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big rig vs. the second system

I've been listening to a number of recordings recently on my primary system and then immediately afterwards on the secondary one, with some pretty consistent results.

The biggest difference that I notice is not in ability in the treble, mid-range or bass, not in timbral accuracy, not in imaging, not in soundstage, not in rhythm and timing, etc., but rather in a sonic characteristic that I'm not sure quite how to name. Presence--immediacy--shimmer, are the three words that I can think of for the moment that come closest. It's that you-are-in-the-same-room versus the you-are-in-the-next-room sensation. And although it's one of the hoariest audio-reviewing cliches out there, you could describe it as as the difference between a non-transparent acoustic veil being lowered and raised. Perhaps there's a solid reason why this is such a cliche.

I wonder if this is just my experience, or whether others find that this is the primary difference, too.
128x128twoleftears
plato
1,543 posts
 
I think it would vary with which specific systems you are comparing... What you've described sounds like a difference in frequency response to me... It's probably related to the respective rooms and the particular speakers. One pair of speakers may have a small elevation in the midrange while the other speakers may be level or slightly reticent.

Anyway, that's the most likely explanation for what you've described (though not the only one).
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Check out this response curve.

I am not sure what speaker you are comparing this too but the off axis response will have as much influence on what you hear as the on axis response when placed in a typical room. So if you can eyeball the average response then it will give you an idea of how the big rig will sound in comparison to others. Areas where the combined response is strong (such as in the bass) and between 4 to 7 Khz will stand out in the presentation. Presence is defined here.

Does this match or tally with your observations? - normally it should.
pacific_island_audio
49 posts
 
Stuffiness, congestion, lack of clarity or definition, veiled, not transparent. . .

We've all heard it, and too often. Sometimes this may be related to frequency response. Sometimes off-axis response, as Shadorne has noted. Another possibility is related to resonance. Undesirable resonances of the drivers, the cabinet, high Qs, and other sources. It's a very common problem, and a problem very readily exposed with full orchestra. Nothing will reveal this flaw faster or more obviously, especially when the cellos or basses are playing.
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