The importance of the listening environment in Hi-Fi

The factors that distinguish the performance of a Hi-Fi system are countless. The ones we think of first consist of electronics and cables. Which in turn are divided into a variety of types: amplifiers, speakers, sources and more in the first case; power cables, Speaker , INTERCONNECT and so on in the second. Added to this are the variables manufacturer, model, wear and tear and, really, you name it. To the delight of audiophiles, there is plenty to indulge in as far as tests and trials to be had. One element, however, is often forgotten, perhaps intentionally, since it is the one on which it is most difficult to intervene. We're talking about the listening environment in Hi-Fi, an environment whose importance the ancient Greeks realized early on; just think of to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, which boasts perfect and impressive acoustics even today. Here, then, are four general tips for improving yours.

It is about the advice that is capable of agreeing with more or less everyone. The listening triangle is one that should be formed by having the two acoustic speakers and the listener's head as the points of an equilateral triangle. Symmetry should be total, just as it is important that the height at which the speakers, particularly the tweeter, are placed is the same as that of the listener. Some audiophiles, however, prefer a set-up that is close to the shape of an isosceles triangle; as we wrote in the introduction, there are so many variables, so what we can recommend is to carry out tests far and wide, to figure out which formation is best according to your Hi-Fi listening environment and your taste. In any case, the preferable shape of the listening room is undoubtedly rectangular, whether you opt for the isosceles triangle or the equilateral triangle, since behind you, as well as behind the speakers, it is advisable to preserve some distance.

Absorption of sound waves is what we need to work on if we encounter excessively sharp high frequencies in our Hi-Fi system. Fortunately, this is something we can do with objects present in everyday life. Curtains, book shelves, and pictures are all good for our purpose, as long as they are free of any reflective glass tops. You can think about buying sound-absorbing panels, now found in many specialty stores, but you can also get decent results with the tools mentioned above, getting feedback without reaching into your wallet. With excess bass, the solution to the problem becomes a bit more complicated.

Should you hear too pronounced low frequencies, or notice real rumble, you should try moving the furniture or at least intervene with carpets. There are specific ones for this purpose, always available in specialty stores. In case the expense seems large to you, you can always decline on the carpets you have at home, giving preference to thick, long-pile ones. Finally, furniture can be an ally in smoothing out the corners of the room. If possible, place a piece of furniture at a 45-degree angle or a bookcase placed sideways, or at least a plant, to reduce overly pronounced reflections.

The materials around us contribute greatly to the sound performance of the system in the Hi-Fi listening environment. Unfortunately, however, in case we encounter problems because of them, we will often have to spend not inconsiderable sums of money. Let's talk, for example, about the walls. The thicker and more solid they are, the better, both for the impact of low frequencies and to achieve good isolation. If yours is a plasterboard wall, the vibrations will be very high and the sound will be substantially compromised. The same vibration problem also applies to doors and windows; it is best to avoid them near the corners of the room and to avoid them being covered with curtains, especially the latter.

The wall to pay most attention to is the one behind the speakers. Good acoustic treatment of this part of the room ensures excellent results. In general, it is good to respect the symmetry of the furniture, including that of a few possible (and recommended) paintings on the side walls with respect to the listening point. Let us now consider, instead, the floors, for which the best material is wood. The worst, however, are marble ones (too reflective) or carpeted ones (very absorbent). Fortunately, in this case we will not have to improvise as skilled carpenters, but much less will suffice. In cases of tile or marble floors, in fact, a thick carpet between the speakers and the listening point will significantly reduce problems. In general, reflective surfaces should be avoided as much as possible.

We think of walls primarily as a problem to be solved. This is partially true. Most loudspeakers are designed to enjoy some space between them and the walls, so that the sound can come directly from there rather than, by reflection, from the walls of the room we are in. So keeping a certain space between the walls and the speakers is always a prerequisite for good acoustic performance of our Hi-Fi system.

At the same time, when the level of the electronics rises to at least good, the three-dimensionality of the stage and sound image comes into play. Sound image is the illusion of having a full-fledged soundstage in front of you, which therefore has its own width, height, and depth. A "positive" exploitation of the walls can yield excellent results in improving these characteristics. Returning to the subject of curtains, there are at least two positions that improve imaging: the first is on the side walls, midway between the speakers and the listening point; the second is immediately behind the listening point, however, behind us. We point out that there are also ad hoc panels designed precisely for this purpose.

To all these considerations, a few final ones must be added. The first is that the higher the level of the system, the more sensitive it will be to any modifications made. Conversely, if you have a poorly performing Hi-Fi system, you are unlikely to be able to work miracles, even if you take all possible measures. However, it must be said that a good system, put in a position to give its best, will be able to give satisfaction to the listener; at the same time, a resounding Hi-Fi system placed in a room that is acoustically bad will be extremely disappointing to listen to.

The second point we want to make is that, on this occasion perhaps even more than on others, lengthy tests to be carried out are the fundamental starting point for figuring out how to move. So put your brain in a position to focus exclusively on sound. Don't take anything for granted (by opening or closing the doors to your room) and try listening sessions with the same settings fragmented over a fairly long period of time, avoiding "on and off." Finally, do not forget the importance of the Hi-Fi listening environment not only from a sound point of view, but also from the point of view of emotional impact.

Before we leave you to explore our catalog, we want to confide a tidbit. Some people claim that glasses improve listening, since, by reflecting the signal, they ensure that part of it coming from the right speaker does not reach the left ear, and vice versa. This would benefit the lateral width of the image. Will this be true? We think not, but it costs nothing to try....