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And also to smoothen the response as the diffraction irregularities add up at symmetrical drivers like coaxials on-axis, he recommends to listen most of such loudspeakers slightly off-axis.
I see that but it's probably not the case in all the modern rooms like this.
(and the one in the pic is not the worst example,I have seen far worst,with that new materials and technique that make walls look like marble,it's expensive but beautiful admittedly)
So I had a cheap soundbar (without a subwoofer) for years.
Last week bought a new Hi-Fi system - KEF R3 Meta & Cambridge Audio CXA81.
The problem is that it sounds bright to my ears.
You are coming from an admittedly cheap system to one that is more capable from many different aspects. You can expect nothing less than a system that sounds completely different. Now you have to make decisions regarding room acoustics that you didn't have to think about before. You have to ask yourself if you are ready to undertake—what in most likelihood—will be a never ending quest.
First, I wouldn't use a soundbar or earpods as some sort of reference. Give it some time perhaps, or find some equalization/positioning that more suit your preferences. What source(s) are you using?
Yeah, that's your room. Hard surfaces everywhere, set up firing the short way... you're probably getting some bass cancellation on top of tons of reflected high end.
I'm really sensitive to fatiguing bright sound so I can understand the complaint. It should be easy to rectify with some EQ, speaker positing or treatment. Too much 8khz energy can quickly give me a headache
I installed a shelf that I store stuff on with a rod to hang all my clothes on below, on the wall directly behind me. So about 2 feet deep by 6 feet wide by 6 feet tall of various fabrics. Kind of worked out in my favor sound wise. Wouldn't want to attempt it in a living room if I were married.
First, I wouldn't use a soundbar or earpods as some sort of reference. Give it some time perhaps, or find some equalization/positioning that more suit your preferences. What source(s) are you using?
One of the best sounds I've heard is coming from my Apple Airpods pro 2nd gen with applied audiogram. That sound I've tried to obtain in my HiFi system by DIrac Live and an abundance of different house curves. I'm so close now that I have settled to a curve with small 1 dB differences here and there in the slope.
@Pawnshop123
These KEFs are bright "ab standard" as various users have pointed out. You probably are used to the boosted 60-70 Hz from the soundbar at the same time, exaggerating the impression of the bright KEFs. Give it some time and see if you get used to them or use EQ to taste. Easy as that.
One of the best sounds I've heard is coming from my Apple Airpods pro 2nd gen with applied audiogram. That sound I've tried to obtain in my HiFi system by DIrac Live and an abundance of different house curves. I'm so close now that I have settled to a curve with small 1 dB differences here and there in the slope.
@Pawnshop123
These KEFs are bright "ab standard" as various users have pointed out. You probably are used to the boosted 60-70 Hz from the soundbar at the same time, exaggerating the impression of the bright KEFs. Give it some time and see if you get used to them or use EQ to taste. Easy as that.
LOL, no I'll take your word for it you like them.....I just don't like headphones or earpods unless absolutely necessary....and that's rare. Plus they're simply different from speakers in a room.
So I had a cheap soundbar (without a subwoofer) for years.
Last week bought a new Hi-Fi system - KEF R3 Meta & Cambridge Audio CXA81.
The problem is that it sounds bright to my ears.
Voices don't sound as full & warm as I would expect and for example, high hats are too much on my ears.
Did you connect the speaker wire to the top or bottom terminals? If you connected to the top, make sure the "Link" knobs on the back are fully clockwise. This engages the woofers.
It looks like you have a hard tile floor and not much on the walls. Adding a larger rug or some canvas pictures might help.
LOL, no I'll take your word for it you like them.....I just don't like headphones or earpods unless absolutely necessary....and that's rare. Plus they're simply different from speakers in a room.
Of course they are. The sounds still end up upon your eardrums either way though so you can strive for that sound you like regardless which sound transducer you have.
Maybe buy a DSP to EQ the sound?
Will acoustically treating the room make my setup more warm? Added photos of my room if it helps
Will adding a subwoofer help?
One other thing. Some TVs have an auto-EQ function to adjust the external speaker. Did you use this with the sound bar? If you have something like that, re-run it. Or take a look at the TV's sound options. It might be set some way for the old sound bar.
Yes, a subwoofer helps, but the R3s should sound pretty good without the sub. You should fix the R3s on their own first, then add a sub. It will help a lot for HT sound.
I assume you have the the TV hooked up via TOSLINK? You should make sure the TV is set to use only the external speakers with a phantom center. Or are you trying to use the TV speakers for the center?
I would add a subwoofer. It doesn't have to be super expensive. Maybe even find a cheap 10 inch subwoofer on marketplace just to try it out. This speaker is not flat even to 100 Hz. I am not sub junkie, but I believe for full sound experience you need a sub flat at least to 40hz. Even budget subs can do that
