What is the best listening distance in theory?

[Philbo King]

It depends on the music. For example, Celine Dion: Recommended minimum listening distance = 12km

 

[Flaesh]

4.2 m between corner speakers. It would be interesting to try to increase the distance, but the walls prevent this.

 

[Puddingbuks]

I would say I prefer an equilateral triangle where each side is about 3 to 5 meters.

An isosceles triangle is also OK, if the differences in sides (listening distance) aren’t too much, so not 3-4 meters between the speakers and the listening position being 7-8 meters.

 

[Arindal]

An isosceles triangle is also OK, if the differences in sides (listening distance) aren’t too much,

Agreed. In practice, I would recommend to alter the ratio in the +-10..20% region and give it a try.

Many audiophiles seemingly prefer the isosceles triangle with smaller base distance speaker-speaker, for the simple fact it improves phantom localization stability in case of problematic early reflections. It helps our brain to perceive phantom sources as ´holographic mono´, but usually that comes at a price of deteriorated ambience or depth-of-field.

 

[Heinrich]

Agreed. In practice, I would recommend to alter the ratio in the +-10..20% region and give it a try.

Many audiophiles seemingly prefer the isosceles triangle with smaller base distance speaker-speaker, for the simple fact it improves phantom localization stability in case of problematic early reflections. It helps our brain to perceive phantom sources as ´holographic mono´, but usually that comes at a price of deteriorated ambience or depth-of-field.

I hope you exclude me when talking of "our brain"; you won't have mine. At least you mention preference as key at least for audiophiles. I wonder why the o/p doesn't just try it out, finds what suits them best, maybe depending on genre and recording. In case that's so important, considering phantom localization stability, early reflection. phantom sources as ´holographic mono´, deteriorated ambience and depth-of-field.

Sorry, couldn't resist

 

[Cbdb2]

Far enough that you cant localize the drivers, or modify the FR, for one. If your 2' from the tweeter and 4' from the woofers your speaker will sound brighter than it should Which implies speakers with more distance between the drivers need more distance. Kind of a make sure your in the "far field" thing

 

[Waveform Fidelity]

I would pick the distance such that the C80 clarity index is between 4-8dB

 

[RayDunzl]

Ten feet.

 

[Flaesh]

I would pick the distance such that the C80 clarity index is between 4-8dB

Unexpected! IIRC the old hi-fi primer recommended 10 dB or more. May be even for C50(?).
At least we consider a D50 index of 90% and more to be normal for far-field systems in normal living rooms.

 

[tmuikku]

Hi Mile,

you probably noticed people seem all over the map on this, someone people want sound that extends beyond speakers, "spacious" but bit undefined it is. Some want better localization so sharper image more involving sound. Luckily, there is no need to choose one but we can swap between by moving ourselves closer or further from speakers when ever you feel like.

If you want single listening spot, I'd put the chair at distance where I think the perception of sound changes from "spacious" to "focused", as this shift seems to be property of our own auditory system not so easily measured with tape measure or with a mic. Sitting there you can lean forward to zoom in to the recording if you want to, or lean back for relaxed sound. In any case, now you know this place you'd just get closer, or further at will to change the sound.

Here how to listen at which distance this is in your place with your system:

Put on mono noise for strong phantom center image. Then, concentrate listening the phantom center, eyes closed. First go other side of the room, start listening. The phantom center likely seems big, is localized somewhere where the speakers are, has kind of a hazy undefined roomy sound to it. Then start moving closer to speakers staying centerline, equidistant to both speakers. As you move, try and hear the phantom center shrink and collapse in to a small blob or even a point, and more definition to it. This could be quite close to speakers. You could move all the way right between speakers to hear what it sounds like. Now start moving back, further away from speakers and try to hear if the phantom center image gets less defined again. Move back and forth to learn what you perceive, how you perceive the phantom center change with listening distance. Adjust toe-in, spacing of speakers if you will and just repeat this experiment until you find your favorite sound(s) = distance(s).

If you find a particular distance where the phantom center seems to collapse quite sudden, try moving back and forth there to confirm. Here your auditory system switches state like on/off switch, pays involuntary attention to direct sound providing clear image and localization, or not giving spacious unfocused sound. Mark this distance down start listening to music, just experiment what you prefer. Some recordings seem to sound better on either side, some nice on both, and sometimes one might prefer relaxed sound, and sometimes want to dive in. Mobile listening position provides advantage, sound changes at will

ps. try this trick in any room with any speakers. You likely learn to listen this phenomenon right away with any sound source.

edit. I had huge post here, removed it. If someone wants more on this stuff just do a search with "Griesinger".