Veteran Audiophile Reveals How to Enhance HIFI Sound
Veterans say once you enter the audiophile world, it's deep. After decades with speakers, lessons learned: Expensive speakers aren't guaranteed better, but cheap ones are definitely bad! Taobao speakers priced 1-2K RMB, even hundreds, claiming HIFI? Nonsense! Even 10K RMB speakers sound bad without proper front-end, cables, etc. Pricier gear demands higher system synergy!
Speakers costing 5K-10K RMB offer the best playability. Recently bought the Tianxian UE near-field monitors from Love HIFI Audio. Highly playable and customizable; sharing my experience.
Knowledge: What are Near-Field Monitors?
First, monitor speakers: Used by recording/audio engineers. They feature low distortion, flat wide frequency response, minimal signal coloration, reproducing sound accurately. Classified by size/distance: Near-field, Mid-field, Far-field.
Near-field Monitors: Close distance (1-2m) between listener and monitor. In small rooms, they serve as primary monitors. Small studios/home studios often use them due to space. High-cost large studios rarely use them but keep some for "compatibility" checks. Reducing distance minimizes reflections (standing waves) from walls, improving accuracy. In recording, small near-field monitors are trusted tools. Also, using them simplifies studio acoustic treatment compared to far-field. Near/Mid/Far-field monitors are easily distinguishable: Near-field are compact.
Due to excellent transient response, compact size, easy placement, and accurate reproduction for strings, vocals, classical, etc., near-field monitors are increasingly promoted for home use. The Tianxian UE is such a speaker.
Enhancement:
1. Vibration Control: Reduces resonance, clarifies mid-bass, elevates listening experience.
Many place speakers directly on desks/TV stands without isolation, resulting in muddy bass and unclear sound. Proper isolation makes a huge difference. I chose stands; spikes also work. The difference with Tianxian UE was stark. Listening to Zhao Peng's "Boat Song": On TV stand, initial bass drums had elasticity but felt sluggish; with stands, bass tightened significantly, clarity improved!
2. Placement: Axis-Inside Method, Wider Soundstage.
Placement matters. Many treat HIFI speaker placement casually (only two boxes). Why does store sound differ from home? You might feel cheated. Placement is key.
Finding the sweet spot is crucial. Sound interacts with the listening space. After consulting Love HIFI engineers, I used the Axis-Inside method for my space: Listener at center axis, speakers at 45 degrees, 3 meters apart, for optimal soundstage.
Sound directivity is vital. Improper placement disperses sound, lacking focus. Correct placement ensures the "sweet spot" (listening position) receives optimal sound.
3. Source: Listening Experience Upgraded Again.
Some think good speakers suffice; source is irrelevant (PC, phone). Foolish! Like cooking with stale ingredients; result is poor. Comparing lossless players and CD players, lossless players offer more playability, accessing more music. CD buying is cumbersome. This player paired with Tianxian UE enhanced vocal delicacy and richness. Ordinary players lose details.
4. Amplifier: Tube Preamp + Solid-State Power, More Realistic Texture.
Each speaker has its character; choosing a matching amp is vital. Synergy creates 1+1>2. I listen mostly to vocals with Tianxian UE, so I chose the TANKE M5 Tube Pre + Solid-State Power amp, combining tube/transistor strengths: high fidelity, good resolution, powerful rich bass, excellent transients. Paired with Tianxian UE, music texture feels very real. Choice depends on preference.
Review: Balanced Frequencies, Detailed Nuances.
Testing the configured Tianxian UE sound!
First track: "High Mountains Flowing Water" (classic test track). Notes from low to high register were round, sweet, "juicy," with palpable air columns. Subtle finger plucks and breath sounds felt real – a testament to the dual-ring tweeter. Each note was like a candle in darkness, moon in clear sky, morning dew, dusk glow – deeply relaxing. String instruments' gentleness and delicate texture were superb. Tianxian UE revealed its highly transparent yet beautiful character.
Next: "Yesterday Once More." High midrange resolution, fast decay. The female voice was gentle yet expansive. Soft strings laid the foundation, with instruments flying from different positions, creating vivid stereo imaging. More beautiful was the overall spaciousness. The voice extended smoothly into low notes, perfectly showcasing Tianxian UE's frequency response. I experienced seamless high/mid/low integration, more complete than before. Previously slightly rigid highs gained softness; midrange vocals combined width and clarity, revealing unique timbres; highs remained Tianxian UE's strength, with wide dynamics and high resolution for lows.
Conclusion: A good speaker system should have low entry cost, high upgrade potential, and strong playability. The Tianxian UE + TANKE M5 + Qianlongsheng QA360 set from Love HIFI Audio, after meticulous tweaking, sounds excellent, fitting my listening habits. A common female saying: "No ugly women, only lazy women." This applies to playing with speakers: Dedication to details ensures great sound!
Speakers costing 5K-10K RMB offer the best playability. Recently bought the Tianxian UE near-field monitors from Love HIFI Audio. Highly playable and customizable; sharing my experience.
Knowledge: What are Near-Field Monitors?
First, monitor speakers: Used by recording/audio engineers. They feature low distortion, flat wide frequency response, minimal signal coloration, reproducing sound accurately. Classified by size/distance: Near-field, Mid-field, Far-field.
Near-field Monitors: Close distance (1-2m) between listener and monitor. In small rooms, they serve as primary monitors. Small studios/home studios often use them due to space. High-cost large studios rarely use them but keep some for "compatibility" checks. Reducing distance minimizes reflections (standing waves) from walls, improving accuracy. In recording, small near-field monitors are trusted tools. Also, using them simplifies studio acoustic treatment compared to far-field. Near/Mid/Far-field monitors are easily distinguishable: Near-field are compact.
Due to excellent transient response, compact size, easy placement, and accurate reproduction for strings, vocals, classical, etc., near-field monitors are increasingly promoted for home use. The Tianxian UE is such a speaker.
Enhancement:
1. Vibration Control: Reduces resonance, clarifies mid-bass, elevates listening experience.
Many place speakers directly on desks/TV stands without isolation, resulting in muddy bass and unclear sound. Proper isolation makes a huge difference. I chose stands; spikes also work. The difference with Tianxian UE was stark. Listening to Zhao Peng's "Boat Song": On TV stand, initial bass drums had elasticity but felt sluggish; with stands, bass tightened significantly, clarity improved!
2. Placement: Axis-Inside Method, Wider Soundstage.
Placement matters. Many treat HIFI speaker placement casually (only two boxes). Why does store sound differ from home? You might feel cheated. Placement is key.
Finding the sweet spot is crucial. Sound interacts with the listening space. After consulting Love HIFI engineers, I used the Axis-Inside method for my space: Listener at center axis, speakers at 45 degrees, 3 meters apart, for optimal soundstage.
Sound directivity is vital. Improper placement disperses sound, lacking focus. Correct placement ensures the "sweet spot" (listening position) receives optimal sound.
3. Source: Listening Experience Upgraded Again.
Some think good speakers suffice; source is irrelevant (PC, phone). Foolish! Like cooking with stale ingredients; result is poor. Comparing lossless players and CD players, lossless players offer more playability, accessing more music. CD buying is cumbersome. This player paired with Tianxian UE enhanced vocal delicacy and richness. Ordinary players lose details.
4. Amplifier: Tube Preamp + Solid-State Power, More Realistic Texture.
Each speaker has its character; choosing a matching amp is vital. Synergy creates 1+1>2. I listen mostly to vocals with Tianxian UE, so I chose the TANKE M5 Tube Pre + Solid-State Power amp, combining tube/transistor strengths: high fidelity, good resolution, powerful rich bass, excellent transients. Paired with Tianxian UE, music texture feels very real. Choice depends on preference.
Review: Balanced Frequencies, Detailed Nuances.
Testing the configured Tianxian UE sound!
First track: "High Mountains Flowing Water" (classic test track). Notes from low to high register were round, sweet, "juicy," with palpable air columns. Subtle finger plucks and breath sounds felt real – a testament to the dual-ring tweeter. Each note was like a candle in darkness, moon in clear sky, morning dew, dusk glow – deeply relaxing. String instruments' gentleness and delicate texture were superb. Tianxian UE revealed its highly transparent yet beautiful character.
Next: "Yesterday Once More." High midrange resolution, fast decay. The female voice was gentle yet expansive. Soft strings laid the foundation, with instruments flying from different positions, creating vivid stereo imaging. More beautiful was the overall spaciousness. The voice extended smoothly into low notes, perfectly showcasing Tianxian UE's frequency response. I experienced seamless high/mid/low integration, more complete than before. Previously slightly rigid highs gained softness; midrange vocals combined width and clarity, revealing unique timbres; highs remained Tianxian UE's strength, with wide dynamics and high resolution for lows.
Conclusion: A good speaker system should have low entry cost, high upgrade potential, and strong playability. The Tianxian UE + TANKE M5 + Qianlongsheng QA360 set from Love HIFI Audio, after meticulous tweaking, sounds excellent, fitting my listening habits. A common female saying: "No ugly women, only lazy women." This applies to playing with speakers: Dedication to details ensures great sound!