I agree with finding another source for connecting the binding posts. The idea of tweaking things as a substitute for tone control(s), is a bit more vague in that you may get better music through a certain range, but not so much in other frequency rages, such as deep bass. I'm not crazy about the idea of actual tone controls either because some else has chosen the high or low pass frequency to start with. Some of the older gear used to have selectable turnover frequencies for the bass and treble controls, giving a better chance at hitting the target.
Post binding for crude tone control
I have a newish pair of ATC SCM40 passive speakers. They're 3-way, notoriously revealing and have triple binding posts*. The posts are connected by metal plates (steel?). The dealer advised, and I believe it's common practice, that I bind my cables to one of the bass driver's posts, and to one of the tweeter's posts. I expect this setup treats all 3 drivers the same, with an equal amount of plate in each's circuit.
Recently, I've upgraded cables, fuses, USB cables etc, and resolution of the system has increased along with a little digital glare. Female vocals are too often sibilant. The probable cause is the ethernet stage and I am working on improving it, but to "tame the treble" I thought I'd try playing around with the binding setup. It occurred to me by binding across the bass or mid-range posts I might be "favouring" those drivers, and attenuating the others. I'm assuming the plates have a slightly higher resistance than my TelluriumQ Ultra Black II cable.
So, I unplugged from the tweeter's terminal and moved the cable's plug to the mid-range's. Each cable is now bound to both the bass and mid-range posts. The tweeter's posts are connected by only the plates.
And, hey presto, the system is now exhibiting a slightly warmer, darker sound. I might be wrong, of course; wouldn't be the first time the Emperor's new clothes are warmer and more musical.
Has anyone else done the same?
It did occur to me that strategic use of resistors might attenuate a driver even further, though I doubt this could improve resolution.
* - has anyone ever tri-wired their speakers?
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- 11 posts total
- 11 posts total