Rega treble issues

[Jorgenman]

Dear all. I have some issues with the somewhat shrill(ish) sound of the Rega elex R. It is a marvellous amp and when the source have an equalizer inbuilt eg Spotify (to boost bass and lower higher frequencies ever so slightly) it is fantastic. Not so much on cds or vinyle where this issue remains. My sources are not high level so I now want to upgrade to rega planar 3 but was still wondering about achieving more warmness in the sound. Would anyone have ideas or experiences in this field. Ps. Have Dali Oberon 5 speakers.

 

[twinkletoes]

unfortunately beyond EQ or tone controls there isnt much you can do. beyond either cover your room in acoustic treatment or finding a new pair of speakers or amp that are more sympathetic toward your space ears

 

[Jorgenman]

unfortunately beyond EQ or tone controls there isnt much you can do. beyond either cover your room in acoustic treatment or finding a new pair of speakers or amp that are more sympathetic toward your space ears

Thanks. Any ideas on a good product for tone control. Or would a preamp help ?

 

[nopiano]

Any chance of a few pics showing how your speakers are placed?

Modern furnishings that favour hard floors and expansive windows sound more like you describe than carpeted rooms with drapes/curtains and bookcases along the walls.

 

[twinkletoes]

Thanks. Any ideas on a good product for tone control. Or would a preamp help ?

If it’s not a placement issue (as mentioned above). Simply adjusting the placement of you and the speakers a touch, or removing any obstacles, can make a huge difference.

I will add sometimes, just giving the system a good push and increasing the volume for an hour or two can sort things out. This can happen with my speakers if they haven’t been used in a while. If the speakers are new this can also help. And it might be as simple as that.

Or it could be as simple as a loose speaker cables/ oxidation on the cable if you’re using bare wire. This can add a brittle sound.

I’d recommend trying the free options first but if you have everything just so then its time to look at the electronics themselves.

But If you’re able to adjust the EQ in Spotify and it works and sounds pleasing and solves your "problem", then that’s probably your answer. And to answer your question there are tone controls you can buy, like the Schit Loki, but I think it will either be a speaker change or an amp with tone controls.

 

[manicm]

Dear all. I have some issues with the somewhat shrill(ish) sound of the Rega elex R. It is a marvellous amp and when the source have an equalizer inbuilt eg Spotify (to boost bass and lower higher frequencies ever so slightly) it is fantastic. Not so much on cds or vinyle where this issue remains. My sources are not high level so I now want to upgrade to rega planar 3 but was still wondering about achieving more warmness in the sound. Would anyone have ideas or experiences in this field. Ps. Have Dali Oberon 5 speakers.

How have you positioned your Oberon's? Try these 2 suggestions if you haven't already; point them straight ahead if possible, no toe-in. Also, listen with the grills on. That may help you.

Which CD player and turntable do you have?

From what I'm led to believe both your amp and speaker can err toward the bright side of neutral.

 

[Deliriumbassist]

Experiment with the toe in/toe out of your speakers. It's free, and really should be the first port of call.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks. Any ideas on a good product for tone control. Or would a preamp help ?

Personally I wouldn't be adding tone controls but replacing the amp completely.
A preamp may be useful but probably not worth throwing extra money on a possibility.
EDIT:- as far as I am aware, now, there's no way to attach a preamp to the Elex R.

 

[daytona600]

Would look at a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
Streaming / DAC with advanced Tone Controls / DSP

Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 - Lyngdorf Audio

lyngdorf.steinwaylyngdorf.com

 

[Al ears]

Experiment with the toe in/toe out of your speakers. It's free, and really should be the first port of call.

True.
However if this doesn't work then the amp / speakers combo is wrong if tone controls are necessary for any input, in my opinion.

 

[Jorgenman]

How have you positioned your Oberon's? Try these 2 suggestions if you haven't already; point them straight ahead if possible, no toe-in. Also, listen with the grills on. That may help you.

Which CD player and turntable do you have?

From what I'm led to believe both your amp and speaker can err toward the bright side of neutral.

Thanks a lot. Really useful! Will try these tips and see how it works out. Marantz cd6006 and project starting model.

 

[Jorgenman]

True.
However if this doesn't work then the amp / speakers combo is wrong if tone controls are necessary for any input, in my opinion.

Yes, did not test them together at the time:-( my bad.

 

[Jorgenman]

Any chance of a few pics showing how your speakers are placed?

Modern furnishings that favour hard floors and expansive windows sound more like you describe than carpeted rooms with drapes/curtains and bookcases along the walls.

The room does not have purpose made sound proofing but have bookshelves and is not empty. Wanted to look at acoustic panels in any case. Would these go behind the system or behind the listening position for best effects?

 

[Al ears]

The room does not have purpose made sound proofing but have bookshelves and is not empty. Wanted to look at acoustic panels in any case. Would these go behind the system or behind the listening position for best effects?

I still think you are trying to make a bad set-up good by throwing more money at it.
This isn't going to work.
Back to square one I feel to save money.

 

[nopiano]

The room does not have purpose made sound proofing but have bookshelves and is not empty. Wanted to look at acoustic panels in any case. Would these go behind the system or behind the listening position for best effects?

Hard to say without details, and I’m not an expert. But initial thoughts with too much treble is at first reflection point.

Pictures would help, or try an expert like these folks, with free calculators and advice available.

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[Jorgenman]

I still think you are trying to make a bad set-up good by throwing more money at it.
This isn't going to work.
Back to square one I feel to save money.

Yes thanks. Seems a fair point