Just my two cents, but it seems that EQ won't fix your problem. EQ would be more for tweaking the sound of a system that is close to your ideal, whereas higher sensitivity speakers should function better at lower dB levels. I have 85dB speakers (ATC SCM19) that listen to near field (6 feet) and low level listening isn't their strength. My amp outputs 220 wpc.
Nearfield Low-Level Listening : New Speakers or EQ? Thoughts?
In my main rig, I listen nearfield at low levels, and I do not feel the music sounds fully engaging until moderate-to-loud volumes. Have been told my speakers, Totem Forest Signature, "need power to sing". I have ordered a Schiit Loki Max EQ; wondering if that will do the trick or do I need to consider new speakers? I use the Loudness/Comp feature on my integrated amp, it helps some. Listen to 70s, Jazz, Americana, ...
My System:
- Accuphase E-380 Integrated
- 180 watts into 4 ohms and 120 watts into 8 ohms.
- High damping factor of 500.
- Totem Forest Signature Speakers
- Impedance: 8 ohms (6.4 ohms minimum)
- Sensitivity: 87 dB
- Recommended Power: 50 - 225 watts
- Rose HiFi RS-150B Streamer/DAC
- Thorens 1601 TT, Schiit Skol Pre, Nagoaka Cart
- REL Classic 98 Subwoofer, Speakon connection
- XLR Connections, Bi-Wired Speakers
- Shunyata Power Conditioner
- ...
- 33 posts total
Nice big room, nice stuff, a few comments: 1. your accuphase loudness compensation is nothing like fletcher munson curves, and is a simple bass boost on/off +6db at 100hz, not progressive, not volume related, thus your comment 'it helps some' makes perfect sense. I would not use it when the Schitt gets there, 2. schitt is different than any equalizer I ever messed with, it has 6 bands, and treats their +/- range differently, thus play with them individually to get a feel for what each band can do, pretty simple as it has remote bypass. Bands: 20Hz, 120Hz, 400Hz, 2kHz, 6kHz, 16kHz Adjustment: +/-12dB at 20Hz and 16kHz, +/-9dB at 120Hz and 6kHz, +/-6dB at 400 and 2kHz It is a 'set and forget' except that it has 3 factory presets and let's you save anything you want in place of those 3. "9 Preset/Favorite Press briefly to select from one of three EQ presets. Or, press and hold for 5 seconds to define a new favorite on the currently selected preset." ................................. I would 1st ascertain what I was getting with my system flat, using a SPL Mic and a CD with test tones SPL, make sure it has a bottom threaded hole for tripod use http://Amazing Bytes CD has 29 1/3 octave test tones you may find a slightly preferable speaker positioning and or toe-in prior to using the EQ. ............................................... I like the automatic and progressive bass boost that I get at only low volume listening from my Chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1
It does not adjust the highs like Fletcher Munson, but it does have basic tone controls which I do not use. I wish the Schiit had remote balance like the Chase does. |
I listen nearfield at low levels. It isn't your speakers as much as your electronics. Most amps suck at low power levels. tube amps is the best solution but there are others. of course with tube amps you may need more sensitive speakers. But I've tried driving sensitive speakers with high power amps. if you take a 300 watt power amp and turn it down to 0.1 watt, it will suck. lets just say I've never heard one that doesn't. Jerry |
- 33 posts total