2. amps-preamps
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Is it possible to have too much/too many filters/tweaks?

Hi All,

So, we all know there are endless tweaks available to enhance our systems and get us that much closer to our audio nirvana. I have personally come across a few that are actual difference makers. But it got me thinking, is it possible that too many tweaks are actually counterproductive to what we are aiming for? For example, my main system (double duty for listening/HT) I have everything (except my 5-channel power amp) plugged into a Furman Elite 20PFi conditioner. In addition, I have a Puron AC plugged into my Furman (this one actually blew me away at how drastically it reduced background noise-legit), I also have a whole house surge protector. I have also installed an iFi Lan iSilencer between my TP-Link Powerline Ethernet Adapter and streamer. In addition, I have an ADD Powr Symphony between my streamer and DAC (another legit difference maker).

Now I just came across the iFi iPurifier 2 and was thinking of pulling the trigger. Then it occurs to me, is it possible to have too many filters/tweaks that it actually taints/diminishes the sound? How far/how much is too much, is there such a thing? Thoughts?

kingbr
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,195 posts
 

Time to mention the #1 Class A tweak: Cup your hands behind your ears. Instant Class A amp sound! Very energy efficient!  How did they do that?

larryi
3,982 posts
 

Someone once sold ear extenders that gave the wearer Dumbo ears that supposedly improved the listening experience.  While it may have improved the sound, it probably did not help with getting a second date.

sgordon1
425 posts
 

Sometimes “less” is “more.”  You hear how tweaks interact, by living with them over time.  When you have listened enough to be familiar with the resulting sound, challenge your ears by removing or repositioning a tweak.  The possibilities are endless.  This exercise can also work when you are getting the itch to spend more money… frequently we can learn to improve the sound, and be content with the pieces we already have.  The problem is that many are inclined to “throw money at a problem;” this may take less time and effort, but there is no assurance of success… is there?

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,195 posts
 

I use Roon DSP to tweak my sound in several rooms with acoustics ranging from not bad to problematic.

Turns out my toughest room is the family room that is open into the kitchen and the rest of the first floor. I’ve tried many gear combos over the years all not fully up to snuff. Currently run Bel Canto c5i to Sonus Faber Concerto Domus. Not bad, but I apply a convolution filter I created for room correction then an additional 5 eq corrections to get things just right. 3 deal with highest and lowest frequency adjustments. Then I like a touch of ‘pierce’ boost 4-6 kHz. Then a speaker adjustment for timing since I do not normally sit dead center. That does it!

So depending on need, assuming a single filter counts as 1 tweak, I do as many as needed. Have yet to not apply any.

Same for headphones. The canned convolution filters for each apply multiple filters in combo as well.

All in Roon DSP if you want to call that a single tweak. 😉

steakster
1,877 posts
 

OP:  Most of the tweaks that you mentioned are for cleaning up the AC power.   I'm a firm believer in clean power as being the foundation for good SQ.   

In my experience, too much AC filtration - or a mismatch of different types of filtration - can alter the SQ to be thin and analytical - perhaps even fatiguing.    Sometimes, different types of filtration can work great together.    Auditioning them is the only way to know.   A money-back trial period is a wonderful thing.  

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