2. speakers
  3. 194031-159476

2 Channel system sounds weak and lackluster

Hi

For starters let me go into my system. I have a 13x11x8 dedicated room (no room treatment at the moment and vinyl floor). Speakers are Focal Aria 936 driven by an Audio Research DSi200. Vinyl is Rega P6 with Exact through Whest TWO.2 phono and CD is PSAudio Perfectwave Transport and DAC. Each component is powered by and interconnected with Audioquest cables.

 

I have moved the speakers in many different positions and found close to the wall gives them the best sound, but no matter what I do they sound lifeless and have no real impact to the sound. Cranking the volume up helps to some degree but there isn't any intensity to the sound and just leaves me frustrated and wanting more.  The speakers are positioned on the 11' wall, though I haven't moved them to the 13' to see if the different angle changes much.

I also changed out the speakers last night with my Wharfedale Denton speakers and they were even more dull and lifeless.

End game for the room is to tear it down to the studs, sound deaden the walls and put carpet in, but other projects are more pressing at the moment. For now I just want to be able to listen to and enjoy my music.

 

Thanks all

boxboy83

Showing 1 response by curiousjim

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,130 posts
 

@boxboy83 

Try the tried and true 1/3 1/3 1/3 room division and the equilateral triangle shape as a starting point. Measure your room into thirds using the longest length.  In theory, your speakers would be 4’ 4” from the front wall and your listening position would be 8’8” from the front wall.  Start with the front of your speakers 3’ from the the front wall. Then set them 5’ apart, tweeter to tweeter.  Then measure maybe 4.5’-5’ from the front of your speakers and make the triangle.  That’s where your ears should be.   Start with your speakers aimed at your shoulders. Right speaker aimed at your right shoulder, left at left shoulder.  Everything is variable, but these are generally good starting points.
 

My speakers have the tweeters are mounted too high and the speakers have to be angled down a bunch!  Otherwise the sound is really dull!  It’s really important that the tweeters are at the same height as your ears!

Oh and I don’t know about getting a Bear skin rug, but a carpet and pad is a great place to start with room acoustics.
 

All the best.

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