Better home audio, Tip #3: Place your speakers properly

There are many ways to improve the sound of your system. And some of them don't require any additional expense. In this third installment of our better home audio series, we present the simple concept of optimal speaker placement. 

Place your speakers carefully
Your speakers are the "voice" of your system, and setting them up carefully can help you get the most out of your investment. Our article on positioning your speakers properly offers detailed placement instructions. But even after you've followed those suggestions, you may still be able to improve your setup with small adjustments. Have the member of your household with the most discerning ears sit in the main listening position, and check whether -

• the front speakers sound best facing directly into the room, or angled slightly inward toward the listener
• the center channel sounds better above or below the TV (assuming you have both options)
• your surround speakers are most effective when facing straight or angled toward the main listening position.

 When you take a little extra time to set up your speakers properly, your ears will thank you.

This post is based on the article "15 Tips for Better Sound from your Home System" by the Crutchfield Writing Team.