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22 Tips for better sound in a High End audio system
22 Tips for better sound in a High End audio system
Özhan Atalay
Email: Web ozhan@atalay.biz: http://www.nonamehifi.com
Introduction
Basically what is accepted in the audiophile world is that it is almost impossible to get the best sound from combinations only the best equipment. Much cheaper but properly selected and adjusted the system may seem better than its expensive brothers. This is called system synergy in audiophile world. System synergy is not just about the combination of the best teams, but it is a kind of long and enjoyable way to maximize their performance.
The precautions and principles can be seen absurd and meaningless for someone who has solid knowledge what the hi-end is.
In twenty years, I have spent time, money and efforts to achieve better sound (.. or what is better). I wrote a couple of important points from my own perspective. Most of these points can be known to audiophiles anyway, if not applied. More importantly, below points consist simply my own observations. There are many known tricks and different techniques. I avoided not including here the points that I did not try and / or points not worked well with me. I think the points mentioned below will strengthen the system of a person to the next level by using the same equipment.
I apologize for my English level. I am grateful if someone warns me about the main language errors in any part of the website.
The only certain truth I have learned after twenty years is that "no There is one absolute truth in Hi-End "Most high-end truths can not be proven through scientific measures. Very sensitive human ear hears much, interpret, evaluate and decide. In a listening session of three audio lovers, which probably will happen is one of the people is low enough, the other may find that such and excessive, but the owner of the network will think it's okay, not less, not more. This phenomenon is called "reference brain." (See for more details) reference brain is a kind of prejudice comes from our own system of timbre and tonality. This phenomenon is sometimes in conflict with someone who compares a team improved compared with their own equipment and not like the sound of another, even though the other was clearly better.
Most of the items below will depend on the ability of the system but more importantly, depend on the experience of audiophiles. A poor system differ from those points or less experienced ears can not pick either. That's why some of the points below may not be regarded by all. I'm going to be delicious, if anyone who reads this article takes one or two points.
1 – Listening at night, listen to criticism or test equipment should be in at night. This rule obviously applies to anyone living in a big city. noise does not affect our remarkable city and we're basically hearing is not able to hear what our system gives us during the day.
Due to the noise of the city is several times lower at night, all the hidden aspects in hi-end appear in the night and the system delivers its full potential. For more information, see noise (see for details)
2 – The heat and humidity, the humidity and heat are major influences in the sound. Systems can not produce its best sound, energy and dynamics in a warm and humid. I'm not sure why this happens but it happens. It may be two reasons: the air wet is heavier in such circumstances, what the speakers are not able to pull enough air in the room. Or the speaker may soften and materials behave differently in warm weather. To cool the listening environment before the audition eliminates that effect.
3 – The dark, The music must be heard in a dark room. In particular, the speakers and the system must be kept in the dark and the place of the original recording should be imagined while listening.
The main objective of a good quality hi-end system is neglecting the hardware and into the recording environment. Listen to music while viewing the physiologically hardware demolished virtual environment intended to be in, the most uncomfortable part of a hi-end system is the lack of visual images. The sense of reality is very different to participate in a live concert or listening / viewing from a DVD player through a surround sound system.
If the listening environment is not dark, the speakers will be perceived as the original sound sources.
4 – Finding the right listening distance sound travels in waves called frequently. The volume of each frequency will change in relation to the distance from the speakers. As for the volume, frequencies will be up and down when the distance is changed. Especially higher midrange and treble sections can range from 20 to 5 centimeters. These frequency peaks can be recognized easily by listening.
a – Listen to a test CD that contains different test frequencies. For example start with mono 1000 Hz in the listening chair. Then stand up and walk very slowly through its system. (Preferably with eyes closed). Immediately you will notice that the signal will have ups and downs in the volume on your way as if someone was turning the volume control.
b – The main frequency of the music and that is closest to human sound is 1000 Hz 1000 Hz is the starting point. 1000 Hz will be at your peak so many times in relation to the distance from your listening chair. Find the closest distance to your current listening chair that 1000 Hz is at the peak. The ups and downs in this band was changed around 50-70 inches. This is the best place to listen to the mids, but not the best location to get the best frequency spectrum. It is only the starting point.
c – Stick a rope to the back wall that can come across his shoulders. Now close eyes and listen to different frequencies, as 300-500-1000-2000-5000-10.000 etc Hz, the maximum movement of your body (seated) forward and backward. Mark the points of peak of all frequencies have heard on the rope. Our goal is to find a specific item that most frequencies are at their peaks. If unsuccessful and these points are not closer together, move the speakers from 10 cm from the front (or back in his chair to listen to 10 cm in front and back) and repeat the same exercises, until a certain point most of the frequencies are at their peaks.
It is not an easy task, long time, but for free. Once has the point, you will be surprised with the improvement of the sound of your existing system.
5 – room acoustics, room acoustics is the best known, but the least considered part of Hi-End. A conventional speaker can pull 40% of the sound directly to the listener; rest of the sound comes through the walls by reflections. Reflection: the difference in dates of the original signal, therefore, an additional noise does not exist in the original record. Within this complexity of the reflections, a part of the signal original arrive late due to the front wall or ceiling or so, part of the original signal produced by the left speaker will come as if coming from the right speaker and vice versa. This complex listening environment demolish the stereo image and the channel separation.
Some music lovers are happy with this case due to missing speakers look better and sound is wider and deeper. Some producers add more mid / high units to the rear speakers (dipoles) to highlight such effects.
One thing to consider that such considerations do not exist in the original sound. If something that is produced by the system of room, plus of the original sound must be named color.
If the goal of a good high-end system is to reproduce the original sound, such reflections should be avoided as as possible. Especially the ribbon and electrostatic speakers suffer much from such reflections.
Carpets on the floor is a need to reduce reflections (Standing waves) between the floor and ceiling. Thicker curtains can help reduce glare from windows. Glass covered pictures and furniture should be rigid be avoided.
This article is not intended to give advice on how to make an adjustment of the room, lots, but much information can be found on the Internet. But it is only to emphasize the importance of room acoustics.
6 – Focus and precise placement of speakers, which also is another well-known, but the least considered part of Hi-End. It is vital to locate the two speakers in the distance just like to get an accurate focus. Distances should be very well measured and the two speakers should be placed exactly hear the same distance across.
OK, but why so important!
Sound signals are distributed in the waves, as explained in section five. People who tried the settings in the section fifth will notice that the peaks of the frequency range in relation to distance from the speakers. Especially high frequencies vary greatly from one inch for a change. In these cases, if a speaker is just an inch closer to the listener, some frequencies will sound much of an orator, but not heard in the other speaker. If the higher harmonics consist of human sound frequencies as high, (it is!) This is obvious that sound will move from center to left or right. Moreover, in this case, some frequencies are collided at full phase and be overstated, others shocked by reversed phase are also destroyed.
This is exactly the same effect of losing the bass when you connect a speaker out of phase.
7 – Mechanical vibration of the electronic units, Quite a lot of vibration absorption feet and platform types on the market. Should be included in the electronics / speakers. These materials have two intentions;
a-To eliminate external vibration coming through the unit
b-To eliminate the vibration of the unit itself (motor CD conductor, the vibrations of the speaker cone, etc)
Most popular are the cones (spikes). I think the proper use of spikes do not know very well. Instead of being a vibration damper, spike is a type of transmission of material that transmits the vibration through one point to another point. In other media vibration condenses into a point and mechanically moved to another platform for the tip but not eliminated. If the surface is hard to connect (eg marble, granite, etc) these vibrations are passed to the surface. Below this rigid platform (marble, MDF, glass, granite) should be covered by an elastic material, such as cork mousepad, neoprene rubber or similar.
The vibration can not pass a rigid platform for a platform elastically and will be incorporated to medium heat.
Address of the cone is also critical. The address should be in conjunction with the intention vibration transmission.
It may be the latest on the cone is the cone should be in contact with the chassis of the component directly. If any rubber band Double-sided, blue tack or as an elastic material is placed between the drive cone and the material to try to incorporate the vibration and the cone will not work.
8 – Under the Speaker Marble: A marble platform speakers eliminate most unwanted resonance of the speaker. The thickness the marble must have at least 3 cm and the size must be at least 10 inches larger than the edges. Beneath the marble has to be covered by an elastic material, such as cork, mouse pad, neoprene etc.
How is the sound effect has stronger bass but clear and firm, relaxation in the middle and upper frequencies.
He has to be connected to the platform through a cone, not a foot elastically. The pointed end cone has to steer the marble, but not toward the speaker.
9 – Grounding the Metals for static electricity, especially in humid climates and in fully carpeted listening environments, static electricity become a problem. The carpet is charged with static electricity that can pass through the electronic equipment through the grid and / or through human contact. Static electricity on the carpet is so powerful that when the control in the morning before anyone walks on it can be clearly seen by simple tools are sold at Radio Shack
To eliminate the effect, the speaker stands and equipment racks must be grounded by a thin wire. Moreover, the speaker cables and interconnects must be lifted off the ground because the same effects.
What benefits you can expect from this trick is that I do not know why, but less and do more blurred the low low tide.
10 – Distance the front wall speaker, speaker producers generally recommend the speaker distance from the front wall (the wall behind the speakers.) Overall, the He should be located as far away as possible from the front wall. (The side walls as well) If they are so close to the wall, standing beneath the waves will be enhanced (Explained in article five) and mid-high band will be compressed due to the excessive bass energy.
Some audiophiles find desired bass volume by placing close to the front wall, which is not correct. One thing that should be noted that such increase bass sound is not due to original, but is the result of the response of the room called coloring.
11 – Auto ex / Passive Transformer Stages; The new technologies developed industry hi-end pre-amps made questionable.
Before you order, the reason for a preamplifier stipulated in four basic concepts;
a-To connect more than a whole unit
b. The tape recording of some sources
c-Decreased the volume and reversed polarity signal dishes (such as single source component)
d-Bass, the adjustment needs of acute
Today, CD, SACD units 5.8 Volt can provide products that are more than enough to power amplifiers. Audiophiles are not interested in the adjustments of tone, but focused more on simplicity. Dedicated phono stages are in common use, therefore, most of the requirements are not valid for more.
The main and the only groundwork for a modern pre-amplifier is to lower the volume level, not step!
Just imagine a pure signal from a CD, or DAC by power amplifier, then cut this link, adding four blocks, four jacks, a pair of interconnects, many resistors, capacitors, transistors, tubes, and all those things on the link. How can we maintain the purity of the signal and can do something better than the original!
A stage Active Line destroys the neutrality and the purity of the original sound. Such corruption can not be so evident in most of the systems of lower resolution or ignored by some people on purpose. Each phase line has its own tonality and coloration. As a matter of fact, audiophiles generally use line phases problems in balancing their key systems. For example, a subway line stage is used to calm a firm power amplifier solid state or a rich triplet line stage is used to compensate the power amplifier poor treble and vice versa. If this is the case of a system, all-natural line stage and lack of color will not be considered by audiophiles.
After me, the review should be to change the power amplifier to find the desired sound instead of playing with pre-amplifier. In other words, to tackle the original problem instead of trying to hide the problem.
It is almost a consensus that the use of a very simple volume pot adds both neutrality and purity of sound. But in such cases, some other problems appear. A potentiometer volume that can be a potentiometer or an alternator works intensified resistance directors. Every step adds bulk different path to the signal strength, which decrease the volume. Due to the complexity of the music signal (20 Hz-20 kHz) as a resistive load will act as a barrier to different frequencies. For example, when lowering the volume, treble and low bass is compressed or when volume increases, means excessive, or vice versa. Not to mention the lack of dynamic range too. A line stage eliminates these problems.
CDs Because of these facts, the volume control pots or controlled analog volume can not be used stand online only as stages
Using the new technology, new phases of old cars and passive line transformer developed for the volume control.
These units do not work with the directors of the resistance and not add resistance to the signal path. The only resistance amplifiers and is approximately 200 Ohms because the wire windings.
Passive line stage transformer consists of two transformers, one for left channel and one for the right. They have a primary winding and multiple (12-24 steps) of secondary windings. Its principal is loving the volume when changing volts instead of adding resistance. To my knowledge, there are only three producers of online, such stages. I used two of them. Both are providing extra ordinary natural sounds, quiet and without distortion.
I heavily modified the old Sound Lab myself that is a very good and very cheap too, (no underestimate their price) but Audio Consulting Silver Rock made of pure silver is something else.
I should also mention that this line of passive stages may not be suitable for all systems. In this case, the input impedance of the power amplifier must be driven directly by the DAC output stage or a player CD. The input impedance of the power amplifier should be as small as possible. The best way to learn this case is to write the impedance values to the producers and ask assistance before buying.
12 – Good Tubes (NOS tubes), it makes sense to pay 100? and age while the new one costs 10 tube? I think so. A good tube can change the characteristics of an electronic tube as if you replace the whole unit. We tubes are not easy to find, quite expensive but worth using. Especially the upper frequency hiss is much lower tubes numbers.
13 – Polarity very easy to find the method, generally speaking, European (German) standard AC plugs do not have the direction of the signal. plugs U.S., UK, Switzerland has a way of connecting AC AC as + and -. phases can not So in these cases, it is not easy to find the correct polarity.
The electronic components can operate correctly, regardless of polarity. Our televisions, refrigerators, light bulbs, computers, everything. Why AC polarity is very important in Hi-Fi!
The electricity comes from (+) passes through the electronic circuit and departs from (-) Overall, the current network reaches the power supply of the first unit is then reduced to the desired voltage electronic circuits. In this case, the network automatically filtered by the feed section. The transformer section behaves as power isolation transformer, input and output streams are physically separated. If the polarity is not correct, the mains will the system directly from the back door and bring all the pollution, such as RFI / EMI on the drive. Due to the fact, it is important to find the correct polarity.
More electronic polarity is similar. If the unit has detachable power cord and IEC inlet, the hole should be the right (+) network when you look at the front plug on the front (as seen below)
Another simple method is to check the fuse network. If the unit is equipped with an exterior protection fuse, release the fuse and check for a marker to check the electricity while the unit was connected to the network. You must (+) signal. If not, reverse the AC plug from the wall
14 – Listening volume level, is certainly nobody's business to tell what the value is correct volume sound. Some music lovers as a very low level of listening, some become the volume until the windows are broken.
If the result is to get the feel of the place recorded volume level should be adjusted accordingly but no more or no less. This case is applicable to acoustic instruments but not limited to electronic music, jazz or disco music, etc.
What ever heard the album, setting the correct volume should be no increase or decrease the size of the original instrument. Higher volumes may, for example a guitar should be played with the original volume of a guitar the correct volume setting. If the volume level increases, the body of the guitar was bigger in terms obsolete, by other hands, the whole body of a chorus Mormon not be so realistic at low volume
15 – Heating of the speakers and cables before listening to criticism, in addition to the theory that "Solid-state electronics to provide the best sound for a few minutes until warmed transistors." Every one needs an audio system for heating. This time is at least 1 / 2 hour or 1 hour, even though manufacturers recommend less. As far as I know, the reason behind this is the specifications for resistance capacitors, tubes and other stuff vary if they are cold or hot. Manufacturers make final adjustments when the units are warm, otherwise it would be a perfect game for the first half hour and worse after warmed up.
That principal is applied by all audiophiles for electronics, but not always with the speakers and cables.
The speakers are very important because its passive components should be warmed as cross resistance. His voice coils should be heated up as well. The cables are also important. period of warming is not eligible for the cables, but the cables must be run for a while until their charged dielectric.
As a result, the heating time should be completed by play (not play) the whole system.
16 – Selecting appropriate speaker to hear the room, boxes should be selected in relation to the listening room dimensions. Unfortunately, the trend audiophiles in general especially in the U.S. is "bigger is better"
It's like some new beginning skiers who choose best ski equipment before learning and facing so many problems later.
large speakers are difficult position, difficult to drive, looks more the limits room. If the speaker is greater for the room, decrease the surplus energy of other sounds serious. He means more larger problems. Driving requires large speakers challenge, experience, sources, time and money.
17 – PS Audio Power Plant, I can mainly avoid giving specific brands in my non-commercial website. But PS Audio Power Plant is a very special product that similar components, not comparable. It is a type of regenerative energy powered by electricity. P300 actually regenerates new AC for audio equipment. This regeneration of CA is much better quality than the filtered AC voltage due to and stable AC waveform close to perfect. It also eliminates 70 dB of EMI and RFI from the AC line!
Not all friends agree me, but in my opinion, is a very special team that raises the entire system to a higher level.
What to expect from him is far more relaxed sound, more layers of sound stage depth and width, sharp details and more crystalline interior. The improvements are immediately apparent. Be careful to use with power amplifiers hunger. (I'm not sure about this now Note: 2005)
18 – CD surface treatments: There are various types of surface treatments CD on the market. Shine the surface of the CD, which contains updated information on Laser more. What can you expect from a surface treatment is the high frequencies are cleaner and more widespread. The easiest and cheapest method of surface treatment of CD is the one used by lovers of the pipe. That is human oil on the skin of the face.
I apologize for this ugly change, but our systems are personal and private in any case do not. oil Human viscosity thin perfect and can be absorbed by the surface of CDs very easily and effectively. Play your first CD, the CD discredit along the front and the diffusion oil with your finger and listen again.
Do not forget to spread the oil from your fingers every time before hearing this CD.
19 – Goal of the Third Dimension: The objective of a stereo system is to the 3rd dimension through two channels. All hi-end Hi-Fi or equipment has its own character, timbre and tonality. For example, a titanium tweeter will have a different key then silk dome tweeter. Two different brands of speakers will have different tones as if using the same drive units. The tone of high-end equipment mostly depends on the musical preferences of the designer. We are probably not like to hear if tones are different from our own teams, but the other system sounds much better. This case is so often face, most audiophiles not like the sound of someone else even though the system is a better system. This case is also evident in the purchase or testing new equipment in homes. Sometimes the best evidence computer at home but feel something is still missing in comparison with our own team.
I remember very well, when Sony launched the first player 20-bit CD, most people find the sound hard, sharp and color. People used to listen to dark music CD so far and the inner ear details disrupted them.
I also remember very well that when I modified my old B & W 801 Matrix II and monitor speakers canceled protection units, the new sound that had bothered me a lot. I was unhappy with the new sound and I could not hear my system for several days. At that time, the manufacturer said that "protection units were necessary because the speakers are designed primarily for recording studios." He said to me that the new sound should be clearly better due to cross resistance, which affects the lower medium and upper bass was reduced considerably. After several days of listening to them, the sound became better and better. Finally, the sound was surprisingly perfect after a few weeks. In fact, the sound was the same but the perception was changing. (My reference brain changing)
If this is often the case, how to distinguish the unit more for listening! There are several forms of it, but for me the main method is the ability of third dimension. This is not the only case for sure, but in general terms comparing two units, the best delivery is the largest sound stage, more departments and more height.
This is also Peter theory Quodrup Audio Note UK and I am one hundred percent agree with him.
The distortion of an electronic device is not the effect of tone of the team, but especially the effects of interior details. Soundstage department and height are factors as hidden in the interior details that will be affected first place. If the unit providing less distortion, more accurate sound stage, especially department will provide more.
20 – The Ring of less powerful of a chain, Hi-Fi is a chain. The strength of a chain depends on the ring of the less powerful. Suppose a water hose is a wide range. Derived from the ability of water will conform to the thinnest part.
A system should be a similar level of equipment. If you add the best CD transport to a system-wide level, there will be some changes, but not as expected. Digital cable also compress the poor quality of the entire the sound of a very good system.
A long-term plan should be prepared before the creation of a system and parts must be purchased in time. shopping may come as a hasty replacement costs within one to two years.
21 – Do not immediately judge a unit given a chance; Each system can sound good in time. the synergy of the system is a kind of time factor sometimes depends takes months, even years. Sometimes we make quick decisions and prejudices Quick good products and unfair to comment immediately. In my opinion, the main element of hi-end chain is the loudspeaker. If the tone and characteristics of speaker is usually very good, or if the general tone of the whole system in general good, the system can be carried by several steps playing with cables, settings, locations, tubes, etc.
22 – Critical Adjustments must be made by listening to music or Music Symphony Chorus; Once we decided on the components principal of our system, we played with the cables, pipes, adjustments and other accessories to find the shade. Adjusting the tonal balance of a system to listen to individual instruments or trios in jazz can mislead us.
Superior medium and sharp bands of sound is easily lost if someone is far original signal. This is the case, if we listen to a live concert or listening in a hi-end system. If this is the case, such instruments as the saxophone, guitar, violin, although a human voice are darker and far if we listen in a very good live album. Every time we increase mid / high band adjustment system, these instruments became more open, detailed and dynamic. But one thing should be aware that we can add a subtle amount of color to the sound unconsciously. If a system is cut listening to trios or small solo instruments, voices singe, this risk is very great. This system can not play a classical music performed by a large orchestra. If symphonic music as it sounds, the system can show hardness and brightness.
It is often said that the system of someone plays well in the classics but it sounds pretty dark in jazz, or any other person the system is quite revealing in jazz but very bright and glazing in classical music. I think this is the main reason for these phenomena
FIN
Hi-End is a passion that so many companies and opportunistic added each year despite high-end community is not growing enough. Prices are multiplied by 3, 5, every year 10s. Any producer aims to be a the best in the world or at least within the price level in particular. Manufacturers issue review reports prepared by some people!
No equipment test and technology of today can demonstrate that their assertions are correct or not test equipment and may void that their claims are wrong. In no team so you can compare two units and show that one is better sounding then the other. He pretended best teams in the world / cables usually aim in blind tests. If this is the case, it's easy to pretend to be the best in the world because nobody can prove otherwise.
The price of the equipment value may fall to third the purchase price within a few years by the addition of MK-II MK-III, special editions and versions Signature
While the best speaker in the world was sold for 7.000? Twenty years ago, the best speaker for today is over 200,000? A poor line stage is used to lower the volume sold 40,000.?
Hi-end technology does not grow for many years. Most high-end producers are very small family business, guidance some people very rich niche. They have no proper research and development laboratories. Design and aesthetic properties are the priorities.
I have the strong impression that Hi-End is digging its own grave with pricing policies. We'll see what happens with hi-end after 30 years.
It is a deep hole less. My humble recommendations for starting only going to second-hand goods market and go for a reasonable price to reduce the equipment years minimum losses. Never find the perfect sound is not there money. Note that a 300.000? May be worth 2.3% better amplifier then a 5,000? It is worth of his younger brother.
A cordial greeting with music ..
Özhan Atalay
About the Author
Ozhan Atalay
Predident
http://www.nonamehifi.com
January 2004 – Issued in December 2003, February 2004, April 2004 issues of Andante – Classical Music Magazine
January 2004
Content of this article may be used only by referring to www.nonamehifi.com Copyright NonameHifi
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