GDHAL wrote:
When you mention "a bit further" apart and forward, I presume we are speaking of 6 inches or there-about. Meaning 3 inches closer to the side walls for each speaker and 6 inches forward for both. I would like to maintain the seating position, as that is also optimized for the television (I'm somewhere right between THX and SMPTE recommendations). Therefore, I would need to adjust the toe-in as well.

As to using a blanket, I gather this would be to deaden the sound. Let's assume a blanket or some kind of covering makes a difference. Then in that case I could opt to leave the speakers where they are and cover the television upon listening. More often than not I listen to music without the video.

And when you write that it will affect imaging, my assumption is you mean it will affect it in a *negative* way, correct?

As to moving the speakers further apart, obviously that can be done, but I've always operated under the premise that further away from the walls is always preferable.

Also, the speakers are already 7 feet from the PLP and offhand I think further away is preferable because it allows the sound to "develop".

@Moderator, assume for the moment there was no television between the speakers. What is your opinion of their placement in that case? If absorption over the front panel is the key so as to avoid reflective sound from the screen of the television, perhaps there are coverings (such as the "bag" that the television came in, similar to the ones the T Refs come wrapped in) that could produce improvement and at the same time be very easy to take on/off. Just curious.

OK, let me try to answer each of your questions ...

I was suggesting you experiment with moving the speakers a bit further apart to get them further away from the TV's refllective surface. And yes, adjust toe-in accordingly.

Yes, if the blanket makes a difference and leaving it on for music listening works for you, then yes, leave the speakers where they are (where you like them). And yes, I was not suggesting the TV reflections would make things better...

Further away from side walls is preferable, but not if it causes issues with reflections from the TV, this is a simple process of give and take to find the best solution.

Listening distance is not a big issue if the speakers are spaced appropriately for the distance.

Placement sans-TV looks good. I suggested a blanket because anything thinner will allow the sound waves to travel right through and still reflect off the screen. A nice, pretty, folded blanket to take on and off the TV is a simple solution (if it makes a difference).

Thank you @Moderator.

I shall try some degree of subtle rearrangement based on your recommendation(s) in an attempt to tweak the sound.

My preference will be not to have the television covered on a regular (music only) basis. That said, I can experiment with a wool army blanket on/off and try and determine which I prefer. I'll also move the speakers a few inches forward and toward the side walls so as to further avoid the television reflective surface (if left uncovered).

Understood - make sure to share your results with the family.

GDHAL wrote: In your case of going from 200 wpc to 300, in all likelihood this was an entirely different amp. So the differences you’re detecting may not necessarily be a result of the increased wattage capacity.

In general I agree with you that more power is better. However, I’ve heard quite a few tube amps that are rated at or below 25 wpc and they sound terrific. Granted the rest of the system was “hi-end”.

GDHAL, I just spent a lot of time working on the math of amplifier power and slew rates and signal behavior. I fully expected to prove that power made better sound just because the amp was faster. I came to the opposite conclusion: that it really is just a matter of having extra headroom. I don't think there's anything inherent in having more power that would produce the change I heard going from 200 W to 300 W. So I agree with you, it has to be the fact that the new amps are much better than the old one.

I can now understand why a very good 25 W amp can sound excellent. There may not be as much headroom there, but everything below the limit should be pretty good.

So, would I go to a low powered amp? No, I think I like my headroom, even if I rarely -- or even never -- use it.

Charlie

Moderator wrote: Understood - make sure to share your results with the family.

@Moderator, to date I've done some experimentation and have decided that your recommendation to move the speakers a bit further apart and further in front of the television *IS* definitely worthwhile, advantageous and simply "better".

So, please accept a sincere "thank you" for your recommendation. Eventually I'll post a before/after pic.

I moved the speakers approximately 5 inches (each) closer to the side walls and forward. I've adjusted toe in rather dramatically as well, but still maintain the equilateral triangle and "Sandy rule" of intersection point being directly behind the head. I am realizing (audible) improved imaging. I'm also realizing the weight of the speakers with the spikes on has punctured small holes in my carper/floor, but this is another story. I've also found a very (and I mean extremely) safe way to move the speakers on my own with the spikes on.

I have experimented with a quality wool army blanket both on and off the television screen. I prefer the blanket OFF. However, I am adding and re-adjusting existing foam absorption panels/clouds on the side walls and ceilings. When I say I prefer it off, this is to say I can hear a difference (albeit very subtle) when on versus off, and prefer the added reflection and overall "effect" of the screen - for good or bad. I might add it is inconvenient to remove and put on a blanket, and looks a whole lot better off.

Another side benefit which I didn't anticipate is that I can play at slightly (1 - 2 db) lower volume because I'm now physically sitting closer to the speakers. This makes for a more neighbor friendly arrangement.

All in all, I like the change.

GDHAL wrote: I have experimented with a quality wool army blanket both on and off the television screen. I prefer the blanket OFF. However, I am adding and re-adjusting existing foam absorption panels/clouds on the side walls and ceilings. When I say I prefer it off, this is to say I can hear a difference (albeit very subtle) when on versus off, and prefer the added reflection and overall "effect" of the screen - for good or bad. I might add it is inconvenient to remove and put on a blanket, and looks a whole lot better off.

GDHAL, thanks for the report. You are definitely closer to my setup, and I love the imaging I get.

One thought on the blanket test. The blanket is going to also absorb and decrease the level of the higher frequency ambient reflections in the room. This may partly account for the difference you were hearing.

Charlie