Optimize Stereo Experience - NYC Studio


Hey, happy new year to all - new to this board but been lurking for a couple of years now.

Needed some help with this 2.1 stereo system I've assembled in my small NYC studio apartment: NAD T 758 + pair of KEF R900. I use Amazon HD and Spotify to stream the music. Below pic shows that my room layout doesn't allow for placing the two speakers in a straight line (have tried all other room configurations, unfortunately this cannot change). I have so far 'corrected' this via DIRAC and sounds significantly better with it. Had the following few questions in case anyone case help.

- Any further additions to the system hardware to make the sound improve significantly (amps, wires, speakers etc)

- Would a center channel speaker make sense. I mostly listen to music but sometimes do watch TV/Music too. I have a feeling the dialogue can be improved if I add a center channel.

- While I tried to test A/B Spotify vs Amazon HD and couldn't hear a very drastic difference, would love to have people's opinion here. I would definitely prefer Amazon HD over Spotify, but the crappy UI of the Amazon in BlueOs (NAD) makes life much easier when browsing for new music on Spotify.

- While I can't change where I live, any other tips / suggestions re speaker placement?

https://ibb.co/dmRD1Ph
128x128kmalhotra

Showing 2 responses by asvjerry

A NYC studio...well, at least it's bigger than a walk-in closet....;)

Decouple from the floor, yes.  Older spaces (wood framing) infamous, newer with a concrete/steel framing and thin walls a close 2nd.
Yours appears newer...

'Closer together' ain't going to yield much, the Dirac is going to 'steer left' to compensate imho.  An apparently 'open-ish' space on left vs. 'tight corner' on right almost demands a version of acoustic treats.  1st go suggestion would be small and portable...what's the difference btwn L & R separately with pink noise (and perhaps a tone sweep)?

MOR architecture is the bane of audio....I've dealt with those devils, best always comes down to the best 'average that works, +/-...'

But have fun in the chase, always a great reason to play with the stack. ;)
BTW....@ kmalhotra....welcome to the show that never ends...;)

I appreciate your approach to the minimalist system with the PC....*s*