I like how my setup sounds, and I’ve enjoyed it for years. However, there are occasional — and very annoying — wrinkles. Specifically, some vocals in pop and rock recordings don’t sound very pleasing. Classical and jazz vocals, on the other hand, sound spectacular.
I believe this may have to do with the fact that many pop and rock recordings use microphones processed through various distortion and compression tools or algorithms. But these flaws seem to become apparent only through my main speakers. I don’t hear them as clearly in my car, headphones, or other playback systems.
I’ve tried various things — swapping amplifiers, matching the frequency response to other setups, and more — but nothing has helped.
My listening room is acoustically treated, with absorbers and diffusers behind the speakers and on the side walls. I also have absorption and diffusion panels on the rear (listener-side) wall and on the ceiling, and the floor is carpeted. As a result, all first reflections are attenuated.
My main speakers are MartinLogan Ethos. I know ESLs tend to have a bad rap when it comes to off-axis response, and under the assumption that off-axis irregularities — which still interact with the room despite acoustic treatment — might be one of the culprits, I’ve considered that possibility. But I find it bizarre that it only seems to affect some pop and rock vocals.
If there’s something I’m missing, I’d love to learn more.
Thank you.
I believe this may have to do with the fact that many pop and rock recordings use microphones processed through various distortion and compression tools or algorithms. But these flaws seem to become apparent only through my main speakers. I don’t hear them as clearly in my car, headphones, or other playback systems.
I’ve tried various things — swapping amplifiers, matching the frequency response to other setups, and more — but nothing has helped.
My listening room is acoustically treated, with absorbers and diffusers behind the speakers and on the side walls. I also have absorption and diffusion panels on the rear (listener-side) wall and on the ceiling, and the floor is carpeted. As a result, all first reflections are attenuated.
My main speakers are MartinLogan Ethos. I know ESLs tend to have a bad rap when it comes to off-axis response, and under the assumption that off-axis irregularities — which still interact with the room despite acoustic treatment — might be one of the culprits, I’ve considered that possibility. But I find it bizarre that it only seems to affect some pop and rock vocals.
If there’s something I’m missing, I’d love to learn more.
Thank you.