Different tones from each speaker in a set

[bkjams]

Folks: Evidently, each of my 2 Monitor Audio Silver S6s are producing a different tone than the other. They sound pretty good, however I thought there might be a difference when I got home with them and played them for a couple days. I realized that there WAS a difference when I went through the setup process with my Denon AVR-3802 (the speaker level setup step) - the "static" tone that the AVR uses sounds distinctly different from each speaker. I confirmed this observation with a few music tracks and a DVD. In fact, they not only produce a different tone, but at a different volume (even when the levels are set to the same relative output from the AVR). My temporary fix is to adjust the level of the softer one, but the quality of the sound is still different.

I ruled out placement (stuck my head right up to the towers repeatedly) as the culprit. I will next check wiring (switch the L/R side) just to confirm that the problem is the speakers and not the AVR. Any other tests you can think of? I am using Monster Z2 cables, so I don't suspect them at this time (I'll do the cable swap after the speaker swap).

Is this an unusual problem? My ears are not audiophile/sensitive, but I can definately hear it. Has anyone else ever encountered this sort of problem? Any thoughts how I can fix it? Much appreciated- bk

 

[j_garcia]

Do you have an SPL meter? Have you checked their levels manually? The receiver has a built in EQ as well, so the receiver may have adjusted each speaker slightly.

Have you checked to make sure both speakers are working properly? Maybe you have a blown tweeter on one?

 

[mulester7]

In fact, they not only produce a different tone, but at a different volume (even when the levels are set to the same relative output from the AVR).

.....this sounds like something is wrong with one of the speakers, BKJams....I would try to exchange the pair....you said "when you got them home", so that would indicate you bought them locally....I would try that....but first, you could swap the speakers and see if the problem switches sides....if it does, it is most assuredly the speakers....it it doesn't, it's the receiver.....

 

[mulester7]

My ears are not audiophile/sensitive

.....and, this is junk....some have been in the hobby longer than others, that's all....trust what you hear to please you, while auditioning everything possible.....

 

[bkjams]

Thanks gents. I do not have a SPL meter, may need to look into that after my arrangement tests. I will also look into the AVR eq settings (I dont remember seeing seperate settings for L/R, but they may be there somewhere).

Unfortunately, I picked these speakers up at the local Good Guys liquidation sale, and they will not service/replace/warranty them. I need to get ahold of a MA-authorized dealer for that, might need to travel to Sacramento (from Reno) for that, a couple hours. Luckily I'n not in a big rush for perfection! This setup is worlds ahead of my prior gear, even in its problematic condition.

One more observation, while I was frantically going back and forth with my head up against the speakers, trying to verify the problem, I also lightly touched the woofer cones - i think they had a little different travel to them, between L/R. I wonder if it could be a power management issue, with wiring in the cabnet or straight from the amp...

any more takers? thanks, bk

 

[j_garcia]

Sorry, I thought I saw 3805, not 3802, so I don't think you have the ability to do custom EQs.

Tell us what happens once you swap speakers and we can go from there. If the problem follows the speaker, it is the speaker for sure. If the problem remains on the same channel, then it could either be a setting issue or a problem with the reciever.

 

[Sheep]

I know what your talking about. My Yamaha test tone sounds different in my front sand rears, but I thinks its level problems, and my speakers sound exactly the same with music. I wouldn't gauge this on test tones. Use music, its if still different then swap them out.


SheepStar

 

[nowonder]

One other idea... Do these speakers support bi-wire?

When I hooked up my klipsch, one sounded really wrong... turned out he bi-wire bracket had slipped off when I was attaching the wire, so I was only getting bass from the one.

worth a check...

--nw

 

[markw]

The only sure way to rule out placment as an issue is...

...to physicaly switch the speakers. Start with the front R/L set. Unplug the wire from the speakers and then move the speakers to their respective opposite sides. If the "same" loction still sounds the same as it did before the switch, then it's a placement issue.

...been there, done that.

 

[jcPanny]

Also double check the speaker wire connections. If one of the speakers is wired out of phase, there will definately be a difference.