WiiM RoomFit, FIR filters, and PC-based playback

[Cyclist]

Hi Audioholics community,

Greetings from Italy! I’m a music lover who enjoys a natural, engaging musical experience.

My current hi-fi setup is:

• Streamer/DAC: WiiM Ultra
• Power amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NC
• Speakers: AsciLab C6B
• Subwoofer: Arendal 1723 1S
• Measurement microphone: UMIK-1
• USB interface: SMSL PO100 Pro
• PC: Acer Nitro — Ryzen 7 8845HS, RTX 4060, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
• Music service: Qobuz
• Connection: Ethernet to the WiiM Ultra

At the moment I use the WiiM RoomFit feature, measured with the UMIK-1. The results are generally good. I have experimented with different correction ranges, and in my opinion the system sounds most enjoyable when I correct only the bass region.

My crossover is set at 80 Hz, so everything below that is handled by the Arendal 1723 1S. I am not correcting the AsciLab C6B speakers, because whenever I apply any kind of correction filter to them, I feel that something sounds wrong or less natural.

I have also been experimenting with convolution WAV filters generated by GSonic Reference. I would like to understand how to use these filters with WASAPI Exclusive mode, ideally while playing Qobuz from my PC.

I have experimented with REW as well, but whenever I apply the generated filters, the system seems to lose some of its enjoyment and musical engagement. I would like to learn how to use measurements and correction without sacrificing the qualities that make music enjoyable.

Is there a recommended software solution for building a proper PC based audio station using Qobuz, WASAPI Exclusive, and FIR/convolution filters while preserving sound quality? I would also appreciate suggestions on whether I should keep correction limited to the subwoofer/bass range or consider another approach.

One more thing I would love to understand: when I listen to metal on my inexpensive Sony WF-C500 earbuds, the guitar riffs often sound amazingly engaging and exciting. On my hi-fi system, however, I sometimes feel that “something” is missing. Interestingly, with genres such as jazz and blues, my hi-fi system sounds fantastic. Could this be related to the speakers’ voicing, room acoustics, bass integration, EQ, or simply the different sound signature of the Sony earbuds?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Cyclist

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi Audioholics community,

Greetings from Italy! I’m a music lover who enjoys a natural, engaging musical experience.

My current hi-fi setup is:

• Streamer/DAC: WiiM Ultra
• Power amplifier: Audiophonics AP300-S250NC
• Speakers: AsciLab C6B
• Subwoofer: Arendal 1723 1S
• Measurement microphone: UMIK-1
• USB interface: SMSL PO100 Pro
• PC: Acer Nitro — Ryzen 7 8845HS, RTX 4060, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
• Music service: Qobuz
• Connection: Ethernet to the WiiM Ultra

At the moment I use the WiiM RoomFit feature, measured with the UMIK-1. The results are generally good. I have experimented with different correction ranges, and in my opinion the system sounds most enjoyable when I correct only the bass region.

My crossover is set at 80 Hz, so everything below that is handled by the Arendal 1723 1S. I am not correcting the AsciLab C6B speakers, because whenever I apply any kind of correction filter to them, I feel that something sounds wrong or less natural.

I have also been experimenting with convolution WAV filters generated by GSonic Reference. I would like to understand how to use these filters with WASAPI Exclusive mode, ideally while playing Qobuz from my PC.

I have experimented with REW as well, but whenever I apply the generated filters, the system seems to lose some of its enjoyment and musical engagement. I would like to learn how to use measurements and correction without sacrificing the qualities that make music enjoyable.

Is there a recommended software solution for building a proper PC based audio station using Qobuz, WASAPI Exclusive, and FIR/convolution filters while preserving sound quality? I would also appreciate suggestions on whether I should keep correction limited to the subwoofer/bass range or consider another approach.

One more thing I would love to understand: when I listen to metal on my inexpensive Sony WF-C500 earbuds, the guitar riffs often sound amazingly engaging and exciting. On my hi-fi system, however, I sometimes feel that “something” is missing. Interestingly, with genres such as jazz and blues, my hi-fi system sounds fantastic. Could this be related to the speakers’ voicing, room acoustics, bass integration, EQ, or simply the different sound signature of the Sony earbuds?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Cyclist

The answer is straight forward. You are using small bookshelf speakers. People think if they have a sub, then they have plenty of bass. WRONG!

The bass range extends to well above sub range and to 400 Hz at least. In addition there is a lot of power in the midrange up to at least 3.5KHz.

You only use bookshelf speakers if you absolutely have to, but you will never get realistic spls. across the acoustic spectrum. Actually I tend to find where many designs are short changed is in the mid range band.

 

[Cyclist]

That is an impressive system !!! Clearly designed to deliver effortless, realistic sound at high levels.

Thanks for the input. I’m happy with my current equipment and I’m not looking for higher SPL or a speaker upgrade. My aim is simply to fine-tune the system I already have for my room and listening levels.

Jazz and blues already sound excellent. With metal, I’m trying to understand why some guitar riffs feel less immediate and exciting than on my Sony WF-C500 earbuds, and whether careful speaker/sub integration, placement, or subtle bass region DSP could improve that without changing the natural sound I enjoy.

 

[ski2xblack]

Welcome to the forum, Cyclist.

Perhaps the Sony earbuds produce nonlinearities conducive to your enjoyment of that specific genre? Have you attacked this from that angle?

Sub integration is critical, but seemingly not quite the issue at hand. The immediacy and excitement of guitar riffs is outside of sub range. As good as the Ascilabs are, they're near field monitors. Is your setup more of a typical far field listening arrangement? Then TLS' point is on target.