A more transparent system

[remi89]

Hello,

I hope to post my topic in the right forum

As you can see in my signature, my stéréo system is actually composed of these devices:
Eversolo DMP-A6
Denafrips ARES 12-1 DAC
Denafrips IRIS 12TH DDC
Stereo amp NAIM Supernait 3
Qualio IQ speakers

Concerning cables I have on the more budget side ones (but not first price) and for power, I just ordered a AS-EU08 Ultra low noise HIFI EMI 15A AC Power Filter distributor to replace my basic "no name" distributor.

I'm really happy with my speakers but I would like to have a more transparent sounding system, without sounding too bright.

To reach that goal, I have 2 questions for you:

1) Is upgrading my eversolo DMP-A6 to an A10 would help ? Knowing that I only use it as streamer from the internal disk with the Dac and the Amp functions that are separated, am I already near the performance of the A10 ?
2) In your opinion, which component should I update first (and by which one or a product range..) to have more transparence ?

I know it's not easy answer and it will be your own opinion but I would like to read it please.

Thanks

Rémi from France

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Hi Remi...

You have the goods now... but most likely lacking processing, such as Dirac Live. If you use REW and measure your left and right speakers, they likely know frequency match, which can cause the lack of transparency that you mentioned. Getting your two speaker frequency matched will improve the imaging, soundstage and depth acuity, with the right listening position, which may be something else to experiment with. Check out the Cardas recommended speaker placement to listening position guide: https://www.cardas.com/system-setup

 

[remi89]

Thanks @Sonnie Parker ,
I've worked on my home cinema system but not yet on the stereo one (with REW) so it will certainly help but I was not aware/convinced it have an effect on the transparency of a system.
Imaging, soundstage and frequency response for sure but transparency, we'll see
I forgot to mentionned that my room is treated accousticaly at a mid level (bass trap and first reflection point) and has a "unusual" shape.
If I can reach the result that I want without spending more money in equipment, it will be great.
I'll work on that in the newt weeks and let you know the result.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Odd-shaped rooms are notorious for causing frequency imbalances between left and right speakers. Frequency matching the speakers (pretty much impossible to do without electronically equalizing the speakers) will improve the imaging, soundstage, and depth acuity, which all contribute to the transparency of your speakers. However, all of the above will hinge on proper speaker placement and listening position. It all has to gel together appropriately.

 

[remi89]

Unfortunately I can't do anything for the shape of the room as I'm not the owner of the appartment and I don't have any other room to install my speakers.
Thanks for your advices, I'll do my best with REW and the upload of the corrections into the DMP-A6+speakers placement (listening position is fixed at the moment->another project of improvement )
I'll do that during the week end.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Sonnie is speaking the truth.

Sounds like you've tackled what I would have suggested: treatments.

So often, the room is such a dominant factor. Definitely play around with speaker positioning!

By the way, I'm not familiar with your speakers. Are they known to have a neutral sound? Or are they on the brighter side?

 

[remi89]

My home cinema are high sensitivity horn speakers but they were to bright for long listening sessions.
So that's why I bought these Qualio IQ speakers, from a small company from eastern europe that, IMO, reach the live sound that I search for with a more neutral and way less fatiging sound.
I know that judging sound on youtube is not great but here's a demo with my actual amp if you want to have an idea of what it sounds:

 

[ddude003]

Hi @remi89, just wondering what your source is, a computer with a software music streamer/player app? If so you might be a good candidate for Digital Room Correction in addition to the above suggestions... Frequency, time and phase alignment of your speakers get you much closer to Audio Nirvana...

 

[remi89]

Hi @ddude003 ,
My source is an Eversolo DMP-A6 with a Denafrips ARES 12-1 DAC/Denafrips IRIS 12TH DDC.
I should be able to upload the REW file correction to the eversolo to benefit from it.

 

[Todd Anderson]

My home cinema are high sensitivity horn speakers but they were to bright for long listening sessions.
So that's why I bought these Qualio IQ speakers, from a small company from eastern europe that, IMO, reach the live sound that I search for with a more neutral and way less fatiging sound.
I know that judging sound on youtube is not great but here's a demo with my actual amp if you want to have an idea of what it sounds:

Well.. it sounds great through my little laptop speakers ;-)

Super interesting design... looks like open baffle high and mid range? That AMT tweeter is definitely suggesting a neutral sound..

 

[remi89]

Yes I'm really happy of these speakers and I'm sure they can produce a cleaner and more transparent sound than what I experience at the moment in my system and my partially treated room.
I"ll work on a first REW measurement and upload of parameters this week end as suggested by Sonnie and see if it helps.