What’s One Small Audio Upgrade That Made a Big Difference?

[jerryot]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been getting more interested in how small changes to an audio setup can sometimes make a bigger difference than expected.

I used to think that improving sound mostly came down to buying better equipment, but I’ve noticed that things like speaker placement, room position, and getting the settings right can also have a noticeable effect.

Even something as simple as moving a speaker a little or spending some time adjusting the setup can change how everything sounds. I think that’s one of the more interesting parts of getting into audio.

I’m curious what other people have experienced.

What’s one small change you made to your setup that ended up making a surprisingly big difference in sound quality?

 

[Mikado463]

getting the wax out of my ears..............

 

[Gio-G]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been getting more interested in how small changes to an audio setup can sometimes make a bigger difference than expected.

I used to think that improving sound mostly came down to buying better equipment, but I’ve noticed that things like speaker placement, room position, and getting the settings right can also have a noticeable effect.

Even something as simple as moving a speaker a little or spending some time adjusting the setup can change how everything sounds. I think that’s one of the more interesting parts of getting into audio.

I’m curious what other people have experienced.

What’s one small change you made to your setup that ended up making a surprisingly big difference in sound quality?

I ever so slightly adjusted the proximity of my speakers. A bit more toe in, a bit further apart and surprisingly better sound quality was the result.

Other than breaking out the tape measure and taking the time to make sure everything stayed symmetrical, it was the easiest and most cost effective "upgrade" I have made.

 

[ski2xblack]

Reading Toole's book count? Financially it's a small investment that pays big dividends with practical knowledge. After that the improvements get pricey, as it entails better speakers.

 

[adk highlander]

Does removing the ex count? Sure makes it easier to listen.

 

[j_garcia]

Speaker positioning is one of, if not the most, overlooked things that can make a very noticeable improvement and it is basically free. Just your time and listening.

"Free" room treatments can also make a big difference, especially in a "Live" room, where there are more hard surfaces than soft/dampening. A soft rug in front of the listening position if you have hardwood floors, curtains vs. hard blinds, etc... Not entirely free, but can make a difference in the way the room sounds...and maybe add some WAF too if you let her pick it out. WAF goes a long way to improving your listening experience.

 

[ski2xblack]

Does removing the ex count? Sure makes it easier to listen.

Theres no better WAF than literally no WAF at all.

Of course this cuts both ways. When I lost the ex I also lost two houses and multiple rooms/rigs that were dialed to the hilt. Que sera sera.

 

[Squishman]

Funny you ask that today! I just posted about a huge improvement I did today in my 2-channel room in the "Loudspeakers" forum.

 

[Gio-G]

Speaker positioning is one of, if not the most, overlooked things that can make a very noticeable improvement and it is basically free. Just your time and listening.

"Free" room treatments can also make a big difference, especially in a "Live" room, where there are more hard surfaces than soft/dampening. A soft rug in front of the listening position if you have hardwood floors, curtains vs. hard blinds, etc... Not entirely free, but can make a difference in the way the room sounds...and maybe add some WAF too if you let her pick it out. WAF goes a long way to improving your listening experience.

I was going to mention that as well. I moved our sofa and recliner into better positions a few times and that was even easier than moving the speaks. No need to measure those moves.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I ever so slightly adjusted the proximity of my speakers. A bit more toe in, a bit further apart and surprisingly better sound quality was the result.

Other than breaking out the tape measure and taking the time to make sure everything stayed symmetrical, it was the easiest and most cost effective "upgrade" I have made.

Tape measure? So old fashioned.
Laser measurement.

 

[Gio-G]

Tape measure? So old fashioned.
Laser measurement.

Well,
I'm mostly the village idiot when it comes to most of this, but I have been enjoying the same gear I bought 30 years ago to this very day,,,,,,

The new speakers are a direct result of reviews here and another forum with some YouTube reviews thrown in.

The speakers have made a huge difference and my old NHT 3.3s weren't bad.

I suppose I need a laser now

Actually something that makes moving the speakers easier would be even better.

Perhaps speaker carpet sliders, although I don't have many more movement options and I think I'm set.

 

[jinjuku]

Adjusted my seating height

 

[Mikado463]

better whisky makes for better sound..........