As attested to in other parts of the forum, getting the sound right in any room has just as much to do with room interaction as it does with the reproduction equipment – a little spent on room treatment can go a long way.

With mid and high frequencies, there can be reflections and multiple signal paths in a room that detract from the accuracy and intelligibility of the sound. For the lower frequencies, there are the added troubles of room resonances and standing waves in different places that result, depending on frequency, in near nulls or huge boosts in sound pressure level.

Without room treatment, what’s a poor person to do? Even on a small budget, an SPL meter is a worthwhile investment. Some reputable free versions of software can allow you to generate tones. While sine waves have disadvantages in some ways, they can be very helpful in others. One can set up steady tones or slow sweeps through the subwoofer range and watch the SPL meter as one moves the meter horizontally and vertically from listening point to listening point. (Aside: I’m not one that says, “if I have consistent levels in the middle of the room 3.5 feet above the floor, I have the best sound in this room.”) Moving the subwoofer a foot at a time, then 6 inches at a time, then 3, 2 or 1 inch at a time and watching the meter at various low frequencies as one moves the meter through the same listening positions over and over again can help a person determine which subwoofer location presents the least variance in overall level. Likely one can reduce wide variances, but it is unlikely that anyone can achieve, without additional treatment, a near flat response in multiple seating positions. Go for reduced variance in the more likely listening positions.

Once you have found the best compromise position for a subwoofer, the level setting(s) for your subwoofer will probably need some adjustment once again. Whether automated or by manual means, placing the meter’s microphone, or the auto EQ microphone, at a point of least variance, and in the most likely listening positions, is best. Some auto EQ equipment will allow the user to obtain ‘readings’ at more than one point and then make adjustments to tame the worst of any variances. If your budget and significant other allow, room treatment would be the next step.

If one expects perfection, they are likely in for disappointment. On the other hand, one can obtain meaningful improvement by reigning in nulls and peaks with the methods they have at hand.