Getting Great Sound: Part II

Ask any audio engineer, equipment designer or acoustician and they will confirm that loudspeakers are the most important component in a playback system. And they are also the weakest link in the chain…more than you source components, more than your preamp or processor and more than your amplifier.

With today’s state-of-the-art technologies, musicians and engineers have tools, techniques and gear that can capture every last nuance of a singer, guitarist or symphony orchestra. Unlike in the past there are no limitations on dynamic range or frequency response…and the specifications of a high-end PCM digital system are many times better than the finest systems of only a decade ago.

But when it comes to the final transducer in the chain…your speakers…we’re still struggling to achieve the quality and specifications of the other parts of the system.

Choosing a speaker is a very difficult and important step in getting the sound that’s best for you and your room. Don’t get sucked into spending a fortune on speakers. I’ve heard some really impressive sound through speakers that are won’t set you back tens of thousands of dollars.

In the main AIX Records mixing studio, I’ve always had B&W speakers powered by Bryston power amplifiers. I use 5 B&W 801 Series III models mounted on heavy Anchor Stands with spikes pushing down on my maple floor. I’m not here to advocate for any particular brand, although I do love my speakers and some well-known audiophile magazine reviewers have said some pretty complimentary things about the sound in my room. And I spent less than some people pay for some basic cabling.

I understand that speakers can be fine pieces of furniture and there is real beauty in seeing the wonderful craftsmanship that goes in designing, building and finishing a great set of speakers. It’s akin to the care and attention that goes into handcrafting a fine musical instrument…a Steinway piano or a Martin Guitar.

One really good way to select speakers is to attend one of the frequent audio shows that happen every few months or so. When you go to the AXPONA Show or the Munich Audio Show, you can walk into a whole bunch of well-equipped rooms and listen to speakers at any price level.

You should come equipped with a few discs or some of your favorite music on a USB stick. Be polite but request that the representative in the room audition content that you know and like. Wait you turn for the best seat in the house, close your eyes and bathe in the sound. Be critical…buying speakers is an expensive purchase and you don’t want to rush to judgment.

Don’t listen at the elevated levels that are commonly experienced at trade shows. Insist that the level be reasonable. In the studio where I do my mixing and listening, I never have the volume up beyond 85 dB. I want the transients to be very loud not the general level of the program. That’s what dynamic range, after all.

There is one thing that I would challenge you to try. If there’s a room equipped with a multichannel setup, give it a try. You may not be looking to set up a “home theater” type of room, but listening to a great recording in fully immersive 5.1 surround sound is an experience that can change your life…or at least your listening habits.

If you’re in Chicago at the end of nest April come by the Madison room at the AXPONA show and listen to some of my recordings in full 5.1 surround (I’m sorry but I won’t be playing requests…only my stuff.). I’ve never failed yet to impress when switching between traditional stereo and immersive surround.