When setting up a stereo system, you'd ideally want your receiver between the speakers so that it is out of the way of your drivers and is approximately equidistant from the left and right speaker. However, if space precludes you from storing the receiver between the speaker, where it's out of the way, you may have to place it in front of one or both of the speakers. Keep in mind a few simple rules and this won't negatively affect your audio.
Instructions
1. Place the receiver halfway between the speakers. If possible, avoid blocking either of the speakers by putting the receiver out in front of them in the space between them. Measure the space between the speakers and mark the halfway point with a piece of tape. Center the receiver on this halfway point.
2. Remove the grille from your speaker to see where the drivers are. With a floor-standing speaker, the drivers will likely be located toward the top of the speaker, close to your ear level when sitting down. This means that you'll be able to place the receiver on the floor in front of the speaker without directly blocking the drivers.
3. Place a small audio shelf in front of the speaker(s) so that the receiver is lower than the drivers. Try to place the receiver as close to the center point between the speakers as you can.
4. Cut a speaker wire for your left and right speaker. Ideally they should be the same length or very close to the same length, so that both speakers are getting the same audio at the same time.
5. Shut off the stereo receiver if it's on.
6. Connect each speaker to the receiver. Strip the ends of the speaker wire; connect the positive end from the positive speaker output on the receiver to the positive input terminal on the speaker and negative to negative. Then hook up the second speaker the same way.
7. Connect a source like a CD player or television to your stereo receiver with RCA cables, digital coax cable or another suitable connection.
8. Test the speakers. Sit down in your "sweet spot" between the speakers and test the sound. Adjust the angle and placement of the speakers and receiver until you've found the best possible sound.
Tags: between speakers, both speakers, front speaker, halfway point, left right