HomePod Proper setup with multiple HomePods in one room?

[turbineseaplane]

Hi

I am setting these up in a high ceiling living room that's about 20 x 30' and we started with two HomePods in a stereo pair, which was nice, but not enough coverage and sound "filling the space", so we bought another when we found a deal.

How should I do this when I have three now?

Should I still use two in a pair and then have one straggler?

Is it better to have them all individually doing their thing?

What if I added yet one more (so one in each corner)? Two stereo pairs? Four free agents?

I wish I could just group them and have them all act as "one", which I guess you can kind of do in the "rooms" thing, just seems overly complex.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Here is a sketch of the current layout:

https://imgur.com/RhKErEM

Please note, I do not use these with my TV (nor want to) as I have a sound bar directly connected that I'm very happy with. Also, HomePods aren't workable for me since I use more than just my Apple TV with the TV (other sources - console, a PC, etc)

 

[turbineseaplane]

Updated sketch showing seating

https://imgur.com/3q1Nio2

 

[Phil77354]

I would use two as a stereo pair, and one that is an unpaired HomePod and thus will be playing both right and left channels.

Where do you normally sit or listen from? If you want to get the stereo effect to the greatest extent possible then I'd suggest placing the stereo pair with that in mind (your preferred listening position). Then try different locations for the third HomePod to cover the area least well covered by the pair.

Some experimentation is going to be needed in order to figure out what feels best to you. But I would definitely keep two as a stereo pair since the sound quality is substantially better, even in a mixed arrangement.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I would use two as a stereo pair, and one that is an unpaired HomePod and thus will be playing both right and left channels.

Where do you normally sit or listen from? If you want to get the stereo effect to the greatest extent possible then I'd suggest placing the stereo pair with that in mind (your preferred listening position). Then try different locations for the third HomePod to cover the area least well covered by the pair.

Some experimentation is going to be needed in order to figure out what feels best to you. But I would definitely keep two as a stereo pair since the sound quality is substantially better, even in a mixed arrangement.

What about running two Stereo pairs in the same room?

Good or bad idea?
That an audio mess to do so?

 

[Phil77354]

What about running two Stereo pairs in the same room?

Good or bad idea?
That an audio mess to do so?

I really don't know, haven't really thought about it (until now).

Obviously (or maybe not, see below) you'd want to place the HomePods so that the two 'right' speakers are on the same 'side' of the room, the two 'left' speakers on the other side. It would certainly be worth trying if you wanted to purchase another HomePod (while they are still available).

Once you get the placement figured out, it would probably (almost certainly) give you higher quality sound than 3 speakers, as well as better coverage for your home & more volume capability.

My earlier comment on quality of the sound for stereo paired HomePods is based on my own experience once the HomePods I have placed next to my iMac were able to be set up for stereo (recall that in the beginning, stereo was not available, it came with a later software update). The difference in sound quality, separation and distinctiveness was very dramatic.

This is really not any different than 'old style' speaker setups and there are probably lots of folks who had room setups with a stereo system, with speakers in various places.

And it could be that putting both 'right' speakers on the same side of the room, etc., wouldn't be best. Maybe putting a stereo pair that basically aim towards the kitchen area, and another that do the same in the living room area, would be better. That way both areas would be able to get a stereo separation effect.

I'm really kind of thinking out loud here, it isn't something I have any real experience with. If you have the ability to purchase another HomePod and then can try different placements and combinations, I would say to go for it. I really do like the HomePod speakers, I've been very satisfied with them from the very beginning. Four is bound to be better than three!

You'll need to act fast. I don't know how many HomePods are still available. (I am assuming you are talking about the full size HomePods here, not the minis).

(added in edit - I'd be interested to hear what you end up doing, and how it sounds, etc.)