Crossover point
February 10, 2003
What crossover point should I set my subwoofer at for the
best match to my main speakers? I have a set of NHT 2.9 towers and a Sunfire subwoofer.
Roger Brown
The NHTs you have are essentially full-range speakers
themselves, so this will give you an advantage when blending the subwoofer. Many
subwoofer-enhanced systems are ruined because the mains don't play low enough and the
subwoofer's performance degrades as the crossover frequency is raised to meet the main
channels. You, on the other hand, should be able to find a good match by setting the
crossover low -- I'd guess in the 40Hz to 60Hz range -- where the subwoofer is most
comfortable operating. The NHTs can play this low with relative ease, which puts both
satellite and subwoofer operating in their respective comfort zones. Of course, fine
tuning by ear is a must, but this gives you a good starting point to work from.
Amp for vintage KEFs
February 8, 2003
I came across your December 29, 2001
answer to an inquiry about 1970s KEF 104 Reference speakers and was interested and
very much in agreement with your comment that they are vintage speakers to be treasured.
Mine date from 1973 and were bought after much comparison in home (bless that retailer)
with equivalents such as Wharfedales (quickly discarded), B&Ws, and Spendors. The KEFs
were the ones for me -- and still are.
Here's my question: At the time, the receiver of choice in
my area was the Harmon/Kardon 930, which I have had all these years; one channel has
stopped working, so the receiver needs repair. In view of its age, is it worth repairing
or are the amplifiers you suggested a better solution now? If so, what receiver would you
recommend?
John Neilson
I'd look at a new amplifier to drive your KEFs. A good
power-amplifier upgrade will make those KEFs sound as if they were in a deep sleep all
these years.
The H/K that you have can be significantly improved upon
if you shop carefully and research your purchase. You don't mention what price range you
are shopping in, but if the budget allows and you only need two channels, I'd take a hard
look at an integrated amplifier. Models from companies such as Denon, Rotel, and Musical
Fidelity, will likely pair well with the KEF speakers. For ultimate performance, you could
even go the "separates" route, looking at components (amplifiers and
preamplifiers) from the likes of Anthem and B&K. Good luck, and let us know what you
choose.
Piano sound?
February 5, 2003
Would you provide any advice on speaker placement in a room
(19' x 12' with a 9' ceiling) that has an acoustic grand piano at one end of the room? Is
it OK to have one loudspeaker close to the piano, or should both loudspeakers be placed
far away from the piano? Thanks.
Paul Hsieh
Ideally you should place the speakers so that they have
ample room around them. Anything placed in front or even close to the sides of the
speakers will have audible consequences, though to what degree depends on many factors
including the particular speakers you have. As well, anything that is prone to make a
sound when subjected to vibration -- a piano certainly qualifies there -- will affect
sound quality when placed near a loudspeaker. So, to sum up, I'd avoid the piano when
placing your loudspeakers if at all possible.
Subwoofer sound
February 4, 2003
I recently bought a KLH 10" sub with a built-in 100W
amp. I wanted a sub that wasn't very expensive but delivered some decent bass. After
listening to it for a while, I'm not very impressed with the sound. It's loud enough, but
doesn't sound very clear and precise. It actually sounds messy and blunt. I think it might
be because it only cost me $150. Are there any subwoofers that cost under $200 that
deliver good bass? I'm thinking about returning this KLH for a different one.
Jim Klein
There are many reasons that your subwoofer might not be
performing up to your expectations. It certainly could be that it just isn't very good,
though I haven't heard a KLH subwoofer, so don't know for sure. However, subwoofers can be
very difficult to set up properly, so it may be that yours simply needs some adjusting.
Have a look at our "How To" article on the subject, "Bass in Place
Setting Up Your Subwoofer." As you'll see, there are many variables, which
include crossover frequency and room placement just to name two. If none of this helps,
then you'll know its the subwoofer itself and can start shopping for a new one.
Center imaging
February 2, 2003
I have a problem with the voice or instrument that is
supposed to come from dead center in between the two speakers. It seems that it pulls a
little to the left. It only seems to happen some of the time. I read quite a few audio
publications, but I haven t noticed anything where this problem has been addressed. I've
tried covering certain parts of my room with blankets to see if it was an acoustical thing
and haven't had much luck. Also, I've switched around my speakers, connectors, and so
forth with no luck. Any suggestions?
Rob
A recording's imaging properties are, to varying
extents, created by the recording engineer. I have many recordings in my collection where
the vocalist images off center. So it very well may be that what you are hearing is
exactly what is on the recording. Do you have a friend's system that you could listen to
using the same recordings? That would definitively tell you whether the phenomena you are
hearing is system related or an accurate rendering. If what you are hearing only happens
"some of the time," the latter would be my guess.
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