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Nearfield Low-Level Listening : New Speakers or EQ? Thoughts?

In my main rig, I listen nearfield at low levels, and I do not feel the music sounds fully engaging until moderate-to-loud volumes. Have been told my speakers, Totem Forest Signature, "need power to sing". I have ordered a Schiit Loki Max EQ; wondering if that will do the trick or do I need to consider new speakers? I use the Loudness/Comp feature on my integrated amp, it helps some. Listen to 70s, Jazz, Americana, ...

My System:

  • Accuphase E-380 Integrated
    • 180 watts into 4 ohms and 120 watts into 8 ohms.
    • High damping factor of 500.
  • Totem Forest Signature Speakers
    • Impedance: 8 ohms (6.4 ohms minimum)
    • Sensitivity: 87 dB
    • Recommended Power: 50 - 225 watts
  • Rose HiFi RS-150B Streamer/DAC
  • Thorens 1601 TT, Schiit Skol Pre, Nagoaka Cart
  • REL Classic 98 Subwoofer, Speakon connection
  • XLR Connections, Bi-Wired Speakers
  • Shunyata Power Conditioner

 

gemoody

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,826 posts
 

Nice big room, nice stuff,

a few comments:

1. your accuphase loudness compensation is nothing like fletcher munson curves, and is a simple bass boost on/off +6db at 100hz, not progressive, not volume related, thus your comment 'it helps some' makes perfect sense. I would not use it when the Schitt gets there, 

2. schitt is different than any equalizer I ever messed with, it has 6 bands, and treats their +/- range differently, thus play with them individually to get a feel for what each band can do, pretty simple as it has remote bypass.

Bands: 20Hz, 120Hz, 400Hz, 2kHz, 6kHz, 16kHz

Adjustment: +/-12dB at 20Hz and 16kHz, +/-9dB at 120Hz and 6kHz, +/-6dB at 400 and 2kHz

It is a 'set and forget' except that it has 3 factory presets and let's you save anything you want in place of those 3.

"9 Preset/Favorite Press briefly to select from one of three EQ presets. Or, press and hold for 5 seconds to define a new favorite on the currently selected preset."

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I would 1st ascertain what I was getting with my system flat, using a SPL Mic and a CD with test tones

SPL, make sure it has a bottom threaded hole for tripod use

http://Amazing Bytes CD has 29 1/3 octave test tones

you may find a slightly preferable speaker positioning and or toe-in prior to using the EQ.

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I like the automatic and progressive bass boost that I get at only low volume listening from my Chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1

you need the remote, no controls on the unit itself

 

It does not adjust the highs like Fletcher Munson, but it does have basic tone controls which I do not use.

I wish the Schiit had remote balance like the Chase does.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,826 posts
 

By the way, 23’ x 23’ x 8’, square rooms can be problematic, even more reason to use measurements to find advantageous, avoid problematic positioning and toe-in.

I would lower the speakers, tilt them back, aim tweeter up at seated ear height, altering the INITIAL reflections off both the floor and ceiling.

Amazing Bytes CD with Test Tones Info here

only finding two expensive listings on Discogs at the moment. Write me a message, I could help you find an inexpensive copy.

I make an enlarged copy of page 4, use the 29 1/3 octave test tones with the SPL Mic on a tripod at ear level listening position. This combined with the Schiit EQ, use one of the presets for ’measured with mic’ then finally, you use your ears and set another of the presets for personal preference.

If there is a big difference between what the mic hears and you hear, time for a hearing test.

I like this chart

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