Speaker Placement with Bob Robbins

[@jimshaw899]

A few years ago, I saw Bob's presentation (on YT I think). It makes much sense and was most logical and helpful. Just a couple of issues for me: 1. When I am in my listening chair and listening to (what's foolishly called) 'audiophile music,' I just cannot help hearing two speakers. But sitting nearby is a set of blindfolds (I liberated from an airline trip). When I put those on, the speakers instantly disappear. The music takes on a depth and width well beyond the speakers' placement. If I take them off, I'm back to hearing two speakers with some music in between. I just can't seem to override my vision, even though I'm a musician and regular classical concert and jazz club attendee. What's with that? 2. My listening room is fairly long at 32', wide at 16', and 17' tall -- but because everything keys off a freestanding fireplace in a front corner, the speakers are placed about 9' apart, one on each side of that fireplace, 3 feet from the nearest wall. Lots of upholstered furniture, grand piano, carpeted open stairs... What's a mother to do with a room that's all arranged on the diagonal? I've never seen an expert talk about this -- probably because it isn't common. I'm not complaining about the music, just wondering how this impacts the reasoning of experts like Bob. I'm not looking for a free consult; just airing issues I have to listen with. :)

[@audioarkitekts]

I can take the first question, hopefully Bob can jump on for the second. We are looking at something called confirmation bias. So when you're looking at the speakers, your mind is telling you that there are two speakers producing sound so your ears and brain perceive it that way. When you blindfold yourself, that is actually what you're listening to without any outside interference.

[@bobrobbins5652]

Years ago at RMAF, one of the best sounding rooms I heard was Joseph Audio"s - and he had his speakers set on the diagonal! This setup technique works just as well with a diagonal orientation as it does with conventional arrangements. The sonic keys of bass, midrange tonality, image specificity, and spatiality are all achievable.

[@akischrisovelides5365]

I own Wilson Audio Yvette speakers, which I am immensely happy with. They are my first WA speakers and were setup following the WASP process. I came across the Sumiko speaker positioning method, via Bob's video on KZbin, and was intrigued. As I am UK based so my only (realistic) option was to purchase Bob's setup guide and to ask him any questions via email. The 50 bucks does not just buy you a pdf (for a method that is freely available on the internet), it gives you access to Bob, which for me was invaluable in trying to implement the method remotely. If I was US based I would not hesitate in getting Bob over to my home, for him to implement and for me to learn from. So, does it work? Absolutely. Will it intuitively make sense to you? Mostly but in places you have to forget some old prejudices e.g. absolute symmetry between left and right speakers. You have to allocate adequate time (a lot of time) and carry out each step methodically - with enough attention to detail. For me, it took several days, with breaks in between to rest my ears and my mind. I used masking tape to mark my started position speaker placement, just in case I wanted to revert back. My first pass was rushed, as I was eager to check whether the process works and was worth perusing. It was. BUT only when I slowed down and implement fully did I get to an OMG moment. I was amazed with the difference. So much so, I wanted to write this review. The gate speaker needs much smaller adjustments, which take time. Although there are multiple bass-node positions for the anchor speaker, there is only one position (for each bass node) with the gate speaker. AND it is easy to miss it through rushing. I’m not going to go into the detail of what I asked Bob during the process as this might play to people not wanting to bother with paying Bob his 50 bucks; instead getting what they need from his KZbin video and reading reviews. I am gobsmacked by the difference this method makes. Based on my experience, I would have no hesitation in recommending people see for themselves what difference this makes to their current system, before and above anything else (by way of upgrades). Buy the guide and communicate with Bob on any specifics you have. Better still, pay him to come to your place and setup your speakers for you. Method definitely works. You need a lot of time!

[@uccelino]

Very interesting interview. Thanks!

[@ranbymonkeys2384]

The speakers shouldn't be against any wall. You should start with the speakers almost directly to left and right of the listening spot and move them away from you until you find the "sweet spot" instead of moving them toward yourself trying to find the "sweet spot". It's just simply easier that way.

[@rmzidann]

At 5:20, he’s spit on. Placing the speakers along the long wall open up the sound stage and drops the perceived noise floor due to significant delays in sidewall early reflections.

[@zenrand688]

My speakers are 200lbs each - moving them a millimeter at a time would take me days. Does anyone really do this?