2. speakers
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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 ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,728 posts
 

Sounds like room acoustics to me. A room of that size can be a great audio room. Your equipment definitely sounds up to the task. 

 

Before doing anything permanent. Start by simulating room treatments. Get all the couch cushions and pile up behind the speakers. Find a way to lay temporary carpets... if necessary, pull out multiple layers of towels and all the bedding and cover the floor. You want to deaden behind the speakers, and reflection points on the sidewalls and the floors. 

I just finished helping a friend turn an extra room about the size of yours into and audio room. It sounds fantastic. We started with couch cushions, pillows and carpets and then over the last year he purchased new and used ASC tube traps and panels. The room sounds fantastic with Wilson Watt Puppies. You can turn it up loud and  it sounds great, dynamic with deep punchy bass. 

Ultimately we chose the narrow wall to place the speakers. 

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