Methods to Improve Sound Quality
I believe speakers priced between five thousand and ten thousand RMB offer the best playability and potential for shaping sound. Here, I share my experience.
Knowledge Section: What are Near-field Monitor Speakers?
First, what are monitor speakers? Generally, they are speakers for recording/mixing engineers to monitor programs. Monitor speakers have low distortion, wide and flat frequency response, and minimal coloration of the signal, aiming to reproduce the original sound faithfully.
Classified by size and listening distance, there are three types: Near-field, Mid-field, Far-field.
Near-field Monitor Speakers: As the name suggests, near-field monitoring means the monitoring device is relatively close to the listener, typically 1-2 meters from the head. In small rooms, they can serve as the primary monitors.
Due to limited space, small studios and personal workstations primarily use near-field monitors. In high-cost medium/large studios, though less used, near-fields are available for specific tasks (often checking sound 'compatibility').
Near-field monitors minimize reflected waves (standing waves) from walls by reducing distance between speaker and listener, making the sound more accurate in certain aspects. In the recording field, small near-field monitors have become trusted tools for recording and mixing!
Additionally, using near-field monitoring significantly simplifies the acoustic treatment requirements of the workspace compared to far-field. Near/Mid/Far-field monitors are easily distinguishable visually: Near-fields are compact for clarity without bulk.
Due to their excellent transient response, compact size, and easy placement, near-field monitors deliver authentic, accurate sound with good layering for strings, vocals, classical, etc. Recently, many audio manufacturers have promoted them for consumer use.
Improvement Section: 1. Vibration Control Equipment: Reduce resonance, clarify mid-bass, lifting sound quality a level.
Many friends place speakers directly on desks or TV cabinets without any vibration control. This results in muddy bass and unclear sound. Implementing necessary vibration control yields significant results. I chose speaker stands; spikes are another option depending on your home environment. The difference with stands is very noticeable. Listening to Zhao Peng's 'Boat Song', the opening drum beats had excessive bounce and lacked precision on my TV cabinet. With stands, the bass felt significantly more solid and clear, without muddiness!
2. Placement: 'Axis Inside' method for a wider soundstage.
Now, about speaker placement. Many friends are casual about HIFI speaker placement since it's just two boxes. This is a mistake. Why do speakers sound different at the store versus home, making you feel deceived? Placement is the primary reason.
Sound directionality is crucial. Without proper placement, sound feels diffuse and unfocused. Correct placement ensures the 'sweet spot' (emperor's seat) experiences optimal sound.
3. Source: Sound quality leaps another level.
Many think a good speaker is enough, using any source like a computer or phone. This is extremely foolish. It's like cooking with stale ingredients—the final taste suffers.
Comparing lossless players and CD players, lossless players offer higher playability and access to more music. Buying CDs can be cumbersome. After switching to a lossless player, the delicacy and richness of vocals improved significantly. Using a regular player might sound decent, but details are lacking upon close listening.
4. Amplifier: Tube Preamp + Solid-State Power Amp for more realistic texture.
Each speaker has its character. Choosing an amplifier that complements it is vital; synergy produces 1+1>2 results. I mostly listen to vocals, so I didn't choose a pure tube amp but a hybrid (tube pre + solid-state power). It combines the strengths of both: high fidelity, good resolution, powerful and rich bass, excellent transients. Paired, the musical texture became incredibly lifelike. This emphasizes amplifier importance; choice depends on preference.
Review Section: Balanced Three Frequencies, Detailed Nuances
The first track I played was 'High Mountains Flowing Water,' a classic test track. From low to high notes, the sound was round, sweet, and fluid. The air column of wind instruments was palpable. Subtle finger noises and breath sounds felt authentic—a testament to the double-suspension tweeter.
Every note was like a candle in the dark, the moon in a clear sky; morning dew, twilight glow—making my whole body feel relaxed. The gentle texture of string instruments goes without saying. At this moment, I was immersed, feeling the system displayed both high fidelity and aesthetic beauty.
Next, I played 'Yesterday Once More.' Midrange resolution was high, with fast decay. The female vocalist's voice was gentle yet broad. Different string instruments softly layered at the music's foundation, with lively elements flying from distinct left/right positions, creating vivid imaging. More beautiful was the overall spaciousness and grandeur of the music.
The vocalist's voice extended down to low-frequency notes, all rendered beautifully, perfectly showcasing high, mid, and low-frequency performance. I perceived smoother, more complete frequency integration. The slightly rigid highs softened; midrange vocals achieved both width and clarity, revealing distinct vocal characteristics—hoarse, resonant, or sweet. The wide dynamic range also demonstrated high resolution for bass.
Conclusion
I believe a good speaker system should possess basic qualities: reasonable entry cost, significant upgrade potential, and high playability.
Knowledge Section: What are Near-field Monitor Speakers?
First, what are monitor speakers? Generally, they are speakers for recording/mixing engineers to monitor programs. Monitor speakers have low distortion, wide and flat frequency response, and minimal coloration of the signal, aiming to reproduce the original sound faithfully.
Classified by size and listening distance, there are three types: Near-field, Mid-field, Far-field.
Near-field Monitor Speakers: As the name suggests, near-field monitoring means the monitoring device is relatively close to the listener, typically 1-2 meters from the head. In small rooms, they can serve as the primary monitors.
Due to limited space, small studios and personal workstations primarily use near-field monitors. In high-cost medium/large studios, though less used, near-fields are available for specific tasks (often checking sound 'compatibility').
Near-field monitors minimize reflected waves (standing waves) from walls by reducing distance between speaker and listener, making the sound more accurate in certain aspects. In the recording field, small near-field monitors have become trusted tools for recording and mixing!
Additionally, using near-field monitoring significantly simplifies the acoustic treatment requirements of the workspace compared to far-field. Near/Mid/Far-field monitors are easily distinguishable visually: Near-fields are compact for clarity without bulk.
Due to their excellent transient response, compact size, and easy placement, near-field monitors deliver authentic, accurate sound with good layering for strings, vocals, classical, etc. Recently, many audio manufacturers have promoted them for consumer use.
Improvement Section: 1. Vibration Control Equipment: Reduce resonance, clarify mid-bass, lifting sound quality a level.
Many friends place speakers directly on desks or TV cabinets without any vibration control. This results in muddy bass and unclear sound. Implementing necessary vibration control yields significant results. I chose speaker stands; spikes are another option depending on your home environment. The difference with stands is very noticeable. Listening to Zhao Peng's 'Boat Song', the opening drum beats had excessive bounce and lacked precision on my TV cabinet. With stands, the bass felt significantly more solid and clear, without muddiness!
2. Placement: 'Axis Inside' method for a wider soundstage.
Now, about speaker placement. Many friends are casual about HIFI speaker placement since it's just two boxes. This is a mistake. Why do speakers sound different at the store versus home, making you feel deceived? Placement is the primary reason.
Sound directionality is crucial. Without proper placement, sound feels diffuse and unfocused. Correct placement ensures the 'sweet spot' (emperor's seat) experiences optimal sound.
3. Source: Sound quality leaps another level.
Many think a good speaker is enough, using any source like a computer or phone. This is extremely foolish. It's like cooking with stale ingredients—the final taste suffers.
Comparing lossless players and CD players, lossless players offer higher playability and access to more music. Buying CDs can be cumbersome. After switching to a lossless player, the delicacy and richness of vocals improved significantly. Using a regular player might sound decent, but details are lacking upon close listening.
4. Amplifier: Tube Preamp + Solid-State Power Amp for more realistic texture.
Each speaker has its character. Choosing an amplifier that complements it is vital; synergy produces 1+1>2 results. I mostly listen to vocals, so I didn't choose a pure tube amp but a hybrid (tube pre + solid-state power). It combines the strengths of both: high fidelity, good resolution, powerful and rich bass, excellent transients. Paired, the musical texture became incredibly lifelike. This emphasizes amplifier importance; choice depends on preference.
Review Section: Balanced Three Frequencies, Detailed Nuances
The first track I played was 'High Mountains Flowing Water,' a classic test track. From low to high notes, the sound was round, sweet, and fluid. The air column of wind instruments was palpable. Subtle finger noises and breath sounds felt authentic—a testament to the double-suspension tweeter.
Every note was like a candle in the dark, the moon in a clear sky; morning dew, twilight glow—making my whole body feel relaxed. The gentle texture of string instruments goes without saying. At this moment, I was immersed, feeling the system displayed both high fidelity and aesthetic beauty.
Next, I played 'Yesterday Once More.' Midrange resolution was high, with fast decay. The female vocalist's voice was gentle yet broad. Different string instruments softly layered at the music's foundation, with lively elements flying from distinct left/right positions, creating vivid imaging. More beautiful was the overall spaciousness and grandeur of the music.
The vocalist's voice extended down to low-frequency notes, all rendered beautifully, perfectly showcasing high, mid, and low-frequency performance. I perceived smoother, more complete frequency integration. The slightly rigid highs softened; midrange vocals achieved both width and clarity, revealing distinct vocal characteristics—hoarse, resonant, or sweet. The wide dynamic range also demonstrated high resolution for bass.
Conclusion
I believe a good speaker system should possess basic qualities: reasonable entry cost, significant upgrade potential, and high playability.