2. amps-preamps
  3. 136011-98892

Newbie needs help on Audio Research and DynAudio Quality


Hello all,

 

I am a newbie to high end home audio and need help from all of you audiophiles out there. I was actually into high end car audio back to when I was younger so I kinda understand what sound quality level can be considered at audiophile standard. I bought this set up (2 mono amps Audio Research Classic 120, Audio Research LS22 preamp, Dynaudio Contour 1.8 mkII, Rega Planet CD player) 4 years ago and did not have time and room to put them up to enjoy until recently. After setting them up last week, I was very disappointed at the performance. The sound was harsh and I would get tired after listening to 2-3 songs. I remember when I picked up the speakers, the previous owner played a couple of songs using his turntable and it was warm, clear and enjoyable (I could not remember what equipment he had back then). I have another set of solid state stuff to play around which includes Luxman M-12 amplifier, Sansui CA-2000 preamp, JBL 4311B, and same CD player Rega Planet. The sound quality is much better compared to ARC set. I expect that the ARC set at least has to be at entry level of audiophile but what I got out from it is disappointing. I need help from you experts to point out what is wrong or what I should expect from Audio Research.

Best Regards,

Dan


sqlover

Showing 2 responses by sqlover

sqlover OP
2 posts
 
I waited 30 minutes like the manual recommended. Let try to wait more. Thanks.
sqlover OP
2 posts
 
Thanks everyone for spending time putting in comments.

To almarg: Speaker polarity is correct as I double checked per your recommendation.

To mapman: I checked the Luxman spec and it is only for 8-ohm speakers. Not sure if I can connect the Luxman to Dyn?

To ALL:
I have turned the amps on and let it run for the last 12 hrs. During that time, I kept playing CD to CD at low volume level just to have some signals running through the whole system. During bed time, I just left them on (including the preamp). I have also played around with speakers position. This morning, before going to work, I played some song and saw that the quality has improved. Also, I checked and see one of the big tubes in one of the amp is not lighting up. So I will do this to clear things out:
- Have the amp and premap serviced
- after that, play around more with speaker positions since I have a weird corner to set up my gears. Please see picture
 

Put I really think that my amps are not for Dyn speakers. I will try with JBL speakers to find out.

Again, thanks everyone for helping me, I really appreciate it.
Respectfully.

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