Excellent explanation. That explains why my choices in speakers seem to work so well in my small listening room.(9x13x8) This room has only one purpose,so I have no restraints as far as set up goes. Obviously with a small room,I have to make certain compromises,but I think I have done a pretty reasonable job of speaker choice and placement. My biggest compromise is distance from side walls, not much I can do about that,however I do have treatments at the first reflection points,which helps. I guess my next question will be a little more involved. How do downstream electronics help or hinder 3D imaging? |
Thanks for the input millercarbon. I rotate 3 sets of speakers in my system,(Hornshoppe Great Horned Heils,Nola Boxer 2's,and Graham Chartwell LS3/5's). They all throw a great 3D image,so I guess I'm doing something right. I was just curious if the speaker design was responsible.
I've read posts on other forums where posters think that attaining 3D imaging is just chasing unicorns. Obviously they are doing something wrong.
As a side note,I've been at this hobby for a bit,and I'm no spring chicken. I just don't have a ton of technical knowledge. This is one reason I frequent this site. There are a large number of members here that DO have a vast knowledge of things audio. I find that exposing myself more to the technical aspect of this hobby will help me understand what I am hearing to a greater degree.
Again,thanks for your response,
Ray |
Thanks for that info erik,I will be doing some reading! |
This is all fascinating stuff. Of course some of what I'm reading about HRTF is way above my head,pun intended. I had absolutely no idea that the size,and shape of your head,and torso play a role in what we hear. That explains a lot about what sounds pleasing to me,may sound like nails against a chalkboard to you. The plot thickens............ |
I do have rudimentary treatments,however a room treatment overhaul is just over the horizon. Thanks for the recommendation E. I have heard nothing but great things about GIK. |
millercarbon,do you use HFT's with traditional acoustic treatments,or are these applied alone? |
I do have these with no toe in,so let's give it a whirl moving them closer together. I'll report back with my results. |
I've had the Chartwells for a couple of months now. I started placement farther out and toed in. About the same place that I have the Nola's set up. Sounded good,but the 3D imaging wasn't what I was looking for. I then started moving them a little closer,and bingo,we're getting there. Eliminated toe in,Shazam! Spooky 3D imaging! Today,I moved them about 6" closer,and my heart is going pitter patter. They say football is a game of inches,add the audio game to that. |
I just put the Chartwells back in the system. They are 6'9" apart. My seating position puts me 7' from each speaker.(triangle) I guess that puts me in the near field camp? I'm ok with taking some of the room out of the equation.
millercarbon and tomic601, Thanks for taking the time in answering theses questions and help me get a better grasp on what my ears(brain) hear. Am I far off the track in stating that audio or should I say"better" audio is partly based on manipulating the brain? |
Ok geoffkait, I moved them a foot closer,and to my ears the soundstage became pinched and limited to only between the speakers. I then moved them back out in 1" incriminates. They are now about 6" closer,and the soundstage has opened back up. |
I just read a bit about Master Set a couple of weeks ago. Have you tried it,and if so,what were your impressions? |
I have read a bunch of articles online about the LS3/5's/5a's. Very fascinating stuff! I feel like I am listening to an important part of audio history. I am definitely experiencing pride of ownership with the Graham Chartwells. |
I believe this is the first time I've heard anyone mention diffusion vs absorption at early reflection points. However,thinking about what you said about removing energy,it makes sense. Thanks for your post. |
I'm not a fan of headphones. I haven't used mine in a couple of years. For me,speakers are my drink of choice. I actually find it fun in a way, to mark where speakers are placed,listen for a couple days,then move them to see where I'm at. |
Thanks! I was afraid I wasn't going to be allowed in the club! |
millercarbon,beautiful system! I understand completely about people chiming in and kind of being the poop in the punch bowl. One thing I have learned in this hobby is to not discredit something that might be different or off the beaten path. Especially for things I have no experience with. When starting out trying to achieve better sound,I truely believed there was no way a cable could make any difference. As my equipment got better,well,I'll leave it at that. Hopefully this spring I'll begin the room treatment overhaul. Like you said,just because it sounds great,doesn't mean it can't sound greater.
The journey continues. |
To my ears,I seem to be getting very pleasing(again to my ears) imaging. However,I do plan on heeding your advice in moving my equipment next to and slightly behind my seating position. I’m expecting even better imaging with that change. This will also coincide with treating my room better. Fortunately as this is a dedicated listening room,I am able to pull the speakers out well in front of my rack. This being a temporary solution until I can free up space to move my lp collection out of my small (9x13x8) room. |
