Asymmetric Room


I have a semi treated asymmetric room & am getting some hash/glare from certain artists. I performed a frequency sweep from Qobuz using “Audio Line-Up Test Tones (Calibration Reference Check)”. I am getting a wavering tone in the 1khz and 1.25khz range.

chatGPT made several recommendations… speaker toe in, seating placement, ceiling treatment & treatment of the pool table on the left side (open area of the room). I can’t change seating position (large L shaped couch) & toe in had no effect. I very much prefer not to treat the ceiling (but will if I have to). 

My system & room layout is loaded. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks 

 

signaforce

Showing 11 responses by signaforce

@yoyoyaya Interesting response. That is actually chatCPT current thought, that I am getting cabinet resonance or have an issue with the speaker crossover. 

@gdnrbob   
Bob, thanks. Possibly. Doesn’t explain the frequency sweep issues on 2 specific frequencies. I do think I have a problem. Thanks
@knock1 Thanks. Did not fix the issue, but did sound darker. Any elegant solutions for covering the TV, I am all ears. 
 

Eliminating all toe in helped with glare, but not as precise instrument placement. Still searching. Thanks 

@steakster Listening within 1foot of the speakers revealed the room while it may not be helping, is not the cause of my problem as the distortion remained the same. Your recommendations are well founded. I did try covering my coffee table. Thanks 

@reubent  @knock1 While not my current problem, will implement the dowel quilt solution. Thanks 

@audphile1 Thanks!

1. The room has 8 windows, 4 on the right. As you saw there is a tall couch, multiple pillows and an acoustic panel. Everything I can do this side of heavy curtains. Played with toe in, will try again. 
2. Have been using incisive, as I prefer crisp & lively, will switch. 
3. I am currently using Cardas Clear USB, which recently replaced my XLO ultra plus. 

@boxcarman Even if I eliminated my pool table, because of the shape and composition of the room 8 windows, 2 dormers, 2 doors (one inset) slanted roof, etc I don’t believe there is a sweet spot. Thanks!

On a positive note, I got my 3rd hole in one yesterday, so at least my golf game is working. 😒

Playing golf this morning, so will try some things this afternoon & report back. Thanks 

@audphile1 Great question. Been thinking about that myself. I think the answer is it has always been there. Like all of us, I have been making continuous improvements and the occasional hash is more noticeable or all that is left. I ran the frequency sweep, proving the perceived issue for the first time a few days ago.  
One recent change is I had a smart switch on my Qutest to allow for remote power off that I removed. I suspected the smart switch was introducing post conditioner power supply noise.
However, I found when the Qutest is left powered on, it begins to introduce hash. I manually powered off my Sbooster and both perceived & measurable sound improved, not perfect, but better. 
I will either have to manually power off my Sbooster or bite the bullet and purchase a different DAC. I think I know what your vote would be. 😏

@adsell Great recommendation. I do have ferrite rings (wall wart cables wrapped) and chokes on all my wall warts. Never thought to add to my upgraded power cords. That would be one big choke. Any idea what size?

@audphile1 Interesting you had a similar observation with the Qutest. I would buy a new DAC if I knew that would resolve my issue. chatGPT recommends one of the Holo KTE DAC's, (Spring or May)  believing their sound would be more compatible with my R11's. 3 things.

1. I like the dynamic crisp sound of Chord

2. The size of the Qutest is perfect, although I could potentially install a larger DAC where my headphones currently sit.

3. I wish I could find a try and buy / diagnostic DAC solution. My Schiit MM2 installed on my secondary system recently failed, so unfortunately I can't swap it out for diagnostic purposes.

I have a free day today, so will be playing with different possibilities. Thanks! 

 

OK, The following were my actions.

  • I unplugged all non-2 channel components (and all 2 channel components not related to streaming). 
  • Rerouted and further separated all cables
  • Unattached TV cable
  • Ran an ethernet across the room to ensure no interference
  • Attached ferrite to power cords for conditioner
  • Changed USB cable back to my old cable
  • Disconnected my iFi DC Blocker+ from my preamp

Still got fluctuating frequencies at upper mid range

My next steps were to change speaker cables and bring my secondary speakers upstairs and try them.

Then I thought... listen without my hearing aids... suddenly the fluctuating frequencies were gone. My top of the line Signia hearing aids!! Also explains why it has always kinda been there. Have contacted my audiologist. Could be an expensive fix, but at least I got to the bottom of it.

Thank you everyone for you help and advise. @audphile1 The DAC may need to wait. If I need new HA’s, it will be $6K. I do like the LTA recommendation. As always, you provide excellent advise.