- Aug 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Before you start thinking about buying new equipment, take advantage of the full potential of the one you already have.
Proper speaker placement is the most effective and free upgrade to any audio system. Once you've chosen the right type of speakers for your space , it's time to position them so they can really shine.
We reveal five simple steps to optimize your setup and discover a new level of detail and spatiality in your music.
Five steps to superior sound
Step 1: Establishing a stereo triangle (the basis for the sound image)
This is the absolute foundation of any good setup. Start by placing your speakers and your main listening position in an equilateral triangle . This means that the distance between the left and right speakers should be approximately the same as the distance from each speaker to your ears. This geometry (also known as a 60-degree angle) allows the sound from both channels to meet harmoniously at the listener, creating a three-dimensional soundstage with clearly defined instruments in the space.
Once you have that baseline, the experimentation begins. Many manufacturers and audiophiles recommend trying to sit a little further back for an even more realistic and immersive soundstage. The rule of thumb is that your listening distance should be at least 1.2 times the distance between the speakers . This may result in an even wider and more "open" sound, so it's definitely worth trying both placements.
Step 2: Dancing with the back wall (bass volume and definition)
The distance of the speakers from the wall behind them directly affects the amount and quality of bass. The closer the speaker is to the wall, the more emphasis the bass will have. This can be helpful if you find the sound too thin, but it often leads to a flat and imprecise bass. Start by placing the speakers about a meter from the wall , then gradually move them back until you find a point where the bass is full but still defined and fast.
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But what if your space simply doesn't allow you to place your speakers that far from the wall?
Here comes the brilliant exception that proves the rule: the Swedish speakers Guru Audio . Their entire philosophy is designed exactly the opposite of most. Instead of fighting the wall, they use it to their advantage ; their unique design allows the sound to bounce off the wall and blend harmoniously with the direct sound, creating an extremely precise and musical bass without distortion. Models such as the Guru 8 or Guru Q10 are therefore the ideal solution for rooms where the speakers must be placed right next to the wall.
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Step 3: The Art of "toe-in" (focus sharpness and image width)
"Toe-in" is the term for turning the speakers inward, towards the listening position. This directly affects the soundstage. Start with a setup where the speakers are pointed straight ahead. Then gradually turn them inward. A larger angle of rotation will create a narrower but more sharply focused soundstage, which is great for vocals. A smaller angle will create a wider and more airy soundstage.
There is no right answer here ; find the balance that works best for you and your music.
Step 4: Correct pitch (vertical straightness)
For the most natural sound reproduction, especially vocals, the tweeter of the speaker should be approximately at the height of your ears when you are sitting in the listening position. With freestanding speakers, this is usually already ensured. With bookshelf speakers, however, this is a key reason to use dedicated speaker stands , such as the Norstone Stylum . Placing it on a cabinet that is too low will result in a muffled sound and a poorer soundstage.
Step 5: Symmetry and first reflections (clarity and balance)
Try to ensure that the left and right speakers have as similar an acoustic environment as possible . If one speaker is in a corner and the other is in an open space, the sound image will be unbalanced. Also, try to limit the first reflections from smooth surfaces. A simple "mirror trick" can help: sit in the listening position and have an assistant slide a mirror along the side wall. The point of the first reflection is where you see the tweeter in the mirror, which is a good place to cover with a picture, bookshelf, or dedicated absorbers.
When you need the finishing touch
Once you have the basic setup in place, you can further enhance the sound with dedicated accessories. Speaker stands like the Norstone Stylum are more than just furniture ; their solid construction and sand-filling capability dampen vibrations and provide a stable base.
The ultimate improvement is provided by isolation feet and pads . Their task is to "decouple" or isolate the speaker or audio component from the substrate. This prevents the transmission of unwanted vibrations, which is directly reflected in improved midrange clarity and significantly more defined and accurate bass.
Your ears are your most important instrument.
Speaker placement is not an exact science, but a process of finding the optimal spot for your space and your personal taste.
Use these instructions as a starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment.
Move the speakers, listen, and trust your ears. The best setup is the one that sounds best to you.
If you want to hear how big a difference it can make, or if you need advice on choosing the right stands and accessories, we invite you to a demonstration in our showroom . Together, we will make sure your system sounds better than ever.
