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jimofmaine

Responses from jimofmaine

Can 2-channel be improved by using subtle surround Eno style?
Short and sweet: been there, done that, don't bother.Why not bother? If the +,+ contain the information unique to stereo shouldn't it be respected? Otherwise, go back to mono with 2 speakers, which can sound quite good. That's what you seem to adv... 
Is louder better?
I'm surprised the elephant in the listening room hasn't been mentioned: loud cost more money. Doesn't everyone like loud once in awhile? Not a big believer in a "correct" listening level unique for every recording. That said, sure lots of speakers... 
Is the appeal to euphonic distortion learned?
Overthinking...either it grabs you or it doesn’tHopefully these discussions can educate. Maybe someone may realize they like something different than their preconceived notions.  For example, after comparing many FM tuners I now prefer a 1950's Fi... 
Speaker terminal polarity
I'd suggest to judge correct polarity by ear. Do a simple listening test: 1) connect your speakers up to your amp. Play a track with vocals. 2) Then ON ONE SPEAKER only, switch the positive and negative wires and listen again. The wire orientation... 
What makes speaker's sound big?
Accurate frequency response AND coherent phase from 17hz to 30khz and listen at reference volume. Result: BIG SOUND. One does not need large speakers to achieve big sound and throw an immense, deep soundstage that goes on forever. But the room siz... 
Help me tame my out of control bass
Crossover your speakers over at 200hz with 4 subwoofers. Do a dry run with 2 subs. Position the subs in the room for best measurements.  
Suggest one obsure album we all should hear
Witch-Introductionshttps://youtu.be/yMHlkvJbWosdo not expect the best audio recording, only powerful, authentic 60's sound from Africa. You'll be hooked after the first song. I found the album 10 years ago from a small company. Now it's up on Yout... 
Critical subwoofer tip
More than a few post confuse polarity with phase. If nothing else, maybe this discussion will point this out. 180 degree phase shift LOOKS like reverses polarity, when graphed. However, 180 degrees phase shifted is actually 1 cycle delayed. Invert... 
Audio Lessons Learned - post your best advice for the newer members!
1) Start with an inexpensive new tube amp w volume control under $1000. 2) Get high-efficiency speakers (92 and up) under $1000. 3) Get 2 subwoofers under $1000 total. So for $3000 in 2021, one can be in audio nirvana. Never a better time to start.  
Critical subwoofer tip
How to set phase correctly:Since it's easier to hear a null than a peak do this. Reverse the polarity of one speaker (swap + and -) and play a test tone from 20hz to 200hz. Next, from the listening position, ask someone to adjust the phase so you ... 
Critical subwoofer tip
Play this demo only with your subwoofer(s) https://youtu.be/kUT6ZhFdLkAIf you hear no difference when the phase is switched, the people who think phase does not affect LF sound are correct. Alternatively, if you sense/hear/feel a difference, phase... 
Which Component Has the Greatest Affect on Low-Level Listening
100% it's the implementation of quality subwoofers! 2 or more.  
Two subwoofers for two channel music listening
Are you using bookshelf speakers that only reach to 200hz? Hooking up L R stereo subs may help the soundstage. Subs integrating at 20hz, probably not much, but I'm not convinced there's no difference with all recordings. Not everything is mixed to... 
A deeper more holographic soundstage.
Wow. Reading all the comments really demonstrates there's a long way to go in audio before we all agree. It almost seems totally subjective and opinion driven sometimes. Some here overlook all recordings have reverb to some extent. You can listen ... 
Advise before I regret
You have an av amp and a 2 channel amp? Not enough info on your system or room. Lots of reasons things might be dull.