You�ll notice that the Tuned Reference monitors are physically identical. When used in a stereo configuration, there is no physical or acoustic distinction between the left and right speakers. Note, too, that the cabinets can sit vertically or horizontally without regard for performance, so long as both cabinets are situated in the same direction. When placing them in a horizontal position, orient the cabinets with the high frequency drivers pointing to the outside, away from each other. Since each cabinet�s bass port is front-mounted, you can position the monitors near a wall (or even in a wall) without fear of blocking the port, which would compromise the bass response. Your monitors should be placed on a stable surface at about ear level. A typical location would be slightly behind and to either side of a small console. The distance between the monitors should equal the distance from the listener to either speaker. This is the common �equal length triangle� rule for speaker placement shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. When the listener and the monitors are positioned in an equal triangle with the monitors directly facing the listener, the listener is situated in the �sweet spot,� which yields optimum stereo reproduction.
Notice that Figure 1 also shows the speaker cabinets turned slightly inward, so that the driver components directly face the listening position. When oriented this way, the listener is in the �sweet spot,� which yields the
