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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.

thomastrouble
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 

Hey guys, so many great responses, same in two other posts I can’t keep up…..I’m flying today on a thirty hour trip with stop-overs so can’t respond but I will in the coming week, just wanted to let you guys know I’m. not ignoring all your great input.

Thanks again for all your effort!!

12many
232 posts
 

Sorry if this has been asked, but what is your source?  Any chance the signal in is the reason?  That amp and dac are solid.  

jpan
112 posts
 

Yes and it’s the best decision that I’ve made in this hobby. I’m a music lover first and and audiophile second. Bringing in a pro doesn’t limit your opportunity to play around, change or tweak things. But they bring expertise, tools and experience that I couldn’t match. 

To that end, I worked with J. R. Bosclair of Wally Tools on turntable set up, room analysis and improvements including a distributed bass array. There is no way I could have ever gotten where I am now on my own. Not even close.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,877 posts
 

By teaching myself I can now do it anywhere and for friends, too. Paying a pro solves one problem, one time.

curtdr
348 posts
 

Just a question: is it possible that with the carpet and the drapery that you have too much sound dampening in the room, thereby deadening the sound?  

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