Does anybody pay a pro to dial their system in?


Bought a new system here and I’m shooting in the dark for what to expect. It sounds underwhelming to me and I feel I need a second pair of ears. My new system comprises of:

Benchmark AHB2

Benxhmark DAC3 

Totem1 bookshelf speakers

i know the system is not the problem, it’s me. All just muddy. Small room 12x8. I’ve added carpet and thick curtains on all three walls (behind speakers and both sides. On the sides I have two sets of curtains so I can open them in the middle so I don’t deaden the room too much. All in all I’m not thrilled at all at what I hear.

Over the last year Ive been listening day and night to a great “lively and exciting” set of headphones (Fostex TH900) which I love and maybe this has set a bar on what I’m looking for in a room system. I understand that a system and phones are two different experiences but for now the system doesn’t hold a candle to what the headphones are giving me.

I’m  wondering if hiring a professional to dial my system in would be a good idea as I really don’t know what to expect from the system and my small room.

thomastrouble

Showing 1 response by cdorval1

Good question.  My best experience with stereo in a smallish room was to put aside visual design and practical considerations for awhile and listen near-field.  Make an equilateral triangle with your chair and the two toed-in speakers—my assumption would be five to six feet on each side of the triangle.  Just listen that way for a while, make some minor adjustments and don’t worry about the practical side.  Your Benchmark components and Totem speakers are very good.

 

It never hurts to bring in a professional to help you at any point, but he or she will likely try much of what has been described in responses to your question. 
 

Enjoy!