r/audiophile 5h ago

Community Help r/audiophile Shopping, Setup, and Technical Help Desk Thread

2 Upvotes

Welcome to the r/audiophile help desk. A place where you can ask community members for help shopping for and setting up stereo gear.

This thread refreshes once every 7 days so you may need to repost your question again in the next help desk post if a redditor isn't around to answer.

Finding the right guide

Before commenting, please check to see if your question actually belongs in one of these other places:

Shopping and purchase advice

To help others answer your question, consider using this format.

To help reduce the repetitive questions, here are a few of the cheapest systems we are willing to recommend for a computer desktop:

$100: Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers Amazon (US) / Amazon (DE)

  • Does not require a separate amplifier and does include cables.

$400: Kali LP-6 v2 Powered Studio Monitors Amazon (US) / Thomann (EU)

  • Not sold in pairs, requires additional cables and hardware, available in white/black.
  • Require a preamplifier for volume control - eg Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Setup troubleshooting and general help

Before asking a question, please check the commonly asked questions in our FAQ.

Examples of questions that are considered general help support:

  • How can I fix issue X (e.g.: buzzing / hissing) on my equipment Y?
  • Have I damaged my equipment by doing X, or will I damage my equipment if I do X?
  • Is equipment X compatible with equipment Y?
  • What's the meaning of specification X (e.g.: Output Impedance / Vrms / Sensitivity)?
  • How should I connect, set up or operate my system (hardware / software)?

r/audiophile 6h ago

Discussion Acoustic Panels, where?

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74 Upvotes

Hello.

Just finished setting up the room. Speakers arrived today so I placed them as the layout suggests.

I asked Claude where to put the panels and below is its suggestion. Help a brother out please thanks! 😁

**Room:** 4.0 × 3.5 × 2.5 m dedicated 2-ch listening room (speakers on the 4 m wall). Sonus faber Sonetto V G2 + NAD C 399 w/ BluOS-D (Dirac Live, ≀500 Hz). Rug + 12 mm rebond underlay, loaded bookshelves on rear halves of side walls, heavy curtains on the window wall.

**Panel schedule (6 panels, all rockwool, 60 × 120 cm, fabric-wrapped, cleat-mounted with 3–5 cm air gap, portrait):**

Wall Panel Qty Position
Front (behind speakers) 100 mm 2 One behind each speaker, flanking the rack, ~100 cm center height
Right (bookshelf wall) 50 mm 1 First-reflection point (mirror trick), front half of wall
Left (window wall) 50 mm 0–1 Only if the mirror point lands on bare wall; if it lands on the window, heavy curtains do the job
Rear (behind listeners) 50 mm or slotted wood-face hybrid 1–2 Directly behind the heads, 86–100 cm center height (ears are ~20 cm from this wall)

**Sequence:** Dirac baseline → hang front + side panels → re-measure → hang rear → re-measure → export new filters.

**Not yet:** bass traps. Room's 43–49 Hz modes are handled by Dirac for now; corner treatment (superchunks or a sub for the seat null) only if the post-panel measurements say so.


r/audiophile 5h ago

Show & Tell I built a „REW-light“ app for IOS to make measuring quicker and easier.

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58 Upvotes

I built a mobile REW-light application to make measuring quicker and easier.

The app is called CarSweep. I originally built it to tune the DSP in my car (because convertibles are absolute acoustic nightmares), but the math is the same, and it can be used in a AV-System just as good.

Here is what it does:
Log Sweeps & FFT: Plays a sweep over Bluetooth, records it, and calculates the actual frequency response at your listening position.

UMIK-1 Support: The built-in iPhone mic is fine for a quick check, but if you own a miniDSP UMIK-1 (or similar USB mic), you can plug it into your iPhone and import your specific .txt mic calibration file for accurate measurements. (Experimental)

Real-Time Analyzer (RTA): Streams continuous pink noise with a live 1/3-octave spectrum (Fast, Slow, and Moving-Mic averaging) so you can adjust your hardware EQ/DSP in real time.

Parametric EQ Generation: Calculates concrete parametric EQ values based on your target curve, which you can export as a JSON preset or manually dial into your DSP.

It’s a hobby project, so there is no subscription. The base app is free, completely offline, and has no ads or trackers. There is a single one-time purchase to unlock the Expert features (UMIK-1 support, custom curves, expanded 20Hz-20kHz range) just to help cover my costs.

If you are a regular REW user, I’d love for you to measure your listening room with both and tell me how my curves compare to your laptop setup. Feedback is hugely appreciated!


r/audiophile 49m ago

Show & Tell Mix of Old and New

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‱ Upvotes

Just put together a small 2.1 setup in my home office. Running a Cambridge Audio CXA81 mkII to a pair of Klipsch KG 4’s. and a REL HIT1003 sub. Source is a Eversolo dmp a6 gen2. Just waiting on my new Crites tweeters and crossovers and I’ll be done for now (lol!) Really liking the sound from this setup so far.


r/audiophile 8h ago

Science & Tech Best courses to learn about acoustics?

10 Upvotes

Anyone know of any good online courses that teaches about acoustics treatment/engineering/design?


r/audiophile 6h ago

Discussion EQ Advice

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8 Upvotes

So I just picked up an RME 802 FS AE and I’ve been experimenting with its built in Room EQ feature. After several hours of testing in REW this is my best result.

The purple trace is with no eq just a high/low pass at 80hz. The blue trace is the fully EQed result.

My biggest issue is right around 80hz. I was able to get my left speaker and left sub to integrate perfectly but my right speaker seems to produce a massive null around 80 hz all on its own even without subs.

The massive peak right next to the 80hz null is also coming from my right speaker. When I combine the left and right subs together with the right speaker it results in that double null on either side of 80hz.

I tried literally every combination of polarity and phase in my svs subs. I took measurements from 0-180 degrees phase in 10 degree steps with polarity set to both positive and negative and then set the subs to the result that integrated best but no matter the phase or polarity I couldn’t completely eliminate the null and this was the best I could do.

I was able to eliminate the null and peak in the right speaker by running no crossovers on the subs or speakers at all but the it would come back after applying eq.

EDIT: This is a 2.2 system with dedicated L+R subs positioned symmetrically next to their corresponding speakers.


r/audiophile 21h ago

Discussion What Makes a Great Speaker? Design, Measurement, and Listening (with Andrew Jones)

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41 Upvotes

r/audiophile 1d ago

Show & Tell New rig

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396 Upvotes

A few months ago i thought i had found my end game with some Wharfdale Linton’s on a NAD 3045. Then i started working in trade with a hifi shop owner. His creative maneuver’s at an estate sale landed me this rig a few days ago and i’ve changed, i only listen to jazz and classical. I’m only interested in components made out of titanium or platinum with a guys name on it that weigh 100 lbs. speakers must weigh 150lbs or more. I wear a smoking a jacket and should have a Rolls Royce. Loafers only, caviar diet. I don’t know what to do, it sounds too good. What do i strive for now?
Obviously I need a great source, a dac streamer and i’ll have to find a more righteous turntable but the leveling up to this elevation so fast is mind blowing
 I stayed up all night, sober i might add, listening.
I just had to tell someone, i’ve overdone it with my wife and friends, they do not want to hear about my speakers. Other recent acquisitions I’ve barely listened to yet are Burmester b25’s and Alta Celesta’s, its an embarrassment of riches..
What DAC/streamer should i pair? I haven’t spent money and need to do this part on a short budget. The evo sounds great but i want to use it elsewhere and it could be better?

Sonus Faber Amati, Conrad Johnson amp, Jeff Rowland pre and phono stage, temporarily streaming from Cambridge evo 150.


r/audiophile 1d ago

Show & Tell Spent a day at Supreme Acoustic Systems in Vegas. WOW!

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147 Upvotes

Supreme sells some incredibly high end products. The space is simply gorgeous, they accept one client at a time and the whole space is dedicated to them. These are Odeon horn speakers from Germany, with Air Tight amps. One of my favorite experiences since I got into this hobby 3 decades ago


r/audiophile 19h ago

Music What’s your go-to track for testing a sound system & what exactly are you listening for?

17 Upvotes

We’ve all got tracks we reach for when trying a new pair of speakers, testing a change in placement or hearing someone else’s system.

I’m putting together a reference playlist, but I want it to be more useful than another list of well-recorded audiophile favourites. For each track, I’d like to document what it actually tests and what someone should listen for.

If possible, pease share:

Track, Artist
What it tests: imaging, bass extension, dynamics, vocals, separation, treble, etc.
What you listen for: what does a good system get right and what tends to go wrong?


r/audiophile 18h ago

Discussion How to eliminate odor in speakers?

7 Upvotes

I recently found an amazing pair of Paradigm Atom V2s. They’re in great condition, work like intended, and were only $80, only issue is the person I bought them from must’ve been a chain smoker because they smell so strongly of cigarette smoke. They’re for a smaller room and I really don’t want it to suddenly develop a tinge of cigarette from these speakers. Any tips on how to make them not smell so strong? I’ve just been trying to air them out in a big room but I suspect that’ll take a while



r/audiophile 1d ago

Show & Tell Current turntable + amplifier

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32 Upvotes

my setup so far. ive got them plugged into Paradigm Reference Studio 80s (which ill need to take a photo of once i get home). Before anyone asks yes i do have the dust cover i just like keeping it off while playing 😁😁


r/audiophile 1d ago

Show & Tell I was gifted this from a friend

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325 Upvotes

I was gifted this Micro Seiki turntable from a friend; it turns on and seems to work well (He hadn't used it in 15 plus years), it does need a new cartridge.

I would love to actually use it but not sure if I can afford to restore it properly.

It is so beautiful, I still can't believe it mine.

Not sure how to proceed, any advice would be appreciated.


r/audiophile 22h ago

Discussion Vintage receiver

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5 Upvotes

Can anyone recognize the receiver in this photo. I know it’s blurry , it’s a screenshot of an old photo. Early to mid 70’s is what I was told. Thanks


r/audiophile 10h ago

Discussion Best way to determine acoustics for a hall?

0 Upvotes

Hi all, what is the best way to to calculate how much acoustic treatment is needed for a large hall (500+ people)? Is there a way to calculate what type of material would be needed for the acoustic treatment, how much is needed, where it should be placed, etc.

My initial thought was to use REW and based off of some calculations using the Sabin equation, it could help me determine how much treatment is needed, and then to create a design of the hall using EASE 5. Would this be the correct approach?


r/audiophile 20h ago

Discussion Why aren't UPS recommended for audio equipment?

2 Upvotes

I mean, if your speakers are playing something loud and the power suddenly goes out, that can't be good, right?


r/audiophile 1d ago

Review Minidsp 2x4 has made the biggest difference so far in my setup.

35 Upvotes

Speakers are a close second in terms of improving the sound (Yes I know room treatment is first but will get to that eventually).

I ordered one with the Umik 1 and it cost me ÂŁ350 altogether. I wanted it more specifically for my dual subs that were connected to my Wiim Ultra's sub out via a y splitter. I watched guides on YouTube on how to time align, gain match and do PEQ etc, and man it was exhausting but totally worth it. The bass sounds so much better than before, as I hadn't realised how muddy/boomy it was. The bass now just blends in with the speakers so well. There is more tinkering to do but for now I'm very happy.

Because I am using the Wiim Ultra for the speakers, I just used roomfit with the Umik 1 instead of REW, as it was easier to do. However, when I get the time and patience I will use REW.


r/audiophile 2d ago

Discussion Is this amp worth anything?

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596 Upvotes

Hi all

I’ve been clearing out some boxes and I found this old amplifier - I believe it’s an Audio Innovations Alto AM1. I tested it and it works great but it’s not in the best condition with some scratches, faded/rubbed off letters and two missing knobs at the front


r/audiophile 1d ago

Show & Tell Don't know what im doing

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19 Upvotes

(16 and new to that stuff)


r/audiophile 1d ago

Measurements Need advice

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2 Upvotes

Hey !
I built my first sound system
2x lonely th12
Kick planar
HS28T

I try to Learn how to find good parameters

I did

Processor (DSP): the t.racks 206
System Type: 4-Way Active Sound System (Sub, Kick, Mid, High)
Crossover Points:
Sub: ~30 Hz (HPF / Subsonic) to 89 Hz
Kick: 89 Hz to 210 Hz
Mid: 210 Hz to 1.1 kHz
High: 1.1 kHz and up

Out 1 (Sub): ⁠0.00 ms⁠
Out 2 (Kick): ⁠0.42 ms⁠
Out 3 (Mid): ⁠2.99 ms⁠
Out 4 (High): ⁠3.06 ms⁠
With alignement method someone recommended that

Out 1 (Sub): ⁠+2.0db
Out 2 (Kick): +1.5
Out 3 (Mid): ⁠-11.0 dB⁠
Out 4 (High): ⁠-17.0 dB⁠
(My top is too powerful compared to my kick and sub’s

For the EQ
I measure Sub and Kick on the ground (someone recommended that also)
For Med and High at ear level

Sub):
PEQ 1: Freq = ⁠58 Hz⁠ | Gain = ⁠-4.0 dB⁠ | Q = ⁠18.6⁠
Out 2 (Kick):
PEQ 1: Freq = ⁠102 Hz⁠ | Gain = ⁠-11.5 dB⁠ | Q = ⁠9.3⁠
PEQ 2: Freq = ⁠109 Hz⁠ | Gain = ⁠-10.6 dB⁠ | Q = ⁠10.5⁠
PEQ 3: Freq = ⁠171 Hz⁠ | Gain = ⁠-7.1 dB⁠ | Q = ⁠11.6⁠
Out 3 (Mid):
PEQ 1: Freq = ⁠400 Hz⁠ | Gain = ⁠-11.0 dB⁠ | Q = ⁠1.0⁠
Out 4 (High):
PEQ 1: Freq = ⁠2738 Hz⁠ | Gain = ⁠-11.0 dB⁠ | Q = ⁠1.0⁠

What do you think ? Any advice for the drop at 3khz ?

Thx very much !


r/audiophile 20h ago

Discussion Some questions about audio quality

0 Upvotes

As of right now most of music files are m4a 128kbps lossy. I would enjoy higher quality audio I just wonder if it's worth it. And if it is, any tips one apps I can download higher quality music from online for free or a low cost. If this isn't the right subreddit, please help me find the right one. Anything helps. Please and thank you.


r/audiophile 1d ago

Science & Tech Musical Fidelity A3CD - what is this screw?

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7 Upvotes

I need to open up my old A3CD for maintenance. I am was the first owner and have never had it open. The screw head looks sort of like a mangled torx or "6 lobe," but again, unless they mangled it at the factory, that's not it. Anyone know what kind of scree this is? TIA!


r/audiophile 1d ago

Discussion Suis-je addict au beau son ?

1 Upvotes

La musique a toujours été une passion pour moi.

Mais je n'avais jamais vraiment écouté de la musique sur du bon matériel. Avec une bonne qualité de son.

J'ai décidé d'investir et j'ai depuis 3 jours un Wiim Amp Pro et des Warfedale Diamond 12.1i.

J'ai pris une grosse claque. C'était magnifique.

Mais ce soir j'ai une impression étrange.

Comme s'il m'en fallait plus.

Comme s'il fallait encore mieux.

Comme si je n'étais pas rassasié.

Est-ce que c'est pour ça que des gens mettent des sommes folles dans du matériel ?

Est-ce que j'ai été contaminé ?


r/audiophile 1d ago

Discussion Advice on speaker selection and placement for living space with multiple listening locations

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2 Upvotes

Hi, looking for some advice and discussion on speaker placement in a living space where listening happens from more than one location.

I currently have some Wharfdale Lintons powered by a Bluesound Powernode, the natural position for these seemed to be on the west wall facing accross the living space and into the kitchen (Position A).

They sound great when I am stood in the kitchen / cooking etc, something I spend a surprising amount of time doing.

They sound ok from the dining table to the "north", acceptable at low volumes when sat on the sofa.

Occasionally, I will move a chair into the centre of the opening to the kitchen, but this all seems like a hassle and a lot of compromise.

SO, I guess my question is would the arrangement be improved by getting some omnidirectional speakers in Position B? This would improve listening from sofa, and maintain the experience from kitchen and dining table? I am thinking Duevel Planets, Enterprise or Venus... what about Gallo Droplets and a sub?

Is there another way of approaching this?

Your thoughts and experience would be very welcome!


r/audiophile 1d ago

Show & Tell I got a great deal on a pair of SVS Ultra Evolution Titan Speakers. My next upgrades will be the amp and a proper TV stand.

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53 Upvotes

I paid $1250 for the pair. I didn't really need them, but it was too good to pass up. These are definitely an improvement to the Triangle Borea BR08s I was using.

DAC: Hegel HD11

CD player: Sony UBP-X1100ES

Preamp: Nuforce MDP-18

Amp: Monolith M2100X. I was previously using a T+A Pulsar A1230, but it needs to be repaired (left channel is not working properly).

The Titans produce a bit too much bass for my apartment, so I'm also looking into room treatment (bass traps). Unfortunately, I don't have the space to move them much further from the wall (currently 12").