You can improve the sound of your audio system without even considering maxing out your credit cards. These tips and tweaks can make the music sparkle without compromising your budget, your sound system, or your good sense.
Audio System speaker placement is essential
Speakers should be 6 to 8 feet apart
Keep some space behind the speakers – 1 to 3 feet is best
Keep the speakers away from side walls
Better cables make a difference –for both analog and digital
When connecting a digital source, connect to a DAC with a digital cable (coax or optical)
When connecting a turntable, use the phono input or use a phono pre-amp
Maintain polarity (red to red, black to black)
Use a DAC for digital sources
Converts a digital signal to an analog signal
Improves the sound of a digital source
Make sure it has inputs that match the digital outputs of your CD player, audio streamer, or other digital audio devices
Clean CD and vinyl record surfaces
Reduce or eliminate noise and cut-outs
For CDs, use a soft lintless cloth with a light application of CD cleaner on it and (on the side opposite the label) wipe from the hole to the outer edge of the disc
For records, use Spin Clean; dry with a soft lintless cloth
High resolution (lossless) digital files sound better than MP3s or standard AAC files
Isolating components from vibration can provide gains in clarity and openness
Vibrations in audio equipment can cause distortion in the music being reproduced; vibrations can be air-borne or disseminated through the surface on which the equipment sits
Keep the electronics and turntable out of room corners and away from the speakers
Place the gear on mechanically dense or dampened surfaces
Use cones, spikes, or rubbery pucks beneath equipment feet to limit vibration
Audio Fun Fact: 6,000 BBs Can Make All the Difference!Researchers reporting in the December issue of The Absolute Sound found that placing 5-pound containers of 6,000 zinc-coated steel BBs on top of and even beneath audio equipment resulted in clearly detectable improvements in sound quality. Some commentators believe just the sheer weight of the BBs sufficiently dampens vibrations in equipment for an audible effect while others posit there’s a magnetic component that improves sound quality. We haven’t tested this, but feel free to give it a try!
Want to know more about how to get beautiful sounds from your audio system equipment? Come to our Free Presentation and Demo: Beautiful Sound on a Budget.
Bergen IT is a client-centered, comprehensive tech support and strategy company for businesses, professionals, and homeowners. The company services customers in the NJ and New York City metropolitan area, including northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic, NJ), Manhattan and the Bronx, Rockland and Westchester, and can remotely assist clients across the USA.Bergen IT provides computer, mobile device, audio, TV, home-theater, and website services. Its focus is on providing personal attention, reasonable rates and top-notch expertise. For more information, go to: www.bergenit.net.
Audio System speaker placement is essential
Use a DAC for digital sources
Clean CD and vinyl record surfaces
Isolating components from vibration can provide gains in clarity and openness
Researchers reporting in the December issue of The Absolute Sound found that placing 5-pound containers of 6,000 zinc-coated steel BBs on top of and even beneath audio equipment resulted in clearly detectable improvements in sound quality. Some commentators believe just the sheer weight of the BBs sufficiently dampens vibrations in equipment for an audible effect while others posit there’s a magnetic component that improves sound quality. We haven’t tested this, but feel free to give it a try!
Want to know more about how to get beautiful sounds from your audio system equipment? Come to our Free Presentation and Demo: Beautiful Sound on a Budget.
Bergen IT is a client-centered, comprehensive tech support and strategy company for businesses, professionals, and homeowners. The company services customers in the NJ and New York City metropolitan area, including northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic, NJ), Manhattan and the Bronx, Rockland and Westchester, and can remotely assist clients across the USA.
Bergen IT provides computer, mobile device, audio, TV, home-theater, and website services. Its focus is on providing personal attention, reasonable rates and top-notch expertise. For more information, go to: www.bergenit.net.