2. misc-audio
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Are There Improvements that Can Be Easily and Quickly Made Without Buying More Stuff?

I appreciate that there are many people on this forum who have put a great deal of thought and effort into how to improve their audio systems.  Most of the discussion relates to upgrading equipment.  This is natural as most people here want to improve their music experience, and better equipment is a way to do that.  I’ve taken advantage of this and made 5 or 6 upgrades over the last year!  The result has been great!  But are there some simple steps that can be taken that can be overlooked by someone who is newer to audio?

As examples I’ve read that facing a sub towards something like the back of a couch will improve its sound.  And for rooms with bad effects that can’t be fixed, move the listening position closer to the speakers.

‘What is your best tip for improving sound quality without buying anything?

128x128tcotruvo

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 

I focus too much on bass. :) The other issues besides avoiding room modes are avoiding early reflections, so having enough space to the side and rear walls is important, but so is getting the _right_ toe in and tweeter angle for your speakers.

Audiphiles tend to use laser pointers to point the tweeter right at their ear canals. That’s actually not usually right. Lots of speakers like less toe-in, like Focal or Magico, and many sound better at the mid-range axis or below. B&W for instance.  Often 2-way speakers sound much better below the tweeter axis too.  Only way to know is to listen.

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 

Speaker placement. Check out the room mode simulator at AM Acoustics. Avoid placing your speakers, subs or listening location from being in any of the lowest room modes. Same for your listening position.

Of course, I am always advocating for good room treatment, and EQ where necessary or desired, but those cost money!

 

 

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