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A series of underperforming setups...Solution?

I've had some quality electronics: Started with Marsh seperates, Shunyata Hydra PC, had Def Tech BP 7000 speakers, Jolida JD 100 tried Simaudio Nova moved on to McIntosh 6900 integrated then, Plinius 9200 integrated; had Talon Raven speakers briefly, moved on to NAD M3 integrated had, all Acoustic Zen cabling, Modwright Sony 999ES, Von Schweikert VR4JR speakers, Now have the DK Signature integrated and Reimer Wind River GS speakers. The one constant has been that each of my systems has underperformed top to bottom- in my opinion. Bass has been a big disappointment too. My room is a rectangular family room over a concrete floor 11 by 20 by 8 with speakers on one of the short walls about 1 foot from the front wall and 6 feet apart- room is filled with furniture. 2 couches plus fish tanks toy chest etc. Because my setup is in the family room, I have no options for differnt speaker placement. We've had various power issues in the area over the last 2 years and I plan to get dedicated lines. Do you think dedicated lines are the key to most of my performace issues? Thanks
foster_9
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I believe set-up is likely the cause. Excellent sound should the the norm with most of the gear you mentioned.

What do you mean when you say bass has been a big disappointment? Quantity? Quality? Too much? Too little?

I'd try moving the speakers away from the wall so the driver plane is 2' from the front wall, and I'd try spreading them farther apart, if possible.

Make sure the tubes in your Modwright and DK are not failing. Failing tubes is a common cause of bad sound that some people attribute to other causes. See member Khrys' recent thread in which he thought his sound problems were due to cabling or speakers...it was faulty tubes.

Also, wiring the speakers out of phase can be a cause of poor sound. It might seem ridiculous, but check to make sure you have the speakers wired properly.

I absolutely don't believe your problem has anything to do with AC. Clean AC will take an already good sounding system and make it sound more three dimensional due to the elimination of grunge in the system, but it won't create more bass, tighter bass, etc.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Try Cardas speaker placement formula and see if things improve

http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=26&pagestring
tvad
9,467 posts
 
11-13-06: Seandtaylor99
Try Cardas speaker placement formula and see if things improve.
Good idea.

I want to make a correction in my post above. I suggested placing the driver plane 2' from the front wall. This was based on incorrect math (I used the 11' dimension instead of the 20' dimension).

To arrive at a few suitable distances, divide 20 by 3, 5, or 7. Dividing by 7 results in a distance from the front wall of 2.85'. Try this. If it's too far, then try 2.22' (20 divided by 9). If you have more room to play, then try 4' from the front wall (20 divided by 5).

This method was suggested by member Jtinn a few years ago, and it has worked well for me.
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