2. misc-audio
  3. 160445-114477

Downside to "revealing" system?

Greetings, hope all are well. Since upgrading my rig over the years( ML 11a, REL s812s, VPI Prime Sig. Soundsmith The Voice cart, Pass xp25 phono, and Luxman L509X with Cardas cables and various powercords, plus S/R room treatments which have been unbelievable) many beloved older pressings have revealed themselves to be just about unlistenable. I'm speaking of, for example, 70s Reprise Neil Young, Randy Newman, Joni etc. Pressings are immaculate and cleaned on an Audio Desk cleaner and table is definitely set up properly. Newer " audiophile" pressings sound great. End result is I am listening to more cds since acquiring an Esoteric X01 D-2 which make even old cds sound great. I've always been a vinyl person and have over 4,000 records acquired over 30 years. I am thinking of getting a new cart next year and have heard great things about the Dyna XV-1s. ( input appreciated) Anyway, forgive the long post, I am actually grateful for a diversion from current events, stay well friends!
joeyfed55

Showing 7 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
One thing that should not be overlooked is the panel/woofer interactions with the room.

I strongly encourage you to consider reaching out to GIK acoustics for help.
erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
Did I step on your toes by merely explaining to your audience something they might want to consider in making a choice of what kind of tone controls might be important to them


No, but the 509x has great tone controls for the OP to try before having to buy anything more.
erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
E, FWIW on the cheap but effective side that little Schitt Loki can work well for simple tone control of bass, lower mid range, upper mid range and treble. It ain't sophisticated but it works.


Yes indeed. It is still a tone control so I don't know why you are up in my grill about it. :D
erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
Erik, The only problem with your solution is that the range of the equalizers/tone controls may not really affect the 'offending' frequencies.

I'd like to know what reasonable solution you are suggesting is better, more cost effective or more realistic.

Don't let "perfect" get in the way of "very good."

Best,

E
erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
So one thing that seems to always shock audiophiles:

Studio equipment and trends has changed a great deal over time.

The mixing/mastering engineer in 1970s was not using the same benchmark systems as they are in 2020's. Even if they were, I guarantee that they are different than what you  own.  There is no perfect, reference system.  The best we can do ( IMVHO ) is to shoot for neutral, which sounds good with most music, and adjust with tone controls as the need arises.

Alternatively, we can buy a separate system for each record.

The choice is yours.


I will say that too many audiophiles attempt "revealing" when it's really "more treble" which is fine, as a personal preference, but you will hit that too much treble more often than a more neutral system.

In either case, good tone controls, and those in the Luxman's are excellent, are your friend.  Either engage them judiciously or stop listening to recordings you no longer like to listen to. 
erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
Also, take a look here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/my-pet-peeve-revealing-speakers
erik_squires
16,468 posts
 
Luxman L509X


Use the tone controls.  They're fabulous.
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