When I look at the wonderful collection of system photos from our HiFi Family photo album, the one thing I notice is that most people place their electronics stack between the speakers.
I too do this when at a tradeshow, but almost never do this in my personal or reference system if I can help it. In fact, for many years, almost no one would consider placing their electronics in the center of the front wall and between the speakers.
Before there were remote controls, it would have been a real pain in the keester to have to jump up and down to change volume levels for each track.
I understand most folks don’t have the luxury of extra real estate to be able to put their electronic stack to the side, and some are anxious to keep their cable lengths short, but I am guessing there’s also another reason.
We like to see the equipment when music’s playing. After all, most of us own some pretty cool looking gear.
So here’s the thing. My recommendation is to keep the equipment stack—or anything for that matter—out from between the speakers. Equipment racks, tables, television sets, all wreak some level of sonic havoc.
It’s not always easy nor convenient, but if you can manage, put the shelf-full of kit off to the side.
