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Speaker distance from walls

Hi Abe, I've referenced this a few times relating to planars but it applies to all speakers.

In a Bell Labs study they determined that reflected sounds should be delayed from direct sounds by at least a 10 milliseconds for best definition and clarity. Fortunately sound travels at approximately 1' per millisecond so this makes calculations easier.

I first read about this relating to side walls. After locating the first reflection point on sidewalls it was suggested the distance from speaker to sidewall to listener's head should be at least 10' greater than the direct distance from speaker to listener. When this is not possible an absorption or diffraction (preferable) device should be placed at the sidewall reflection point.

Similarly with dipole speakers, they should be placed at least 5' out from the front wall so the back reflection will be delayed by 10 ms or more from direct sound from the front of the speaker. When closer placement is necessary then a diffraction device should be placed behind each speaker to reduce directly reflected sounds.

I'm not familiar with Soundlab but they appear to be well engineered, so they must have their reasons if they recommend around 3'. Anyone concerned about this should ask them.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

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