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Compare Two Sofa Cushions

Use side-to-side movement as a simple listening check.

Why this observation matters

Use side-to-side movement as a simple listening check.

How to try it

Choose two cushions you can switch between without changing the speaker layout. Play the same short passage at the same setting. First ask whether a centred voice appears closer to one speaker; then ask whether the difference matters for normal listening.

An ordinary-room example

One cushion sits beside a tall bookcase while the other opens toward the room. The comparison may reveal a difference in perceived balance, even if neither position is objectively better.

What the note cannot prove

Head movement, memory, and unequal speaker placement can affect the impression. Avoid treating a single pass as proof that a surface caused it.

What to write down

Describe the two cushion positions and the chosen listening cue. Repeat once in reverse order before changing the room.

A useful repeat check

Use a short passage with a stable central voice so that the cue has a clear target. Keep your head facing forward in each cushion rather than turning toward the nearer speaker. Try left then middle, pause briefly, and return to left; write the order in the record. If the cushion padding changes your posture, mention it as a possible influence. The result may be a trade-off: one seat gives a more centred voice while another is the household’s practical favourite. Record both facts without declaring one cushion universally correct.