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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 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

OP, you sound like you are reasonable. Maybe you should start questioning your gear. Benchmark is very detailed sounding… maybe you are looking for more musical gear. I think Totem is a good speaker to meet your expectation… I own a pair.

The sound quality you get is really dependent on your equipment. It can be anywhere from naked lean and detailed to enveloping warm and organic. I’m starting to think you are a warm enveloping musical guy (like me) as opposed to a lean detailed (Benchmark) guy.

Maybe it is the equipment?

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

Once you have done the quick movements, and hopefully got some benefits. I will typically listen carefully for a couple weeks. Make next steps very slowly… with long intervals of listening so you can really detect the exact change in character of the sound.

If sound still confused move speakers closer to or further away from front wall and side walls.

Think about the soundstage, depth / width and then occasionally make another small move. If you have your triangle correct already, make moves in toe in.

There is a lot of advantages to learn how to do this yourself.

 

 I would also like to encourage you to put photos of your system  under your userID. It is really helpful. Often someone will describe the two or three things they think is the issue and it will be something completely different that was not brought up… but is identifiable in the photos.

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