the most interesting explanation on the subject that I have ever seen. Thank you very much.

[@showyourteethmusic]

Measure from the front of the speaker was a mind blown moment for me lol

[@Exposedz]

Very good interview to the point, learned a lot thank you very much

[@twilightzonepinball]

This video is awesome, even the creepy look.

[@jeffsloane8628]

This is an outstanding video with tips on getting the most out of your stereo speakers.

[@dynaudio]

Thanks, Jeff. Glad you liked the content 👌 //Christopher.

[@rager2700]

This was very informative Mr. Roland Hoffmann giving godlike advice to the masses now i have to look for all videos with him to get all info possible, ill implement some of what i learned into my setup.

[@dynaudio]

I'm happy you liked Roland's advice. There are two other Ask the Expert videos with him on our channel: Active crossovers - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2O7hYSFZctqpJY&list=PLBuQeivjmn75-xCnwm8NFCFXlEoiMwQcC The principle of a Dynaudio tweeter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5PUgKeopLWqgM0&list=PLBuQeivjmn75-xCnwm8NFCFXlEoiMwQcC. Enjoy! 😌 //Christopher.

[@jasonraasch405]

This was great, especially the recommendations for specific tracks that you can use to tweak your loudspeaker placement. Thank you.

[@dynaudio]

Hi Jason, no problem - we're happy see you got some use from the video :)

[@sergeauclair2397]

A Master Class in speaker placement or a fishing story. :-) Seriously, you guys make awesome speakers and thank you for your advise.

[@hummerbeats]

great educational piece, thanks for the tips

[@umakantsahani6151]

great thank you so much

[@EduardoBach01]

Wow, the 68hz test is so damn good! I found a perfect position in my little system. If I seat about 30 cm distant from the wave, almost all the bass is gone. Fortunately, my couch is just in the right position, otherwise, I couldn't move it and I would get a problem.

[@MihaiMecea]

damn, that 5/8 ratio works well, thank you!

[@mrebear9758]

Christopher, you are a good sport!

[@cognacbraun1]

Great video, thanks a lot guys!

[@dynaudio]

You're most welcome. ☺️ I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😎

[@Joseph-Lau]

That’s a great class! The host asked a lot of good questions and the guest has great answers who was able to answer what would be happened when it was away from the norm. You know, It is easy to tell someone what is right without telling people why. I particularly like the breaking the symmetry idea which I never heard people say.

[@marcelochristofori8469]

amazing learned so much! tks a lot keep this videos happening pls!

[@dynaudio]

Happy to hear so, Marcelo! 😌 //Christopher.

[@Mike82ARP]

Great information. Thanks! I love my Focus 110.

[@dynaudio]

Thanks for the compliment & happy to hear 😊 // Lilli

[@nunopimentapaiva]

Dynaudio rocks and also this series. Thank you for creating such amazing speakers and also the ask the expert. Really useful. I have a Xeo 30 set and made all the difference to change the placement. I have now 2 placements with marks on the floor so I don't miss it. One for normal use and more close to the wall, so that my family does not fall on the speaker and another when I am alone in the perfect position. Both work well and the 8:5 rule and the 1/5 really works for me.

[@dynaudio]

Thanks so much, Nuno. We really appreciate it. And it's great that you found some tips in the video that you could use at home; that's what it's all about for us 👏 //Christopher.

[@new-knowledge8040]

Each of my speakers has 4 tweeters, 2 midrange, and 1 12" woofer. In my apartment the low frequencies were cancelling out. So I reversed the polarity of one woofer. What a difference. With this push pull setup, the low frequencies are fully active and they vary very little no matter where in the room you stand or sit.

[@gerjansteegstra8351]

Everything in your reply doesn't make sense!

[@trevorwilkie5937]

Very concrete, helpful and informative. Exactly the information I have been needing to understand my experiences with sitting position and get some ideas for finessing it. Practical talk that one can put to work immediately. Well done.

[@dynaudio]

Thanks, Trevor. Much appreciated 😌 //Christopher.

[@gee3883]

Thanks some good tips I wasn't aware of.

[@dynaudio]

Glad you liked the video, Graham. Have you had a chance to watch our latest Ask the Expert on speaker stands? 😌 //Christopher.

[@zogzog1063]

This sort of input is really appreciated from a serious audiophile. (PS I would swap my Triangle Cellos for Contours in an instant.)

[@dynaudio]

I'm happy to hear that, zog zog 👌 (Also the part about the Contours 😉) //Christopher

[@808j3]

THE BEST LOOK OF ALL 23:06 Does a 'love blink' too. HILARIOUS!

[@dynaudio]

Haha, you're not a big fan of my 'bedroom eyes,' are you 808 J? 😉 //Christopher.

[@808j3]

haha...being suggestive at the same time. Thanks for posting! 13:48 moan too!

[@dynaudio]

Anyhow. I'm just happy you were entertained - and had a couple of laughs along the way 😌 Hopefully you also found something useful in the video. //Christopher.

[@808j3]

That's a kind attitude. Yes, it was fun. As far as learning on the subject, it's one of those subjects that I switch off on when it goes into this much detail. Reminds me of school and the lessons I didn't understand. I think for me, I need small amounts of information at a time.. or I can feel overloaded. However, I value the product you make and the attention to detail. Excellence is something that I'm always inspired by. All the best. James.

[@NOVAISPERES]

😂😂😂😂

[@witchmonkey8745]

I was just going to take a bite of my sandwich, when the guy stared at me.. I put the sandwich down, I felt so rude..

[@HarshPandeyhp]

😂😂

[@thaexception3406]

Very informative!

[@Jettsboy]

Very good video I gained a lot from this and did the 1/5th as best I can in my small room perservered today and it now sounds great Thank you for info

[@wsk486]

What is 1/5th in measurements , sorry I not understand can simple it to me by inches or mm ! Tq

[@TombstoneTube]

Great content.

[@australia7898]

Amazing! Thanks a million, Roland. In my quite difficult listening room, I have used the track from Norah Jones (40:15) proposed by Roland (Almost everything on this recording is dead center). A few centimeters less distance between the loudspeakers, a little bit of toeing-in AND THERE WE GO! Dead on center. Jennifer Warnes' Bird on a wire as well sounds terrific now.

[@sonicaryman-adaptacjaakust9916]

Interesting episode, thanks

[@serkankocak]

Watched this on my Apple TV and really enjoyed it. I feel really educated by this - so thank you. Why am I pointing out the Apple TV? Well, it doesn't have the option to read comments so I fired up my computer just to come here and read all the comments about the rude and creepy looks into the camera while the expert is answering the questions.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Who cares?

[@EduardoBach01]

The 68hz test makes everything so much easier. And trust me, it's just a couple of centimeters that makes the bass appear or disappear.

[@rb032682]

Good stuff. I've also used "Get Lucky" to check my speakers. My son sent me the 88.2 studio masters of Random Access Memories. Great recordings.

[@dynaudio]

Fantastic choice. 😎 I am never getting tired of listening to Daft Punk.

[@youowemeapony]

A good choice, as it was one of the first modern pop records mixed with dynamic range, even before Spotify and streaming services helped mitigate the loudness wars. Mick Gazauski is a beast mix engineer, but the secret sauce is headroom for that glorious low end.

[@CORVUSMAXYMUS]

Great advice

[@hiozufacik]

I love the host.

[@fraicheness]

Invaluable content

[@LanciaD50]

Thank you guys

[@johanvergote7985]

Dynaudio speakers are the best!

[@E.Frey2002]

I want that dude in the room with me when I'm working and looking at me like that every once in a while. Like not ever saying anything, just like browsing twitter on his phone and giving me that exact look. My productivity going through the roof.

[@E.Frey2002]

Yes, I understand Christopher (I presume) wants us, the viewers to feel involved and being payed attention to. I really had a laugh when I saw the comments about people literally feeling uncomfortable from this. Well, it's because it's not easy to perform casually in front of a camera.

[@dynaudio]

😂

[@gregmartinez5836]

I love this channel, I always pick up something. Funny how he stares back at the camera every so often! Hilarious!

[@skip741x3]

Incredible level of well articulated info here! you got a new subscriber!

[@dynaudio]

Thanks 😌 We're happy to have you! Did you catch our latest Ask the Expert on stands? //Christopher.

[@keithturbin6768]

great video.

[@papermate8773]

The realworld examples were really helpful.

[@dynaudio]

Great to hear!

[@ustoopia]

I lolled every time the guy on the left looked to the camera. anyways, great video. thanks for the well explained info that I certainly learned from. good stuff. thumbs up.

[@fartpooboxohyeah8611]

Having bass absorption behind the speakers is never a bad thing, always a good thing, you can never have too many bass traps. I don't know what he means about certain frequencies in this context. For mixing applications, in small rooms, it's often beneficial to have the speakers as close to the front wall as you can get them as this helps with SBIR (Speaker Boundary Interference Response).

[@davidtull2388]

great video

[@jaysworld5378]

LOL, why does this dude keep looking at the camera? Dude, look at the person you invited and pay attention to him, he is pointing stuff out and you are missing it. Everytime he look as the camera, I give him a Thumbs Up!

[@dannysan8489]

i still dig the 48 yr old ALTEC A-500s i bought inj 72,,,they amp any music source!~ ,, even a transistor radio i saw the technician hook up to his A-500 components which he ordered to build his own cabinets ,,,they were equal to ALTEC Barcelonas when he finished em which were $1400.00 a pair in 1975. We had a wall of speakers for demos and you could try em am all , except for Klipsh which we did not carry and JBL was ok. Aand M records in Cali had four A-500s in their studio. I remember their albums were always crystal clear especially "THE CAPENTERS"

[@loplan4581]

Great, Roland is back. I like you are covering important topics like room accoustics. Btw, Kristoffer- the way you randomly look at the camera is hilarious

[@dynaudio]

Yeah, it's pretty peculiar; especially when Roland is behind me 😅Caught in the middle. //Christopher.

[@sometimesreviewsandthinkin5056]

Thank you it helped a lot as starting point

[@dynaudio]

👏 I'm happy you found the video useful, Andreas! //Christopher.

[@BreathEmpowerment]

I haven't tried it yet but you talking about specific tracks for bass listening immediately called "Longview" by Green Day to mind. Strong walking bass line with a good variety and easy to focus on. I would also think "Beastly" by Vulfpeck... or a lot of Vulf songs, Joe Dart is the MAN! I'm watching this before setting up my stereo in a different challenging room and had already planned on breaking in my new copy of Vulf Vault 001: Best of Antwaun Stanley once it's set up :) Great info, cheers! PS- Christopher stop staring into my soul 😂

[@isaacgarcia6626]

jajajajaja, I complete agree with you guys, I think he has a mirror un front and he likes his hair style... Seriously, its a good video and defines very well sound stage and the answer to such a simple and common question. Thanks for your work.

[@dynaudio]

haha 😆 I do like my hair style. But, it doesn't reflect in the lens unfortunately. And to be honest. I wasn't having the best hair day when we filmed this one... Glad you liked the content, Isaac. That's what matters most to us! //Christopher.

[@Agent-fg9ol]

Very informative video, definitely learned a lot.

[@dynaudio]

Fantastic, Richard. I'm happy you could use Roland's tips 👏 //Christopher.

[@pcm9969]

Very helpful video!

[@dynaudio]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!