If I had to exist in a 12x8 room (audio wise) I’d look for ’perfection’ in a headphone system. I believe a good speaker based audio system needs ’breathing room’ that doesn’t exist in a room that small, whereas a high end phone system can create a full sound stage with great clarity. You might give up some sense of depth of image which IMHO is that DOI is one of the big benefit of normal speaker audio. I think you will enjoy your money spent (wisely!) on a good headphone system more so than trying to get great audio in a room that small.
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.
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- 36 posts total
Agree with @kota1 . Do your homework reading everything you can on this forum and others and watching youtube vids. Some of the info will apply to your situation. It takes time. In a room that size you will definitely be doing (almost) near-field listening. The room and the setup will give you half (or more) of what you will hear. See my pics under virtual systems of my treated room and setup. Don't give up! |
Thanks Newbee and the rest of you. Newbee I’ve been loving my headphones for the last year, at home and out and about and I’m leaning to agree with you - I don’t think this system can beat what I get out of those cans with portable amp. However, all is not lost on the system as I plan to find a bigger apartment this year, one with the potential for a great listening room. |
Kota1, I’ve done exactly as you said and have the triangle dialed in. More to play with here, opening those wall curtains etc a bit so as not to deaden the sound too much, moving carpet etc etc. i have to fly tonight or tomorrow to the US so will not be dabbling for the next week. Looking forward to picking up a pair of 15’ speaker cables while I’m there as these 6’ cables aren’t giving me much flexibility. Luckily Benchmark have reasonably priced cables to do the job. |
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. |
- 36 posts total