I've almost always used an equalizer of some sort - preferably digital these days - to fine-tune any system I've used over the years. I've never really understood why it seems to be anathema to so many audiophiles. There are so damned many variables, both electrical and acoustic, that the odds of getting just the sound you like with any combination of equipment seems astronomical. I don't know how you guys can do it.
Ever Been Too High?
I recently bought a used pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 speakers after reading so many positive comments about them on the web. All of my amps are SS, but range in age from the 1970s to the 2000s, so I figured at least one of them would be a good match for the Sierras. After hooking them up in three different 2-channel systems, I began to think that these were not speakers I could ever tolerate - the top end was just too hot for my tastes. Finally, I tried them in my third-tier HT setup, and even there, the highs were too prominent. To my ears, the sound was somewhat 'etched' and listener fatigue set in fairly quickly.This morning, I reached the option of last resort and decided to hook them up to the Sansui 5000X in my bedroom system.Holy cow! New life was breathed into this 50-year old receiver and even FM sounds fantastic. The Sierras sound much more balanced, and the bass is to die for. The 5000X was designed and built before LSI chips were developed, meaning there are a ton of transistors, diodes, and other electrolytics occupying its innards. I think that's what accounts for a large part of that 'vintage sound' you get with older gear, and it can be a good thing sometimes. It's certainly working in this case.So, my question is, has anyone else tried the Sierra 1s and had this same issue with them, or am I odd man out? Or maybe there were other speakers you felt that way about, but refused to give up and finally found what seemed to be a godsend of a solution to your listening dilemma?
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Ozzy might be on to something ... tubes. That is how I used the Sierras. Your vintage Sansui may be what was missing. Something less 'modern' sounding. Your other components sound like perfectly good stuff, certainly nothing shabby there. It certainly is a go figure. I don't think it is a cabling or room treatments effect. Your initial reaction was too visceral for that. As I approach my mid-60's and settle in what will be my keeper components for the foreseeable future, I seem to have chosen the speaker sound I prefer. In the Prima Luna/ Musical Fidelity main system, I have been using Zu Audio Dirty Weekenders for the last 3 years and absolutely love them. In the Rogue Sphinx/ Naim system, I have GoldenEar BRX's, which I am very pleased with. The Naim has taught me the pay-off of burn-in. Technics turntables in both systems. I do tinker with cartridges, but I am inclined to think the answer is with a better record cleaning system. No shame in trying to get a speaker to work out for you. I did the same with a pair of Omega CAM's that I just could not ultimately live with, but gave up after 2 years. Same with a Croft Integrated. I am learning to leave well enough alone. Though, MC does have me thinking about Raven tube amps. Rich |
I agree with using a equalizer to fine tune the particular issues, in or out, between various components. I use a Schiit lokuis, which also has a complete bypass, and 6 adjustments if adjustments are needed. I think my ears are a little older, so I can adjust for that. I have two systems set up, one using a tube preamp, Adcom GFA-555se amp. and Wilson Benesch speakers. I can switch this system from balanced through all components from Dac to Preamp to Amp if the recording is good, usually jazz (HD digital downloads), or to use the unbalanced section using the equalizer to the Preamp (usually Vinyl). The other using a Solid State system and my old Tangent RS4 speakers, which I still enjoy, both systems have an equalizer, I change the settings based on the music and the recording quality.Everyone's ears are a little different so having some fine tuning can really help. Love it! |
You built the speakers, you could add an L-Pad for the tweeter easy enough, just add attenuation bit by bit to taste. Not potentiometer, an L-Pad, because the L-Pad always shows the same impedance to the crossover, a Pot varies the impedance which effects the crossover a bit. I got 16 ohm versions, they make 8 ohm, ... https://www.parts-express.com/speaker-components/crossover-components/speaker-l-pads?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr_eWlMKu8wIVg7rICh06lAYfEAAYASAAEgLV4PD_BwE watch your shaft length, I used my original L-Pad's bronze recessed cups, and needed to get smaller diameter control knobs to fit inside the recess. |
I am sure you did this, but the treble is very directional, so you can moderate the treble by toe in and tilt. I have had some speakers drop off significantly on treble with small adjustments. Second, reflective floors or walls?… reinforcing treble. Assuming you have done the above. The a tube system would likely warm it up. On the other hand… so what did you pay for the speakers? $300… if you are trying to get high end sound quality then I would consolidate equipment and upgrade each segment to a single better component. Of coarse if your enjoyment is playing with equipment, that is perfectly reasonable. Sounds like you tried everything. Totem speakers are very natural sounding and punchy… might do some trading. |
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