Small living room setup advice

[pixelandsoda]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to find the best place for my speakers and the HIFI rack. I've tried a few different options with the speakers's positioning e.g in the bay window (c), against the wall opposite to the window (a) and on the both side of the fireplace (b).

I was impressed by the sound with the speakers positioned on the wall (a), however it's on the way to the living room and the distance to my listing position in the armchair was too far.

I think the positioning agains the fireplace good listining results and the distance from the speakers to the sofa gives a decent listening experience, however the current position of the rack will resutlt with a pretty long speakers's cable (around 5m). What do you guys, think? What else would you guys with such a difficult, small, victorian listening space.

Thanks

 

[dosmalo]

The speakers need to come out a tad more into the room IMO.

 

[JoeESP9]

I would move them out so that the rear of a speaker is even with the edge of the rug. I would also spread them so that the inner cabinet walls are on the same line as the brick edges of the fireplace. Listen for a while and try different amounts of toe in. There will be differences in the soundstage. Settle on what you like the most.

Place the rack wherever you like. Personally, I don't like having gear between the speakers. So the front wall is out for me.

 

[Old Guy8]

Your diagram setup makes most sense to me. It's not ideal to have your ears so close to room boundary sitting on sofa.
I don't know what LENGTHS you want to go to perfect your listening experience. Moving sofa forward, would cramp the room. Moving the chair temporarily just in front of the sofa for listening sessions. Then back when finished. Or, replace sofa with easier to move chairs that could be farther from wall. Trial and error, move sitting and speakers forward and back. Toe in speakers.
I've used a reclined folding sling chair with headrest (for camping) for listening. Set in front of sofa. When not needed, easy to fold and remove. They are comfortable for me.
Or, if your not an audiophile, you may be able to just relax and enjoy the music.

 

[Lucky Pierre]

if that room were mine, I would swap the TV and the Sex Pistols; swap the armchair and sofa, and move the speakers to the TV wall. And maybe a shorter cabinet for your gear.

 

[gizzyman47]

I would place the speakers on the wall opposite the bay windows where you said it sounded best. Then when listening, just pull your chair out some. It's best to not sit right against a wall anyway. Not a lot of options in that room.

 

[Spitfirejoe]

I think Pierre and gizzyman have it figured out. Don't worry about longer speaker cables. Slide the speakers back out of the way when they aren't being used.