My journey began when I bought the Bryston to supplement my 2-channel listening in my receiver-based HT. A little over 2 years later, after countless hours and significant financial outlay (for me), this is the result and I couldn't be happier.
I was hoping to create a neutral, yet involving system that sounded good to excellent on all types of music. I feel I have finally reached one solution in a well-balanced package at my price-point.
I suppose here is where I utter the infamous, audiophile last words, "I think I'm done for now." I will admit the quest was alot of fun, but I intend on using this new instrument to explore all kinds of new music.
For at least the next year, I will have to limit my audio habit to tweaks and room acoustics. I tried to include enough pics to illustrate my room challenges. All of the walls are concrete with a thin, textured covering, and the floors are all marble.
The wool Persian rug helped significantly, but I can't quite tame the bass. The lower registers of the electric guitar are exaggerated and smeared. Is this the dreaded "mid-bass hump"? I have been playing with speaker placement - starting with the Cardas formula and adjusting from there. This has helped, but has not solved the problem.
All advice, comments, suggestions and criticism is warmly received. As mentioned, I plan on focusing on tweaks and room treatment, but I would consider hardware changes if they could be funded by sale of existing gear. If not, then perhaps after this upcoming year (after all, I'm only human, right? :^)).
Thanks in advance for any feedback. Happy Listening, Mark
Loanofficer, Thank you for the suggestion. I am interested in cost-effective DIY room tweaks like this. Can you suggest any websites or references for acoustic foam or its application. Thanks, Mark
Ever given any thought to treating your walls and corners with acoustic foam? The differences are night and day and the cost is surprisingly innexpensive. The end result is eye opening and worth every penny compared to many of the tweaks and power conditioning products out there.
Sogood, Thank you for your feedback. The Dynaudio's came with port plugs, and I have tried them. Yes, they do solve the problem, but I also lose all dynamic impact with my bass. I know the Bryston is reputed to be particularly strong in the bass, and for the most part, I feel that this is an asset. This system provides very satisfying bass, just a little "wooly" in the described region (midbass?) Any suggestions for DIY room treatment or any sources I can research. I have moved the speakers out from the back wall about 6ft, and they are ~10in in front of that kitchen doorwall. I will continue to experiment with placement, as I have total flexibility in that area. Unfortunately, the equipment rack is there to stay, as there is no other suitable place in this room. I have read most of Rives' posts and recognize his expertise in room acoustics. His tutorial on speaker placement at his site was quite helpful in finding their current position. In my calculations, I have been using the width of the area behind the speakers for room dimensions, although it opens out from there. Alas, I will only be in this apartment for another year, so I don't want to go too crazy and invest a lot into it. If nothing else, this will be a good learning experience for me in room acoustics and speaker placement, and I am not unhappy with the results as they are presently. Regards, Mark
Nice rig, you have done well. Your small bass hump may be a combo of: rear wall corners/rear port/bryston amp. You may get help by: rear wall treatment/port filter/add sub/change amp. Your idea of speaker and room tweaks first is right on the money as I feel your large rear port and somewhat inclosed rear area may be the problem to look at first, the large doorwall is also something that needs to be looked at. Check out member (Rives) audio site for help, good info.
