Any luck?
Q acoustics harsh high end
Please help.
Just bought a Pioneer network reciever and a pair of 3050s. I realise this isn't top end equipment but at any sort of volume the upper frequencies are harsh, very noticeable on female voices. The last system I had was started back in the late 70s with a pair of MA4s, then a denon amp, 50W I think, then I added a mid range Marantz cd player.
I remember having absolutely no issues with the sound quality. I have tried placing the system in a different room. I have tried a different amp (Marantz 63KI). I have tried a different Cd player but all sound the same, bright, harsh top end. Im begining to think it's the speakers but the reviews are almost unanimously brilliant. I'm wondering if I should get some second hand MA 352s
Any advice would be welcome
John
Just bought a Pioneer network reciever and a pair of 3050s. I realise this isn't top end equipment but at any sort of volume the upper frequencies are harsh, very noticeable on female voices. The last system I had was started back in the late 70s with a pair of MA4s, then a denon amp, 50W I think, then I added a mid range Marantz cd player.
I remember having absolutely no issues with the sound quality. I have tried placing the system in a different room. I have tried a different amp (Marantz 63KI). I have tried a different Cd player but all sound the same, bright, harsh top end. Im begining to think it's the speakers but the reviews are almost unanimously brilliant. I'm wondering if I should get some second hand MA 352s
Any advice would be welcome
John
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- 32 posts total
Sorry for the late reply Pogbomer, I only just received the notification. The general consensus was that my harsh top end would either disappear in time or was the result of the environment. Well many hours have passed and I have tried the speakers in different settings and to be honest, there still disappointing. |
Which amplifier are you using? Also, are you using any DAC? Try and check if there are lot of reflecting surfaces in your room. Cover the floor in front of the speakers with carpet. Raise the front spikes using a cardboard or rubber to about 1 cm. Do not toe in a lot, a slight toe in about 7-10 degree is sufficient. What's the distance from the rear wall? Try changing it to 30-35cm. What's the distance between the two speakers? It should be a minimum 6ft approx. Are there objects directly in front of the speakers? If yes the what's the distance. Is there a tv between your setup? If yes, then cover the TV with a cloth since that too acts as a reflecting surfaces. If there are cabinets between the setup, makes sure it is not hollow and if it is then fill it with books etc. |
Thanks Pogbomber All very good suggestions! I have purchased a second hand marantz amplifier from the 90s, which has a warm sound. I have relocated the system into a different room with soft furnishings and a carpet. I also bought a second hand Archam Alpha CD player, which again has a warmer edge to compare. My next step is to give up on the speakers and audition some others. Thanks again for your help. John |
John, try raising (tilting) the front of the speakers up: Between the interactions of your room, furniture, ear level to tweeter level, your own standards, preferences, and hearing, I'm thinking that the you've got to raise the tweeter or slouch more in your listening chair. 2"-3" to start. But it's ok to slouch, my girlfriend reminds me often that I'm a good slouch. Take a look at Doug Schneider's comments re: tweeter height from a review of the 3020i & 3050i from last January on the Soundstage network: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/system-one/1247-hands-down-or-up-the-qacoustics-3020i-and-3... Brother, I'm close to 60 & over the last 18 months have started updating my system with a vengence. If you can't get these to work for you, move on - but be careful, the 3050i's aren't a bright sounding speaker. There seems to be a movement towards 'extended' highs, often misinterpeted as 'openess' or 'speed', and a more forward image, with musicians damn near in your lap. You may or may not enjoy these traits. I'm guessing the latter. Hope you find a solution that works for you. |
- 32 posts total