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Wharfedale Jade 3 aluminium tweeter problem

Just bought a pair of Wharfedale Jade 3 standmount speakers, it looks very big, excellent craftsmanship in piano black finish, have been running them for 1 week, overall comment on sound:

Bass: I can't comment much on this, still think in the progress of write in, though I feel that no sense of strain, but I have problems playing some aggressive bass movement tracks, it seem the woofer hit the plastic surround...

Mid: Just fine, no problem

High: Though I will not say it's harsh, but it has too much sparkling and unwanted details, it seem no filter has been done, it makes a lot of tracks not listenable, it just sound not so comfortable bringing out some background noise, or piercing instrument too much

So far, this is my most disappointment in purchase Hifi speakers, I starting to wonder is this amp problem? I don't think so, I got several other speakers play just fine, include Wharfedale Diamond 122, Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary, Wharfedale Diamond 9.1. If let say power is not enough, I don't think so I can play track like Tutti! - Igor Stravinsky - The Firebird - Finale, with enough powerful omph without distortions, and most state of the art recording without problems, what's wrong here? The Jade 3 just does not work so forgiving in playing music?
128x128wim1983

Showing 2 responses by mmeysarosh

mmeysarosh
126 posts
 
@Wim1983

After reading your description, I recalled that Sterophile had reviewed and measured your speakers a bit back and decided to look through its numbers. A couple of the measurements do seem to substantiate your impression. From about 3.5Khz-12Khz, the tweeter response is elevated by about 5db. Now this could often be used to balance a design that has wide dispersion differences between drivers, but the following dispersion graphs show a wide and well balanced dispersion. The other figure that is of note is a resonance in the tweeter at 20Khz, which will be audible to mostly younger ears.

That being said, no cable will be able to tame this treble response to your satisfaction. If the speaker has that first row presentation, the extra treble energy would be even more apparent. With that information, you might be able to use an EQ to balance out the treble, but the results may still be not to your liking. Some designers do add a little rise in the upper end of the treble to add a bit of air, but this design has its rise through most of the usable treble range. Good luck with it all, but I feel you don't have an ideal match for yourself.
mmeysarosh
126 posts
 
Its always an interesting take when going between a speaker that is forward and provides a certain 'immediacy' to the sound and one that is more laid back, but draws the listener in. My experiences has shown that a little laid back is more my speed. Much of it comes from how many recordings these days are themselves a bit edgy and a forward sound that isn't perfection can be tiring. They can sound wonderful with certain recordings, but the point is to enjoy the music and they somehow detract form that experience.

Marantz does have a reputation for a more musical approach to its balance so its good to hear that it has helped. You might want to consider a small sub to fill out the bottom octave. It might just add enough fullness and balance from the bottom to top.
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