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
@mark200mph +1 The ear wax + smutz thing is a substantial possibility. It was for me. Knowing I have condition called surfers ear I thought I could get ahead of the issue using over the counter applications and rubber bulb warm water rinses during showering. When I finally went to the Doctor his typical measure for removing this type of obstruction didn't work as it had adhered itself to the ear drum. He filled the canal with a warm solution that works like WD-40 (his analogy) for twenty minutes . Afterwards he was able to remove a 3/8" wad of junk. Even a film of wax and dust on the ear drum will could inhibit the quality of hearing. |
@boxboy83 I'm surprised no one has mentioned AC, quality of AC can vary widely, the fact you liked system in another room points to this. Also none of what you're complaining about point to the room being the culprit, that room is live, full of reflections, if anything you should be complaining about shrill, overly alive sound. Try to audition a power conditioner before making any other moves. |
Have your ears checked first after Q-tipping; hydrogen peroxide flushing is a cheap homebrew means as a second follow-up. Age effects the ears of all, despite claims to the perfection of one’s hearing. Putter about with some room treatments....usually ignored, but can yield some great improvements without resorting to finding your closest rabbit hole to dive into. If you plan to reno the room anyway, get that behind you prior to any major treatments. Any treatments prior to run the risk of being ill-advised or just plain wrong and a waste of $’s and time... Get a sub sized for the space and note if there’s still issues. If you like what you’ve already have, it’s a good exercise to improve upon what’s at hand before taking the dive into one’s chosen ’upgrade’ options..... At that junction, the only sound that sucks will come from the $’s passing through your wallet or cards..... ;) |
