Speakers, speaker cables or I’m getting old…
I began listening to my gear as it filtered in from various spots in the US. I bought cheap cables, as I waited for my cabling to arrive. I have a set of Heritage Specials, ran from a Pass X150.8. I noticed right out of the gate at what I would call “moderate” volumes there’s a frequency that “smears.” I’ve never heard this in any of my setups, have just read others reference it. Now, what I’ve noticed is as my gear has arrived and as the chain improved, it reduced, but is not gone and I’m unable to listen at louder volumes due to it.
The one item that’s yet to arrive are the speaker cables, currently on there is what was available at the moment, something very thin and cheap.
My prior setup was Harbeth’s off PL, and am very familiar with that sound. I’ve ran PS Audio BHK Mono’s off a set off Dyn Confidence and loved that too. I tend to believe it’s not the speakers. But rather the cheap speaker cables…Or, I’ve aged 3 years since I’ve had a 2ch setup, and my hearing has changed and I’m just more sensitive to certain frequencies. For the record, I’ve always been rather sensitive to an upper mid/higher freq sound, it pierces my brain. B&W + Mac comes to mind…ran that once as well.
The other oddity is that older recordings, or older remasters like Tom Petty Wildflowers and the off shoot releases from it sound amazing. Dave Matthews sounds amazing, Radiohead, Willie Bobo, so there’s a bunch that doesn’t generate that smear or sheen. I’m using qobuz. Really, anything metal related, Tool, Lamb of God, Metallica is a little harsh to listen to and moderate volumes.
Thoughts?
Go figure. Give an update once you get the new cables settled in — what cables are they BTW? You seem to be focused on speaker cables, but interconnects are just as important so what are you using there and what is your source, power cables, and power conditioning? We don’t have all the details and it all matters. |
OP it's hyperacusis and I also suffer from it.Well made copper cabling throughout will help smooth out the sound,but ultimately can't undo bad or less than stellar recordings. Room treatments,DSP,and power conditioning help also.I love rock and blues music and finally achieved relief after adding a parametric equalizer to control those problematic upper mids.I'm not saying that's the right path to take for everyone, just my personal experience. I hope upgrading your cabling will be all you need to get rid of the congestion and edginess. |
Yes, I should’ve been a little more detailed. I went with PIne Tree Audio cabling for balanced/USB/power, and Audio Art cabling for my C20 power and speaker cabling. I’m running the PL X2.5, PS Audio DirectStream DAC, Innuous Pulse, PL X150.8, Inakustik 3500 and the Dyn Heritage Specials w/the Sub6. I’m getting ready to test running my PL dedicated off a Shunyata Hydra Cyclops. @mijostyn I 100% agree. I have GIK Acoustic panels, and you’re correct. There was some midrange energy building dead center, which is much tamer w/my mid trap set there, the other is behind my head. I’m waiting for my isolation feet from Stack Audio. I’m also waiting on a rack from Butcher Block Acoustics, along with some of their isolation platforms. I’ve already taken the step to fill the stands with aquarium gravel. They certainly resonated prior. @jtcf Noted. In both my prior setups I ran a DEQX Premate, unbelievable addition. It’s limited though in the digital domain and setting them up is beyond an adventure. But, once set up w/room treatments, it sounds unbelievable. It is something I’m considering reintegrating, that or McIntosh’s MEN220. I’ve tested one previously, another magic device. Though, I won’t self-diagnose myself with a hearing condition, they certainly help smooth out those frequencies. |
What you're experiencing is the sound of Heritage Specials vs Harbeth. HS are overly detailed and can sound harsh and fatiguing, especially brand new out of the box. I've owned Special 40s and loved that speaker, even more than the HS. Harbeth are super pleasant sounding speakers, even on recordings that are less than perfect. Sorry, but this has nothing to do with the cables. I've owned HS and every model Harbeth makes, except for the 40 series. I liked the HS at first, until I realized I couldn't listen for very long, and the music became fatiguing, just like B&W. I would suggest pairing your Pass to a different speaker that creates a more satisfying presentation. |
