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Post by quattroll on Dec 11, 2014 23:25:42 GMT -5
So I just set up my XPA-1Ls with my XMC-1, previously running a XPA-5 G1. Right away I noticed that the image and vocals in particular seemed to be coming more from the right side. The right side of my set up is a corner and there is a leather chair almost in the way of the speaker from my listening position evenly between the two speakers. The left side is flanked by a short 45 degree wall with the rest open. It would seem that the right side is stronger because of the room.
However, when I first set up the XMC-1 with my XPA-5, I noticed the opposite to be true, with the left speaker seeming a little more vocal. I will double check all my connections to make sure my right and left are correctly wired and that the settings for the speakers in the XMC-1 are correct too. But I was using reference analog so the signal should be pure. I played two records, one mostly rap and beats, the other an alternative band with a female lead. Could it be that my turntable is putting out an uneven signal?
I will try some cds to determine if I can still sense a stronger right, but last time I played cds,it seemed fine (using XPA-5). Also I think I was liking my Oppo 93 analog over the dacs in the XMC?!
If anyone can give me some guidance on these bizarre situations I will greatly appreciate it.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Dec 11, 2014 23:50:04 GMT -5
Maybe you could try something less subjective, like test tones and SPL measurements? The built in test tones should work, and if you don't have an SPL meter you can get a cheap or free App for most smartphones.
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Post by garbulky on Dec 11, 2014 23:56:38 GMT -5
damaged wire?
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Post by quattroll on Dec 12, 2014 0:34:53 GMT -5
Thanks Garbulky, that is a great idea to check. I put in brand new Monoprice XLRs, so I think they are ok, but come to think of it I did notice at one point some exposed wire on one of my Emotiva premium speaker wire. It could be possible and since I have switched them a few times to go from different amps, that could explain how this effect has seemed to move on me. It is true that these wires come under tension or are twisted to accommodate different spades or bananas.
I do have an old meter that I will try to get working, I assume I just watch the needle with the same test tones at each speaker? In some ways it doesn't seem too accurate because the needle bounces around, but maybe I just need to spend a little time with it. BTW I thought the sound was really nice, I just need to get the imaging correct and get to playing.
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Post by garbulky on Dec 12, 2014 1:01:17 GMT -5
Other than tightening down the speaker wire, there is a good chance there is a damaged wire or an incomplete connection to your XMC-1/amp input. With XLR's you have to make sure you push them in all the way. I have monoprice XLR's and sometimes it requires a little more effort to push them in. An easy test is to simply switch the XLR cable that's soft with the opposite speaker's amp input (left to right) and see if the sound follows the wire. If it doesn't and stays at the same speaker then you can examine stuff. Remember to switch just one side of the wire. Leave the other side plugged into the XMC-1. Then switch back. Does your speaker by any chance have jumpers or two pairs of terminals per speaker? These are used for bi amping but when you don't bi amp there are brass jumpers that bridge the two terminals. If so, one of the jumpers bridging the connection between each pair may be loose causing just the woofer to work or just the tweeter to work on one side as the terminals aren't bridged.  Left shows the brass jumpers, right shows without. The XPA-1 L has an unba;anced balanced switch that may not be completely engaged to balanced which may also cause it. If neither of these fix it then you can check if you accidentally wired them out of phase www.richardfarrar.com/are-your-speakers-wired-correctly/(click that link above and scroll to the phase test and play it) Out of phase usually causes a vague sound which may give that unbalanced feeling. next try to see if RCA cables work just fine. If so, it could be a problem with an input connection on that specific amp. Also another way to diagnose is to switch speaker cables (not XLR's) on the amps themselves to the other amp and see if the problem still exists. Another thing of interest is that indeed it could be speaker positioning. In an assymetric room, sometimes a speaker may sound quieter. Playing around with toe in and then maybe some placement should fix it. |
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Post by Chuck Elliot on Dec 12, 2014 1:23:00 GMT -5
Could I throw out this possibility:
Perhaps the issue was with the XPA-5 and not the XPS-1Ls. If you were compensating for one side being low on volume compared to the other, then what you are getting is exactly what I'd expect.
I'd re-run the speaker level setup! Also, what were the left/right level setup values before and after the re-run.
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Post by quattroll on Dec 12, 2014 1:32:09 GMT -5
Gar, awesome detail, all very good ideas. It is too bad that I have some real detective work ahead! I have run a number of 5.1 and 2 channel setups in this room, so I was surprised at the difference. I think the not all the way in idea could be it, and phase too. L and R speakers are Sonus Faber Tow Towers, no jumpers, just one set of posts. I have had that problem before on speakers that do have them though. The more I mess around swapping gear, the more careful I realize I need to be. It is easy to bend a connection or rip out a wire, kink them etc.
In the XMC I have my distances set to 10 feet each and using direct selection, so I should be getting an even signal. I'll get on it tomorrow. It is too bad that out of the box I have had this problem, but the 1Ls do seem impressive. Still a bit jealous of the talk going on with the SA 2 250, as I had the chance to get that when I ordered.
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