What can I do to improve my 2nd system?


My 2nd stereo system is in my 14 ft x 18 ft bed room. The system is placed on the short side as shown. The sound path is laptop/CD/SACD player -> DAC -> power amp -> speakers/subwoofer.  All the details including the placements and cabling are shown in the picture.  The subwoofer is connected from DAC to sub. line-in and line out to power amp thru a build-in HPF fixed at 80Hz 12dB/Octave, which I found the best way for integration bet. the main and sub. The bookshelfs are slightly toed in.  After adding the sub., I like the almost full-range sound out of this system but wonder what else I could do to further improve it.  Any advise is appreciated.   

lanx0003

Well, saying you need DSP EQ is kind of an oversimplification of measuring first, then treating, but the miniDSP units are very capable especially for subs.  I would keep your sub and enhance with it.

Speakers vary by a great deal on what their ideal toe-in is.  Focals for instance, to me sound best with zero to just a little toe-in.  You can see in the measurements with some speakers that on axis they may have big peaks and valleys which get a lot smoother off axis.  Toole was also probably thinking of less constrained rooms.  Anyway, it's a total judgement call so try it and let me know if that's a good choice for you.  As a long term solution though consider the GIK acoustics bass traps with diffusor panels.  They will give you a sense of air and space while helping to focus the image and reduce bass standing waves.

OH, also, try listening BELOW the tweeter axis. :) I find this sometimes more pleasant. There’s nothing wrong with that either.  I ended up using Isoacoustics speaker stands which let me tilt the speakers up.

 

Best,

 

Erik

Hi, Erik, I will try those excellent suggestions after I get home and embark on the miniDSP journey including room measurements.  I like out-of-the-box thinking and approach doing things.  Also thank you all gentlemen for the advises. 

one sub can work fine, if you have a single listening position, and the flexibility to place the sub where it needs to go...