Need Help w. Better SQ at Low Volumes

[Ears to you]

Hi guys,

I could use some advice, as I am trying to get some better sound clarity and definition at lower, late night listening levels that just don't seem there with my current setup. I had some really incredible help and support around some major drama I had with Def Tech 7002s from veteran members on the board a while back, and I would some love feedback on this current issue.

I live in an apartment with downstairs neighbors and others to one side of my living room - no one above or to other side. My living room is 15'x15'x8', with a hallway to the BR and B on one side and an open foyer on the other. My modest system is used for 80% music/20% HT, so listening to classic jazz, acoustic music, blues, and some rock is my main concern. I am using a Denon 1911 AVR, Oppo 93 for both CDs and DVDs, B&W CM5s in front, Hsu VTF1 sub, B&W LCR60S3 center, Def Tech Pro Monitor 1000s rears, and I plan to hook up my modded AR turntable and Music Hall phono stage for LPs.

The issue is that the system sounds fine when it's relatively loud, with fine imaging, soundstage, and general presentation, but loses a tremendous amount when it's at lower volumes. Would more power from an external amp, like the Emotiva XPA5 be a possible answer, or as the high end shops that I have been visiting here around NYC suggest, would switching to higher end AVRs that can also do HT, such as Naim 5i, Rotel RSX1550, or Anthem MRX500 be the expensive but effective route to go? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[jonnythan]

Have you enabled Audyssey Dynamic EQ?

 

[markw]

A bigger amp won't solve your problem.

I'd be very skeptical of those shops that suggested that. Sounds like all they care about helping is their profits.

What you're describing isn't unusual, nor is it any great secret in tr hi-fi industry. It' a natural function of the human anatomy that as sound pressure decreases, so does your ability to hear the frequency extremes. Msrs. Fletcher and Munson did research in this area about 80 years ago.

That may sound a bit strange, but perhaps this will elp substantiate this. If you want a bit more verbose (and colorful) explanation, try this.

Older receivers used to ave a "loudness" button that would try to compensate for this by boosting the bass (and sometimes the treble a bit) at lower volumes.

Now, I don't know if your AVR offers some sort of "loudness" compensation, but if others do, it might (no guarantee) help minimize your problem.

 

[bikemig]

Headphones

Why not a great set of headphones? I love my Beyer DT880 cans (they run a little over $200) but there are plenty of great headphones that you can get without spending a lot of money.

 

[GranteedEV]

Bro, I've got the solution for YOU!!

First, play around with room treatments(or lack thereof) at first reflection points.
Second, move the couch forward by 2m!!

PROBLEM SOLVED!

As for whether a new amp will help your problems... It's difficult to say. If the 1911 has audible crossover distortion (as it switches from class A to class B) then getting an amp with measurably less crossover distortion (Quad current dumping amps) MAY improve low level sound quality. But there's no telling if you even have audible crossover distortion right now or not.

The other thing you want to do, is reduce the noise floor of the room. Small noises like fridge hum, Heating/Air Conditioning Ducts, Ground Loops, and breathing can really reduce fidelity. So turn all of those things off.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

move the couch forward by 2m

**hee**hee

This reminds me one time in college I told a friend I wanted a giant screen TV so that I could sit 15 ft way.

He said, "Just sit 1ft way instead. Problem solved."

 

[Ears to you]

Agree w. Noise Floor Issue

Bro, I've got the solution for YOU!!

First, play around with room treatments(or lack thereof) at first reflection points.
Second, move the couch forward by 2m!!

PROBLEM SOLVED!

As for whether a new amp will help your problems... It's difficult to say. If the 1911 has audible crossover distortion (as it switches from class A to class B) then getting an amp with measurably less crossover distortion (Quad current dumping amps) MAY improve low level sound quality. But there's no telling if you even have audible crossover distortion right now or not.

The other thing you want to do, is reduce the noise floor of the room. Small noises like fridge hum, Heating/Air Conditioning Ducts, Ground Loops, and breathing can really reduce fidelity. So turn all of those things off.

Hi GranteedEV,

U R absolutely right, as I when I have addressed all those noise floor issues (except the breathing, of course - LOL!), it has made a significant difference. The 14,000 BTU window AC in these summer months is the monumental culprit, and I do without it whenever the weather allows. The room is carpeted and there are a few pieces of upholstered furniture, but there are quite a few pieces of sculpture and glass framed pictures to make it a bit more sonically lively. Thx!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, when I listen to music in my HT room, the only 2 things I have on are the Denon AVP & ATI amp.

Lights are off, AC off, PC off, everything else off.

I use my PC in the family room (away from HT room) to serve the WAV file music to my Denon AVP.

 

[dewey79]

I found my speakers to play way better at lower volumes after having them a full year. The sound field is very open and detail with a flat response now even at lower volumes.

 

[cpp]

A nice set of headphones is the best way to go. Put it this way your neighbors will not hear you regardless of the time of day and you can keep your couch in that normal position, keep your AC on and save on the old back.