going from floorstanders to small active speakers

[Broner]

Switched the RCA cable for another one and that solved the problem.

 

[davedotco]

Am still missing my stands: hope to receive the crucial part within a couple of days, but there is something else I wanted to ask. When I put my ear close to the speakers I hear a little bit of buzzing sound. It goes louder if I turn up the volume of the speakers (knob on the speakers themselves), but I don't think it goes louder when I adjust the volume through my source (computer). Are there ways to eliminate this buzzing sound (which really is inaudible unless you decided to listen to the speakers from a distance of 20 cm without them emitting any music)?

What cable are you using from the D3 to speakers?

What happens if you disconnect the cable at the speaker end and set the speaker level the same as normal?

 

[davedotco]

Switched the RCA cable for another one and that solved the problem.

Was always going to be a cable issue, just a question of working out exactly what.

Usual solution is to use a twin core cable, for send and return, with the screen connected at one end only.

 

[gasolin]

Am still missing my stands: hope to receive the crucial part within a couple of days, but there is something else I wanted to ask. When I put my ear close to the speakers I hear a little bit of buzzing sound. It goes louder if I turn up the volume of the speakers (knob on the speakers themselves), but I don't think it goes louder when I adjust the volume through my source (computer). Are there ways to eliminate this buzzing sound (which really is inaudible unless you decided to listen to the speakers from a distance of 20 cm without them emitting any music)?

Normally almost all "cheap" active speaker have this problem (the expensive ones might not have it but they cost atleast the same for 1 speaker as a pair of a5x does).

It might just be the noise from the amp itself, connected with rac/phono or xlr?

 

[Broner]

I see some cables for sale, saying that they are 'professional cables' with 'double shielding'. Should that do the trick? They cost 8 euro's per piece (1,5m) and I would need two. The cable I just used to check where the distortion was coming from is unfortunately too short. They look a whole lot more professional than the one I just used, which was also fine.

http://www.allekabels.nl/tulp-kabel/9/1017095/tulp-kabel-professioneel.html

EDIT:

Or something like the procab ref800 here: http://www.procab.be/ProductInfo.aspx?cID=11101012&pCode=800

(in this case I would just pull the two cables apart)

EDIT 2

Usual solution is to use a twin core cable, for send and return, with the screen connected at one end only.

I don't really understand what you are saying here.

 

[davedotco]

Ok.

Most simple, cheap phono cables use a single core, insulated, plus an overall screen in a co-axial configuration. While this is fine most of the time, in reality the screen is carrying both the return signal and the ground (earth) connection and on occasion this can be an issue.

Why this is an issue can get complex, mostly to do with the difference between chassis and signal ground and what part of your connector is connected to which, but usually the best solution is to use a twin core cable with a separate overall screen.

In this case, in a phono cable one core is 'signal', one core 'return' and then the screen is connected at one end only. This stops the primary cause of issues such as the noise you were getting as it stops multiple earth connections, in this case signal and chassis ground, which can form a ground loop and buzz.

 

[Broner]

The Dutch websites that I checked don't really make mention of that, making it hard to select the right cable (though they do mention that a cable is double insulated), so I just chose the ones that cost 8e for a single cable (so 16e in total). They are about 5x more expensive than my previous solution, so they better be good

 

[Broner]

Added a couple of photos of the current setup. I actually ordered a new tv table which will be delivered in a couple of months, as this piece of Ikea furniture doesn't look great and doesn't help to hide the cables. Anyway, this is it for the moment.

 

[plastic penguin]

Added a couple of photos of the current setup. I actually ordered a new tv table which will be delivered in a couple of months, as this piece of Ikea furniture doesn't look great and doesn't help to hide the cables. Anyway, this is it for the moment.

They look really nice.

How are you adjusting to the lack of total bottom end grunt?

 

[Broner]

That's actually going really well. The difference is noticable: there is no escaping that and in some songs that I know very well with prominent low frequencies, something is missing. Having said so, this setup also gives back a lot. Most important is my overall experience that it has become easier to listen to music for a long time. It sounds 'natural'. It has also become easier to crank up the volume without feeling invaded. It doesn't really feel as if I've downgraded.

Now that I've also switched to Sonos, I couldn't imagine going back to a setup where I would need to get my lazy ass out of the chair to change the music

There is still one minor hiccup though: sometimes I can hear a very soft repetative distortion from the speakers (like every second). Relocating the Fiio D03K always solves the problem.

 

[plastic penguin]

That's actually going really well. The difference is noticable: there is no escaping that and in some songs that I know very well with prominent low frequencies, something is missing. Having said so, this setup also gives back a lot. Most important is my overall experience that it has become easier to listen to music for a long time. It sounds 'natural'. It has also become easier to crank up the volume without feeling invaded. It doesn't really feel as if I've downgraded.

Now that I've also switched to Sonos, I couldn't imagine going back to a setup where I would need to get my lazy ass out of the chair to change the music

There is still one minor hiccup though: sometimes I can hear a very soft repetative distortion from the speakers (like every second). Relocating the Fiio D03K always solves the problem.

Nice one - does take a little time when you change to relatively small speaker. Had the same issues with the PMCs, having had RS6s for so long. They certainly make for that slight loss, though.

 

[Broner]

It has been a short but interesting journey. I wanted to move from floorstanders to small active speakers. Simplicity, usability and size were important factors. Even though the current speakers don't take up less space than the DC6T's, they are less of a presence in the living room. Moreover, when my new tv-table arrives, I can place them right next to it, which wouldn't have been possible with the floorstanders without negative effects on the sound.

In the beginning I was aiming at breaking even or even spending a little bit extra money. I am still in the process of selling my NAD C356BEE (if anyone from Belgium is reading: I have an awesome amplifier for sale), but in the end when I will have sold my entire system, I will have gotten about 1000-1050 euros. My new system (including used A5X speakers, used sonos & bridge, couple of new cables, dac) costs about 750 euros. So in the end, I even saved a little bit of money.

Don't see how this could have turned out any better

 

[DocG]

Hi Broner,

I think that the clue here is that you thought well, until you knew exactly what you were after, and then stuck to the plan. The key to success!

Enjoy! :cheers:

(Good luck selling the NAD. Very happy with my amp, so not for me )

 

[Broner]

Hi Broner,

I think that the clue here is that you thought well, until you knew exactly what you were after, and then stuck to the plan. The key to success!

Enjoy! :cheers:

(Good luck selling the NAD. Very happy with my amp, so not for me )

:cheers: (with an imaginary Gouden Carolus Classic)

 

[DocG]

Hi Broner,

I think that the clue here is that you thought well, until you knew exactly what you were after, and then stuck to the plan. The key to success!

Enjoy! :cheers:

(Good luck selling the NAD. Very happy with my amp, so not for me )

:cheers: (with an imaginary Gouden Carolus Classic)

I'll have a Duvel Tripel Hop. Cheers!

 

[steve_1979]

Nice. 8)

I find that those Adam's are very clear and easy to listen to too.

 

[steve_1979]

That's actually going really well. The difference is noticable: there is no escaping that and in some songs that I know very well with prominent low frequencies, something is missing.

Hint, hint... Clicky

 

[Broner]

That's actually going really well. The difference is noticable: there is no escaping that and in some songs that I know very well with prominent low frequencies, something is missing.

Hint, hint... Clicky

It has been something I looked into for a brief moment, but it's not going to happen... At least not this year.... Probably that is

 

[davedotco]

That's actually going really well. The difference is noticable: there is no escaping that and in some songs that I know very well with prominent low frequencies, something is missing.

Hint, hint... Clicky

It has been something I looked into for a brief moment, but it's not going to happen... At least not this year.... Probably that is

The other alternative is to upgrade to the A7x, a little larger, but will probably still fit on your stands in the same setup.

Still does not really go stunningly deep but it's capability in the two octaves above bottom E are much enhanced. The best balanced of the A series in my view,

 

[gasolin]

That's actually going really well. The difference is noticable: there is no escaping that and in some songs that I know very well with prominent low frequencies, something is missing.

Hint, hint... Clicky

It has been something I looked into for a brief moment, but it's not going to happen... At least not this year.... Probably that is

The other alternative is to upgrade to the A7x, a little larger, but will probably still fit on your stands in the same setup.

Still does not really go stunningly deep but it's capability in the two octaves above bottom E are much enhanced. The best balanced of the A series in my view,

Or mabye buy the F7 instead of the A5X, if i havn't bought a nad d3020 and Boston A26 i would have tried the F7's

 

[Broner]

-

 

[Broner]

@DDC That's another possibility, though at this moment I would be more tempted to add a sub 7 or sub 8. Looking at the speakers on the stands it would probably be a visual setback to go for the A7X's. They stands are rather slim and accommodate the A5X's very well but any bigger might be weird to uphold.

Additionally, the most substantial improvements can be made in the lower regions and the depth of a sub is a huge strenght. I will definitely consider adding it in due time, but not just now (but don't hold it against me if I change my mind in a month or two).

 

[davedotco]

@DDC That's another possibility, though at this moment I would be more tempted to add a sub 7 or sub 8. Looking at the speakers on the stands it would probably be a visual setback to go for the A7X's. They stands are rather slim and accommodate the A5X's very well but any bigger might be weird to uphold.

Additionally, the most substantial improvements can be made in the lower regions and the depth of a sub is a huge strenght. I will definitely consider adding it in due time, but not just now (but don't hold it against me if I change my mind in a month or two).

The visuals are important, you have to go with what looks right to you.

The kind of bass response that you need depends a lot on the kind of music that you play. Most of what I play has no great need for anything much below 50Hz, so I simply do not bother about it. On the other hand mid bass 'kick' is important to me, and I like it to be as tight as a ducks arse, the kind of 'bloom' or warmth that is routinely added to many speakers to make them sound more 'bassy' is anathma to me.

To my ears the A7x is the 'sweet spot' of the A series range but of course it is bigger and more expensive than the A5x, the A8x is a bit too weighty for my tastes, though it would probably be great in a bigger room. Personally if I had the money, I would skip the A8x and go straight to the S1x, for home use anyway.

Do not be tempted by the F series, the F7 may have more bass than the A5x but it is a long way behind in terms of refinement.

 

[gasolin]

@DDC That's another possibility, though at this moment I would be more tempted to add a sub 7 or sub 8. Looking at the speakers on the stands it would probably be a visual setback to go for the A7X's. They stands are rather slim and accommodate the A5X's very well but any bigger might be weird to uphold.

Additionally, the most substantial improvements can be made in the lower regions and the depth of a sub is a huge strenght. I will definitely consider adding it in due time, but not just now (but don't hold it against me if I change my mind in a month or two).

The visuals are important, you have to go with what looks right to you.

The kind of bass response that you need depends a lot on the kind of music that you play. Most of what I play has no great need for anything much below 50Hz, so I simply do not bother about it. On the other hand mid bass 'kick' is important to me, and I like it to be as tight as a ducks arse, the kind of 'bloom' or warmth that is routinely added to many speakers to make them sound more 'bassy' is anathma to me.

To my ears the A7x is the 'sweet spot' of the A series range but of course it is bigger and more expensive than the A5x, the A8x is a bit too weighty for my tastes, though it would probably be great in a bigger room. Personally if I had the money, I would skip the A8x and go straight to the S1x, for home use anyway.

Do not be tempted by the F series, the F7 may have more bass than the A5x but it is a long way behind in terms of refinement.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun13/articles/adam-f7.htm

 

[Broner]

Wasn't tempted by the A7-series. Wouldn't know how they would work out in reality, but I don't think I could overcome the psychological effects of going for something with less refinement.

With respect to the type of music I listen to (lots of oldies, world music, indie / lesser known popular music, some rock, jazz and blues), I doubt that I would desperately need the sub in most of the situations. Nonetheless, the lack of lower Hz has been noticeable in some of the songs (a minority, but not unsubstantial) during the transition, and those lower frequencies indeed added some warmth to the songs, which I liked.

I'm not sure though what it exactly is that I like and want when it comes to the lower regions, my experience with different speakers is just way too limited to say anything meaningful about it. What I do know, however, is that I don't need the bass to start a party.