Whether you are using bookshelf speakers or other audio equipment, correct speaker placement is critical to getting the best sound quality. Often, people invest in high-end audio systems, however, they do not get the desired level of sound.
More often than not, the problem is not in the speaker but in the poor speaker placement.
Positioning the bookshelf speakers correctly makes all the difference, eliminating frequency build-ups and unwanted reflections.
A user will observe a huge difference in sound quality and clarity after adjusting it by a few inches. Learn how to set up bookshelf speakers correctly to enhance your listening experience.
Bookshelf Speaker Placement Guide
There is a common misunderstanding that the bookshelf speakers need to rest on an actual bookshelf. That’s not true, you can place it on a desk, speaker stand, or on top of a console.
Usually, the instruction manual offers helpful instructions on speaker placement. If the instructions are not given, the following guidelines will help you position the speakers correctly for optimized audio performance.
1. Plan the Layout of the Room
First off, set up the room and find the ideal location to position the speakers. Unfortunately, you can keep them anywhere in your music space, there ought to be a symmetry between speakers and your listening position.
Change the room setting, move the couch if you have to, and do not place them too close to the windows, glassware, or walls.
Getting Bluetooth bookshelf speakers ensures optimal placement without the need for cables.
2. Distance From the Wall
As per the rule of thumb, bookshelf speakers should be placed at least 50 cm away from the wall. Generally, people position them right against the wall or in a small corner to make room for other accessories.
It maximizes sound reflections and boundary interference. Furthermore, this type of placement leads to the ‘rumble effect, unwanted alterations, and impacts clarity.
Leave some space around the speaker and the wall and other furniture items to prevent bass buildup and unbalanced audio.
If you intend to place them nearest to the wall, buy a specially designed speaker with a front-firing or bottom-firing port.
3. Make an Equilateral Triangle
Start by determining where the ‘sweet spot’ would be, ideally, the center of the music space. In basic terms, this spot refers to the listening position where the person sits to listen to music or play games. This is the place where a person aims to create a balanced stereo sound.
It can be considered a focal point between a pair of bookshelf speakers. For the best audio performance, make an equilateral triangle between the key listening position (sweet spot) and the speakers.
Position bookshelf speakers on each side of the computer, turntable, or TV. Ensure that the distance between the bookshelf speakers is approximately the same as the distance from the sweet spot.
That being said, it is often impossible to create flawless room symmetry in a home audio setup. However, try to create a triangle and eliminate as many hurdles as you can to reduce the sound imbalance.
4. Ideal Space Between Speakers
Usually, users place bookshelf speakers either too close or too far apart from each other.
This kind of audio setup leads to muddy sound and poor audio performance. Many experts recommend keeping bookshelf speakers at least four feet apart.
5. Adjust the Angle
Lastly, it requires you to adjust the angle for a top-notch audio performance. Turn the audio equipment ‘toe-in’ for a balanced sound. Angle the bookshelf speakers inwards towards the listening chair.
Reduce the toe-in angle when you are partying with your friends to create a huge listening space.
Try adjusting the speakers at slightly different angles, after some trial and error, you will find the angle that yields better results. Alternatively, read the manufacturer’s instruction manual to know about the angle at which it should be placed.
6. Turn on the Speaker
After the setup is complete, turn up the speaker to test the audio. Confirm if it is producing the desired level of sound, moreover, check for issues like sound imbalance, overlapping, and reflections.
If the desired sound is not produced, make a few adjustments, change the angle slightly, and return to the listening position to analyze.
Expert Tips For Bookshelf Speaker Placement
- Clock Hand Rule – This golden rule will make you understand the bookshelf speaker placement better. These loudspeakers should be placed at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions, angling towards the sweet spot.
- Height of The Speaker – It is advisable to place these speakers at ear height. Use a speaker stand to position the audio devices so that the height of the speaker’s tweeter is nearly the same as your ear.
- Minimize the Vibration – Excessive vibrations could destroy sound clarity and transparency. Either use a stand or a decoupling material between the base of the speaker and the surface to minimize vibrations.
- Remove Objects Around the Speaker – It is tempting to decorate the cabinet or space around speakers with decor items. Some objects in close proximity to speakers may lead to unclear sounds.
Ways to Mount Bookshelf Speakers
There are a number of ways to mount bookshelf speakers using the
- Speaker stands
- Wall brackets
- TV stand
- Bookshelf
- Desk
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should bookshelf speakers be placed?
There are no hard and fast rules on placing bookshelf speakers only on bookshelves. They can be placed anywhere, on a speaker stand or a desk, as long as the angle is right. Follow the clock hand rule for ideal bookshelf speaker placement.
How high should you place bookshelf speakers?
Ideally, bookshelf speakers should be placed at nearly the same height as the listener’s ears. Roughly, these speakers need to be at the height of 36″ to 38″ or calculate the distance from your ear to the floor.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you got all the answers for the ideal speaker placement. Unfortunately, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ guide, however, it follows the standard triangle setup to maximize sound quality. After positioning the speakers, test the audio, and make adjustments if necessary.
Cian has 7 years of experience in the musical instruments industry. His press and research articles are published in many well-known journals. Cian is part of our product testing team so he knows the criteria for the best products. Here at sound keen cian covers how to set up instruments and selection criteria for new products.