Rack Placement

[2-Channel]

Originally Posted by Stillone

If it is on the back wall you are going to have problems changing tracks or sources with your remotes and also seeing a monitor for those who use one with a server.

Agreed. Those are major obstacles.

I almost believe that every scenario has inherent compromises. Rack placement on the front wall, the side wall, the rear wall or in different room altogether will address some type of issue while creating yet another.

Room restrictions aside given that this thread was about a non restricting scenario, I think I would opt for a side wall placement beyond the first reflection spot. It affords visual enjoyment of the system components, a short walk from the seating, and breathing room for the front speakers. I like those benefits, particularly if vinyl plays a big role in the music listening experience. For me, today's TT's are beautiful pieces of art: very special indeed. I'd want to be able to see my TT in action albeit to the side of my seating.

[crytklmass]

just curious. *scratch head* If you placed all your equipment on a rack in the middle but placed the speakers.. ummm, say 5 feet in front of the wall, that would place it will ahead of the rack located in the center of the room. Would that still be a problem? I was thinking of doing that when I move my gear back into my basement. Just a theory...

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

just curious. *scratch head* If you placed all your equipment on a rack in the middle but placed the speakers.. ummm, say 5 feet in front of the wall, that would place it will ahead of the rack located in the center of the room. Would that still be a problem? I was thinking of doing that when I move my gear back into my basement. Just a theory...

I think that would take care of most of the issues. You might still have an issue with how the sound reflects off the rack in the position as you describe, but no more than worrying about how it reflects or is absorbed by the wall and whatever is already there.

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by crytklmass

just curious. *scratch head* If you placed all your equipment on a rack in the middle but placed the speakers.. ummm, say 5 feet in front of the wall, that would place it will ahead of the rack located in the center of the room. Would that still be a problem? I was thinking of doing that when I move my gear back into my basement. Just a theory...

My system is set up like this. I have Martin Logan's and correct placement is nearly 5 foot off the front wall. There is a noticeable buildup in bass in the front quarter of the room which I'm sure can't be all that great for the gear even with all the vibration control installed.

When I placed the rack in the "dead center" of the room on a side wall, which is the null point if I have my term correct, the presentation was stunning even without vib control.

Gordon

[beerdraft]

I wonder how much of option one not being a good option has to do with the amount of vibration as mentioned above caused on the front wall. I don't think it has much to do with the components getting in the way of anything but more to do with the music noise being so much a factor between the speakers. I don't know how the stereo image is created without reflections but it is my understanding you don't wan to hear or have reflections on the front. I have the RPG defractals on my front wall and they supposedly heat up and difuse the sound as it gets caught up so you don't get a reflection. That said my rack is pretty tall and I can hear clear behind it like its not there. Don't understand that either.

[McPlanar]

Originally Posted by TommyC

One can always put the power amps in between the speakers and run a set of balanced cable from the preamp (which can be situated at the side of the room). This is what balanced cable are made for, to run long distance. I believe this will be the best compromise.

I could set my rack on a side wall like this but my cable cost would go through the roof. Right now I'm using a 0.5M Cardas Golden Reference XLR from my preamp to the amp and the sticker on that is $816. I would need to go to a 5M run and that would come in at $3714. Even with a 20% discount that would be pretty steep. Plus I would have to get a nice amp rack so add that to the total. I guess I will have to suffer with what I have. That would look sweet though! Maybe someday.