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 hjdca

hjdca's avatar
hjdca
49 posts
 

Depending on the age, I would check the DC offset on the amp.   It is easy.  Here is the procedure:

To check DC offset on an amplifier, connect a multimeter to the speaker terminals, with the black lead to the negative and the red lead to the positive. Ensure the amplifier is powered on and not muted, and the volume is set to a low level. A reading of 0 mV or close to it indicates a properly working amplifier. 

Note:  I have an old 90’s ADCOM GFA-585LE that was not sounding right.  My DC offset was .9 volts, ie. almost 1 volt.  Way, way too high.  After a repair, it sounded great again. 

 

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