@erik_squires no I am thinking you are right: there is for sure a bigger need to get the speakers and room mechanically properly tuned: I don't think ANY EQ or DSP would bring out what the speakers are properly capable. Chances are all those things would do is create distortion somewhere else.
In-Room responce measurement with Legacy Focus SE speakers
Evening all,
Odd request or question for folks with Legacy Focus SE speakers. I am doing some VERY casual speaker tests and room response measurements of dads big system. I have Legacy's smaller Studio HD bookshelf speakers, and have a VERY small space and I think they are incredible. In hearing my dad's much larger room/speakers/system (his listening room is literally the size of my tiny home!) with his larger Legacy Focus SE speakers.....I am honestly a bit underwhelmed, especially considering I have the 1/8th size Studios, and in my room/system they sound incredible.
In my home, the Studio bookshelf speakers sound 'mostly' full, warm, very taunt and articulate, and there is the right match of the tone of most all instruments and it's "weight". Like the pluck or strum of a guitar that is percussive, actually has a bit of an impact on your body. However, my dads system lacks this 'impact' or body and weight. Listening at 70-75decibell level is actually grating and feels like your head is being a bit compressed, but it doesn't "sound loud". My dad mentioned he usually doesn't play anywhere above 60ish decibels because of this issue.
Attached (I hope) is a screen shot of REW in room measurement of my system with the Studio HD bookshelf speakers for reference to what I am hearing. In my fathers system, there is a pronounced 100-130hz peak/hump and things sort of trail off rapidly in BOTH higher and lower frequencies. I'm trying to get a similar measurement to illustrate, but thought I would try to get some thoughts first.
Thanks for time!!
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- 68 posts total
This looks like a lot, but is fairly straightforward Legacy These speakers are high sensitivity 95.4, it is not the amplification. Use science, facts, to find basic information. Then go from there. In the end, it’s your and/or his ears to make final adjustments Measure your space, then measure your father’s space. Hmmmmm. I would tell him you want to know what you are missing, rather than what is wrong with his. You know him best. 1. Inexpensive Sound Pressure Level Meter (they do not have to be perfectly calibrated or accurate, just give you ‘relative answers’ as to the differences of the tested frequencies). Make sure it has bottom threads for a tripod
2. Test Tones: CD (not LP) this one, Amazing Bytes has 29 1/3 octave frequencies, individually selectable. two of them well priced available now. https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/7290000?ev=rb
3. Tripod, position meter at listening position, seated ear level
4. record results. I make enlarged copies of the booklet’s page, record the results. compare your initial, father’s initial will tell you something. 5. improve frequency balance, still using measurements. 5a. The Manual has specific information: https://d2digq31msfd9c.cloudfront.net/uploads/manuals/Focus-SE-Manual-2021_opt.pdf Pg 7, speaker placement Pg 21: Bass Equalization Pg 22: Built-In Fine Tuning (rear toggles switches): Treble: 0, -2db; Bass 0, -2db 5b. refine speaker location and toe-in, still using the meter. Distance from rear/side walls, toe-in; 5c. stuff rear port, what lost? what improved? If stuffed is best, then refine 5b. 5d. further adjustments: 1. preamp tone controls 2. preamp built in equalizer 3. external equalizer with bypass Mine: dbx 2231: dual channel 31 1/3 octave frequencies; bypass; optional noise reduction. https://dbxpro.com/en-US/products/2231
I am having a hearing test soon. At age 75, I am sure they will find something(s). After that, I can try using the equalizer without hearing aids. That’s just for me, not listening with you or others. Thus use bypass to get back to ‘normal’ Next, I may get hearing aids, who knows. What refinements when the hearing aids are in? I bought this version of the DBX from Amazon (already in USA, returnable). Absolutely Identical. I needed XLR/RCA adapters, then I could use my existing cables https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAK4BE8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
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@mijostyn "Sibilant' is a very good descriptive word for what his room/speaker set up sounds like to me. As mentioned, to my ears it sounds as if the woofers aren't even functioning. It's funny you mention about getting an anechoic effect by taking the speakers outside: I had done that at work one summer for our fire crew (we have big old crappy yamaha tower speakers in our gym), and the sound was HORRIBLE. |
OP: One very useful tool you should also know about is the AM Acoustics Room Mode Simulator. Put your room dimensions in and it will show you the lowest modes. Try to keep your speakers and listening location out of those. It won't help your reflection problems, but when you have that sorted, the bass will come out and you'll be all nit picky about that too. 😁
Best,
Erik |
Yeah, I think that the speakers are too far from the front wall plus their location may have room node cancellation. Try moving them the toward the front wall (behind the speakers) 1 foot at a time to get a rough idea if that improves. His side walls are far enough away but something at the first reflection point to absorb will help. The Rega Ellicit Mk4 is not a high powered amp so it's adequate for power but not going to deliver strong bass with out some room reinforcement. JMHO. Moving speakers is free. You may fin that 4 feet out sounds fuller in the midrange and bass. |
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