Start from the listening seat
Arrange a stereo pair so the listening position is sensibly centred between them, following the manufacturer’s placement advice. Keep both speakers at a comparable height where practical. Avoid judging the result while standing beside one cabinet.
Change the boundary distance
Compare the sound with a little more or less space from the wall, within the product’s instructions. Corners, shelves and nearby surfaces affect the result differently. Keep notes and move one thing at a time rather than changing placement and equaliser settings together.
Use familiar material
Choose a familiar voice recording and a few songs at a moderate, consistent level. Listen for speech clarity and balance, not just more bass. Secure stands and cables, and make sure the arrangement remains safe around children, pets and walkways.
