Yep, taking it down just one notch on the bass does give it all an uplift, not that I'm sure it needs it to be honest. I guess in ideal world, one shouldn't need to touch the tone controls. One day I will definitely treat myself to a really top notch amp, and I guess the good thing about the Dalis is that, when I do, I won't necessarily need to upgrade my speakers too. I must say though, I'm really impressed with the Teac at the price. The accompanying CD player (CDH750) is particularly good too and I would certainly hold onto it to pair with any eventual amp upgrade. Have had a very enjoyable first evening with the Dalis. Not quite as clinically detailed as the BX2s, but much more comfortable and musical. I'm beginning to think I might have cracked getting a decent set-up on a painfully tight budget!...
Having come from the BX2s you may need to let your ears readjust a little. When I have heard the Zensor 3s I often feel that a little uptilt would help, though I have never been able to try it out.
I would leave the bass cut in place for a few days and see how you get on, too much bass is definitely more distracting than too little, so long as the differences are quite small.
I would leave the bass cut in place for a few days and see how you get on, too much bass is definitely more distracting than too little, so long as the differences are quite small.
manicm
Well-known member
To the OP and another poster here, I've had both the BX2 and RX1.
The BX2 was not really a bright speaker, and it had incredible timing, but it only shone at higher volume, and I found it a bit too focused on the midrange/vocals for my taste. Also, I did not find it too 'musical', although David from FH told me that's the 'neutrality' coming through.
The RX1 I found more euphonic, and it had all the good traits of the BX2, plus it tolerates rear walls (like the BX2). The RX1 is now superceded by the Silver 1, and amp requirements are on paper more demanding than the older model.
The BX2 was not really a bright speaker, and it had incredible timing, but it only shone at higher volume, and I found it a bit too focused on the midrange/vocals for my taste. Also, I did not find it too 'musical', although David from FH told me that's the 'neutrality' coming through.
The RX1 I found more euphonic, and it had all the good traits of the BX2, plus it tolerates rear walls (like the BX2). The RX1 is now superceded by the Silver 1, and amp requirements are on paper more demanding than the older model.
manicm said:
This is quite a common view of the BX2s and goes someway to explain their undoubted popularity. Personally I find them to be too forthright and 'overconfident', somehow overwhelming the music with their own character. To me this so obvious as to make them a fairly unpleasant listen.
However, it is quite clear that you hear something rather different, which is of course why subjective opinions from individuals (even mine) are of very limited use. I got involved in this thread because the Ops reaction to the way the BX2s presented classical material rather matched my own experience.
Then on the other hand it could be highly system dependent......*unknw*
I think this is very simple. The BX2 hurt your ears so they are not an option. If the Dalis are more accomodating then they are an option. I have only heard the Icon 6 which I really liked so can't comment any further, but to be honest it's about being happy with them. If not, then look again. Richer Sounds are box shifters rather than afficionados, if the Dali don't cut it then look again.
I personally would go second hand at this budget as I think you will get much more for your money.
I personally would go second hand at this budget as I think you will get much more for your money.
Well, I've had the Dalis for a week now, and unfortunately they are causing similar problems with my ears to the BX2s, albeit not quite to the same extent. I fear this may have something to do with the increased frequency range delivered by both sets of speakers, and my ears simply not being used to it after years of listening to Q Acoustics 1020i. The problem can't be volume as I'm not in a position domestically where I can listen at high volume! It's a shame, as I really enjoy the Dalis, but with only one properly working ear left, I can't really risk damaging it! I'll give it a few more days to see if they adapt, and if not, perhaps JoelSim's suggestion of looking to the second hand market for better quality speakers but within my budget, is the way forward. Any suggestions of good specialist websites for second hand hifi kit or is ebay best?
JohnnyKid said:
You'll be better served upgrading your amp.
If you're going 2nd hand then get the best spec amp you can for your budget.
Like I said your amp is the most budget part of your set and it's most likely the culprit.
If turning the treble tone control down on your amp makes no difference it's the amp.
An older more powerful amp may be what you need.
Problem is, this amp is the only one that offered everything I need at my budget. It's a pretty good amp, just clearly not suited to these speakers. Surely there must be a set of speakers that will work well with it at this budget. Perhaps I need to return to where I started in the sub-£200 bracket, eg Wharfedale 220s (although I found them a bit muddy in demo). Found a very interesting article about all of this online which would seem to confirm my suspicion that brightness is the problem. If I thought the Dali's tweeters will tame over time, then I would be tempted to stick with them. http://www.planetofsoundonline.com/pages/why-is-my-system-hurting-my-ears
Well you could try what Vlad suggested the one time.
Put the grills on and put a single sheet of tissue over the tweeter on the inside.
Apply additional sheets till you achieve a sound you can live with.
Sounds crazy but.....
Put the grills on and put a single sheet of tissue over the tweeter on the inside.
Apply additional sheets till you achieve a sound you can live with.
Sounds crazy but.....
manicm
Well-known member
JohnnyKid it seems to me your ears are not accustomed to a detailed sound, as long as there's no harshness or sibilance give your ears and the Dalis a few weeks. You might then like what you hear.
Get some good second hand speakers. Soft tweeter. Have a look for Neat Elite or ProAc Tablette Ref 8 Signature.
Blimey, even in the second hand market, those are seriously expensive speakers! If only!
I definitely have a problem with treble overwhelming my ear and sounding sibilant. My local RS has a set of Focal Chorus 705 on clearance. From the limited information I can find online, these appear to be designed with a unique tweeter design to control treble. Does anyone have any experience of these speakers? Likely to suit my listening needs? If so, I might see if I can beat them down on the price to get it into my price range...
I definitely have a problem with treble overwhelming my ear and sounding sibilant. My local RS has a set of Focal Chorus 705 on clearance. From the limited information I can find online, these appear to be designed with a unique tweeter design to control treble. Does anyone have any experience of these speakers? Likely to suit my listening needs? If so, I might see if I can beat them down on the price to get it into my price range...
cse said:
Thanks for your recommendation CSE, I went for an audition of Motive SX3 with Naim UnitiQuite, oh man, they sounds so good, smooth, smooth, smooth. everything so well judged! didnt need to get analytical about treble or bass, the sound is just great!
I emailed Neat beforehand and Bob Surgeoner replied with recommendations of different models! Placed an order rightaway! 2 weeks waiting time till they arrive!
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