Looking for objective critique of my system/setup

[lbstyling]

Hi All,

System is as follows:7.3.4
KEF speakers
Denon X4800h
MiniDSP/MSO being used.
2x AE TD15x subs + 1 x JBL 18" 2242H
Behringer NU3000 (x2) for sub amps
Room: 81m2

Photos:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11FFb_ZvZdf4pfaU4E76ZVYQ4uJbeskvc/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aDfmqMU-rlib1nqnGBNHksfUikRb7Aq1/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aE5VZn2yBeGsxsRMJTcEQSrvc5vjC1kK/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aMMWReSlUg55C-TdL_hav92bdhFzgdOT/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kU5HJBiy-gJxLq4DaTZNhwNLD7rzRx0V/view?usp=sharing

REW A1 calibration files:

7.3.4 KEF META A1 optimised.mdat

drive.google.com

Subjectively:
1) Bass is too light.
2) Should I move the atmos ceiling speakers closer to the side walls?
3) Audible pop from subs when changing volume or changing source/pause/play. This is not there when running direct from Denon x4800h to sub amps. Guessing this is as the MiniDSP has 2v outputs??
4) What would you do to improve this further?

Please feel free to critique anything.

Thanks.

 

[Mike Schramm]

As far as issue number 1 is concerned, your space looks very large and open to other areas of the house. I can't seem to find what type of subs you have, but it would be pretty hard to pressurize that space I'd bet. Maybe try a near-field sub to try and get a little more punch?

 

[lbstyling]

As far as issue number 1 is concerned, your space looks very large and open to other areas of the house. I can't seem to find what type of subs you have, but it would be pretty hard to pressurize that space I'd bet. Maybe try a near-field sub to try and get a little more punch?

Hi,

I have updated the first post to include subs.

I have a location with space for more subs, so this is an option, but I don't know if I really need it. A1 seams to set the subs very light. I have done previous calibrations with MEQX that had sufficient slam, so it should be capable. I also know the maker of A1 is working on some adjustment for more bass also.

 

[Todd Anderson]

All in all, it looks like you're doing a lot with the space you have. And, ultimately, that's what 95% of home theater enthusiasts are doing: making use of predefined spaces in their home.

Just in looking at your pictures, I wouldn't move your Atmos speakers closer to the wall. Where you have them is fine... in fact, I'd hazard to guess that you're getting an excellent immersive effect due to their physical height. If you primarily sit in the middle of your couch, you may want to aim them at that central seating position, as that might draw a bit more mid- and high-frequency detail from the Atmos experience.

As for your subs... are they built-in to the front of the room? Is that what's pictured?

 

[lbstyling]

Three subs are located around the room.
1 behind second sofa, 1 built into kitchen cabinet and one at the far end of dining room.
The third one is further away than audessey can allow in the software for delay (9m) . So I'm not sure how well audessey/A1 copes with this.

 

[ddude003]

If that sofa is the the main listening position, I would move it several feet closer to your screen... Possibly onto the carpet... I noticed your front L/R speakers are pointed/angled... Do they point to the current main listening position?

As far as bass is concerned, do you have any room bass absorption? You could also move the sub(s) around the room and see if you can get better bass...

 

[lbstyling]

If that sofa is the the main listening position, I would move it several feet closer to your screen... Possibly onto the carpet... I noticed your front L/R speakers are pointed/angled... Do they point to the current main listening position?

As far as bass is concerned, do you have any room bass absorption? You could also move the sub(s) around the room and see if you can get better bass...

The sofa is indeed the MLP.

I agree 2 feet closer listening position would be an excellent idea. I could do this on a occasional basis, however the sofa cannot live closer as we would have to walk around it on a daily basis.

I have optimised the sub locations as best I can, however the one that measures flatest without EQ is surprisingly the one behind the second (white) sofa.

I could sell the 15 inch sealed unit in this location and purchase a larger 18 to go in its place.

EQed, I get to -10db on my Denon AV amp (running A1 which puts reference at a higher level the audessey) before the amp show a red light at 20hz.

This isn't 'that' loud.

 

[ddude003]

I am wondering if your subs are active or passive since your saying the amp is showing a red light... I am guessing they are passive and you may need to get more grunt out of your sub(s) amp(s)... Behringer NU3000 is powering the 2 15" subs and what is powering the 3rd 18" sub? I guess I still don't have a clear picture of your subs signal chain...

Was also wondering about time alignment of your subs and if there could be some destructive things going on (phase)...

 

[Todd Anderson]

So, you have one sub that's beyond 9M from your listening position, but you still have Audyssey attempting to correct it?

Am I reading that correctly?

 

[NBPK402]

How about a sofa sub...one that is low profile and goes under your couch? Danley makes an excellent one, and with it being either under your sofa or directly behind the sofa, you should get the bass you want.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Another route would be to keep your subs as is and integrate some bass shakers into your couch. That would be an inexpensive (or, should I say: less expensive) way to go!

 

[lbstyling]

So, you have one sub that's beyond 9M from your listening position, but you still have Audyssey attempting to correct it?

Am I reading that correctly?

It's physically less than 9m, but with the miniDSP in the signal path, the delay equates to over 9m yes.