The Soundoctor Rules!

[jrsystems]

I took the long weekend to focus on (finally) properly optimizing my system. I've been extensively researching methods for integrating my single JL f113 sub with my new Raidho D1 speakers and all roads pointed to Barry the Soundoctor. I read and reread his wonderful white papers on speaker set up using white noise, proper sub set up, and the detailed sub integration instructions accompanying his test CD. With a few lingering questions before jumping into the project, I phoned Barry at JL and we had a wonderful and incredibly helpful conversation.

This is not a simple process. I started with optimizing the Raidhos. Based on Barry's strong recommendations, I sealed the ports on the Raidhos with upholstery cushions. Noticeable improvement. Then I followed the instructions for the white noise test by switching the polarity on one speaker and listening for the distinctive null as I moved around the positions and toe in. Viola! I finally got the positioning correct.

That was the easy part. The sub was a serious project. I started with trying to get the crossover right. I was torn about switching from my McIntosh C2200 preamp to MX134 surround processor, but I needed that crossover. I set it all up and could not get it right. The MX134 just did not want to run the crossover processing from the analog signal from the Oppo which I used as the DAC. Then I tried the same set up through a Sherbourn/Emotiva pre-pro that I have. Still not right. Very tough getting the correct processing down on these units. I then went back to tweaking the subs. I did the full crawl-around test and did not find very dramatic differences but settled on a spot fairly near the left speaker. That helped. I then followed Barry's recommendation to get the sub up off the floor using a pretty solid structure I constructed from 2 by 4 studs. That helped too, but I still needed to get the crossover done.

I decided to try using the Oppo BDP-105 as preamp and processor using its variable volume. I set the crossover to 80hz and followed the set up instructions for the time delays. After a bit of messaging, it worked! I then followed the instructions for the phase settings to get the time right and did some more tuning of the volume and set the ARO. BAM, IT SOUNDS FANTASTIC! The bass is superb. The soundstage is both large and deep, perfectly layered. The accuracy is incredible. I am finally getting the full experience out of these sensational speakers with extrodinary bass. I listened for a few hours tonight to familiar tunes and I found much of the magic that I've been searching for. These are giant killers. I'm sure I'll tweak some more, but for now I'm going to leave this as is and experience this wonderful set up for a while. What a great Christmas gift!

[Yamaki]

Congrats on the progress. Enjoy!

[chessman]

I spent some time with Barry Ober at Ivan's last get together. On top of being an incredibly nice guy, Barry has a wealth of audio experience and knowledge.

[jdandy]

JR.......I'm happy for you. It sounds like you have finally dialed the system in.

[jrsystems]

Thanks Dan. I gather you've seen my various posts regarding attempts to get this system right. Yes, I think I'm a good 90% there. I was pretty blown away when I sat down to listen to the final settings. The bass is finally "right" and everything else followed right along with it. I have some more work to do on the settings and the remote, but that's minor. I'm also going to check out the Roon music server and finally add a computer to the system as well.

The quest continues...

[FlexibleAudio]

I have been doing a lot of reading on Barry's work. He seams to be one of the most knowledgeable people I have run across when it comes to sub integration.

I am keenly interested in adding a sub (or two) to my system but I can't fathom running through a dsp after getting an analog signal out of my MSB Dac V. (I have MSB to a Soulution pre and amp to Raidho D3's.) I also can't fathom running an analog crossover (like Pass XVR-1) between my Soulution stuff given their speed, low distortion, high current and the amps extremely low input impedance.

The only thing I can come up with is to run my Raidho D3's full range and use the dsp in the sub to low pass and EQ. Then the problem is getting the phase right on the rear ported D3's with the sub. That would be tricky.

Any one have any thoughts?

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio

I have been doing a lot of reading on Barry's work. He seams to be one of the most knowledgeable people I have run across when it comes to sub integration. I am keenly interested in adding a sub (or two) to my system but I can't fathom running through a dsp after getting an analog signal out of my MSB Dac V. (I have MSB to a Soulution pre and amp to Raidho D3's.) I also can't fathom running an analog crossover (like Pass XVR-1) between my Soulution stuff given their speed, low distortion, high current and the amps extremely low input impedance. The only thing I can come up with is to run my Raidho D3's full range and use the dsp in the sub to low pass and EQ. Then the problem is getting the phase right on the rear ported D3's with the sub. That would be tricky. Any one have any thoughts?

My suggestion would be to consider adding JL Audio sub(s) and give a call to Barry at JL for advice as to which models may work best for your set up (bigger is not necessarily better). He is wealth of information.

He makes house calls... He did a superb job with my system.

[FlexibleAudio]

Thanks nicoff, great to get these kinds of affirmation.