Speaker placement can change a stereo system more dramatically than many component upgrades. Small movements affect bass balance, stereo imaging and the relationship between direct sound and room reflections.
Start with a symmetrical layout
Try to place the left and right speakers in broadly similar surroundings. If one speaker is close to a corner and the other opens into a large space, bass and imaging can become uneven.
A good starting point is an equilateral or slightly elongated triangle: the distance between the speakers is similar to the distance from each speaker to the listening position.
Move speakers away from the wall
Walls reinforce low frequencies. Moving a speaker closer to the rear wall usually increases perceived bass, while bringing it further into the room often tightens the low end and improves depth through the stereo image.
Rear-ported speakers can be particularly sensitive to this. There is no universal minimum distance, so treat the manufacturer’s recommendation as a starting point rather than a fixed rule.
Set tweeters near ear height
For conventional bookshelf speakers, stands are useful because they put the tweeter near seated ear height and provide a stable platform. Floorstanders are normally designed with this height relationship already built in.
Experiment with toe-in
Toe-in means angling the speakers towards the listening position. More toe-in often sharpens the centre image and increases high-frequency energy at the seat. Less toe-in can make the soundstage feel wider. Start with both speakers aimed just outside your shoulders and adjust in small increments.
Avoid sitting exactly halfway along the room
Room modes can create strong peaks and dips in bass response. The exact centre of a rectangular room is often problematic. Moving the listening seat forward or backward by even 20–30 cm can produce a useful improvement.
Make one change at a time
Move both speakers by the same amount, listen, then decide whether the change helped. Once the bass balance is sensible, adjust speaker spacing and toe-in for imaging. Only after the geometry is working should you make smaller refinements.
Good placement costs nothing and gives every speaker—from a compact B1 to a larger floorstander—the best chance of performing as intended.