XLR question for bass


Guys,

I have a Luxman 590axii paired up with an Antipodes K40 server and Weiss DAC 502.  The bass reproduction could be better for a couple of reasons.  I guess could benefit from some room treatment, although I really have no idea how realistic that will be as I don't have a lot of places to put room treatments without bringing an expert onboard to help with that.  

My question is whether or not, in your experience, any of the XLR cables would give me a tighter bass reproduction than my current cables, which are AudioQuest Red River XLRs.  I first bought them so I could just listen to my system and get used to the sound.

I know that I can do some additional things such as vibration reduction for the speakers, etc.  I have some IsoAcoustic Orea Bronze feet underneath my Antipodes K40.  I didn't really notice much of a difference.  

So, should I be looking at new XLRs or some kind of dampener underneath the speakers?  I will investigate room acoustic treatment at some point in the future.  Just looking at these other options for now.

 

Thanks.


Bill

wtb

A listening space should be treated like a recording studio.  Microphones are nothing more than a set of good ears.  They require the same acoustic conditions to process a pleasing sound.   While there are admittedly some studios and mixing rooms that are over the top in their treatment (Blackbird Studio C - look it up - it has the famous George Massenberg treatment.  Awesome.).  There are many other world class studios that are nothing more than a set of heavy drapes on the wall and a few area rugs.  

Room treatment is really not that complicated.   It does take a little experimentation but that’s part of the fun.    All you’re trying to do is knock down or diffuse a sound wave on every hard, reflective surface.  The diffusion device doesn’t need to cover every inch of hard surface, not even close.   But every reflective surface should have something that absorbs and forces sound waves to either change their direction or their speed.  Different frequencies travel at different rates. When you knock down a certain band, they no longer travel as a standing wave and, in most cases, will cancel each other out. In layman’s terms, knocking down just one frequency band usually tames the rest.  Don’t try to over analyze it. 
 

When I treat a room, I spend a lot of time clapping my hands together or yelling a single sound and listening.   If you hear the sound reverberate, your room needs more.  

For the OP’s room, I’d start with an area rug - as big and as thick as the space can handle.   I’d also replace all the framed wall hangings with 2” thick decorative acoustic art prints.  The alcove in the background is problematic.  That’s an echo chamber.   Some acoustic treatments on those walls will go a long way in producing a focused bass.   If you want to display a diploma or certificate, you can send a high rez photo to Acoustimac and they’ll make your certificate in to an art print. https://www.acoustimac.com/acousticart

The corner shelving unit is also an issue.   Try to find some of those small decorative pillows with cute phrases and place them on a few of the shelves.  If you want to get serious, line the back of the shelves with Guilford of Maine Sona fabric.  The stuff works miracles and it looks pretty good too!  It’s not very expensive. 

The large blank wall above the computer monitor is definitely screaming to be treated..  A hanging tapestry, Navajo rug, another acoustic art print, etc., will work wonders.    If you hang a tapestry or rug, don’t mount it flush to the wall   Hang it from a curtain rod or similar.   

Scatter a few large pillows around on the furniture.  

Finally, I’d call a window treatment company and inquire about some nice fabric curtains or, at least, some heavy fabric blinds for that window.

After that, there are corner bass traps, ceiling treatments, etc., but I think you’ll already be enjoying a night and day difference and won’t care about doing more.  


 


 

 

I would bet it's room/speaker positioning. I once moved a tall record rack to the other side of the room...right next to the left speaker at what would be the 1st reflection point. I thought bass was fine before, but it was like all frequencies came into focus...tighter, including bass. I had good bass before this change but now it seemed as if the bass frequencies were punching at exactly the same time...so impact and clarity was improved.

Wasn't even my idea either...wife needed space on the right side of the room. It is not hyperbole to say it was a night and day difference. 

You need to deal with the room 1st.  Bad room acoustics, nothing is going to fix that except room treatments, especially not cables. As for experts, contact GIK or ASC or others online to get an idea what could be going on in your room

Thanks everyone.  But first and foremost, this is my office.  The desk cannot be moved (it took 2 people to move it and put it together, it is an L-shaped bow front desk, 7ft long and 7ft deep.  Some things can be done.  I will consider a tapestry for that wall.  I will consult with someone to do acoustical treatments on the hard surfaces.  I will consider drapery as well, although the windows are treated with soft fabric shades.  Art and diplomas aren't going anywhere.  Some things in life just aren't negotiable and the music will only be as good as I can get it without compromising on the things that bring me joy by viewing them daily.  I do look forward to going through this process and sharing the progress with the members of Audiogon b/c so many GREAT ideas have popped up due to these questions.  I truly appreciate everyone's generosity and willingness to help.  

Thanks so much.

Bill

OP

 

Thanks for the photo… that was worth a lot of words. Nice system and speakers. That looks like a really challenging space. I am not sure how I would approach it.

I have met a few people with skills good enough to go into the room and they would say, “move this here and this here, let’s make a short absorbent plank here to throw the sound here… but I have met few. I would send a photo of the space when talking to possible help. You might ask a couple of the closest very high end audio store managers if they know anyone… it is quite possible they might have the skill. A professional audio consultant might be skilled at building spaces… not tweaking within such a confined space. Interview carefully.

I’d really like to help… but I’d have to be there and listen… and maybe something would come to me, maybe I would draw a blank. Good luck. If you get it set up to your satisfaction I’d really be interested in how.