Re: The final configuration of my stacked KEF 103 Reference Speakers
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:51 pm
Well this now needs an update as some large changes have now been made . First to answer antonio66 the bottom set of tweeters are disconnected as i do not think two tweeters is a great idea so they are at the bottom because they do not make any sound and to get the Bass units closer together.
Right this whole idea went west when I found that I could not use the Behringer very well and was never really confident that the settings I had put in were all correct. So instead saw a miniDSP 10 x 10 HD unit for sale used . More than I wanted to spend but I am familiar with the operational software of this company and that would make settings easier for me.
Well unit arrived and the huge job of removing all the current elements and installing the DDRC 22D and 10 x10 HD including the six sets of RCA connectors to the NVA 30P for left and right bass duties and the 2 x NVA20P amplifiers which handle the mid and treble for each side left and right . One suggestion I will make is either label each cable or put different colour tape on each one Bass / Mid / Treble and I used Red cable for Right Grey cable for Left which makes it much easier to set things up and be sure they are correct.
Turned it on showed I had a digital input and Dirac on the DDRC 22D , The 10 x 10 HD showed AES/EBU input all which is what it should be . Then tried some low level sound , nothing zilch complete silence . Frustrating first day spending hours trying to find what was preventing the sound from getting from one unit to the other . Gave up left everything as it was had a nice G&T and called it a day for work on this.
Came back today and still the same . A few tips and helps from the Wam and the miniDSP Forum but nothing really concrete as to what was the issue . Was advised of an additional plug in that would raise the 10 x 10 HD to accept and use 96Hz / 24 Bit instead of the standard 48hz / 24 Bit so installed this . Did a complete dismantle and slowly and carfully installed each unit back in place and checked every connection . Logged in to the two miniDSP units and did full factory resets and again updated the firmware to the latest . Finally set the crossover settings again for each channel and check the input settings and the output routings . All checked out so make sure the volume is low and turn everything back on . Joy music Radio Paradise is playing at a low level . As all things are set to flat the sound is nice but not that impressive . What is good though is that all six drivers are playing at there filter set frequencies so we have a real three way active.
next is to run a DIRAC Session done so many of these most of the things are just automatic around twenty minutes latter i looking at the suggested filter and adjusting things to how i want to have them and prefer them to sound . Slot the filter in to the DDRC in Slot 1 and set is now complete .
Finally i get to the good bit and listen to some music . What can I say other than I am grinning like a Cheshire Cat , I had though the 2 1/2 way active I had before was good and a huge improvement on the passive 103's . I was not expecting what happened now with the three way active . Music is just better more real and even the imaging (not a strength of sealed baffle speakers used close to a back wall) has grown and spread out in to the room and away from the speakers . Then there is the instrument separation which is a whole world away from what it was. Bass is now deeper and more textured , you now get to know what is being played and how it is being played from gentle strum , plucking or full on Funk Bass slap . To say I am happy is just not selling this all the frustration and lows getting this to work not too mention the money spent has been validated for me as this just sounds ace .
I will hopefully have this full new style system up and working and available for any visitors to hear at the Wam show in September by which time things might be more normal than they are now . If you decide to visit please find me and come and have a listen . If you can bring your own music (Flash Drive USB only sorry no CD this time) have achat and I will play whatever you like . Then be honest and tell me if this sounds as good as I think it does or if I am just deluding myself and it sounds pants . Do not worry I have enough confidence in how I hear things to accept it will not be to everyone's taste but it suits me and my music and I at this moment listening to Angel Eyes by Roxy could not be happier .
Right this whole idea went west when I found that I could not use the Behringer very well and was never really confident that the settings I had put in were all correct. So instead saw a miniDSP 10 x 10 HD unit for sale used . More than I wanted to spend but I am familiar with the operational software of this company and that would make settings easier for me.
Well unit arrived and the huge job of removing all the current elements and installing the DDRC 22D and 10 x10 HD including the six sets of RCA connectors to the NVA 30P for left and right bass duties and the 2 x NVA20P amplifiers which handle the mid and treble for each side left and right . One suggestion I will make is either label each cable or put different colour tape on each one Bass / Mid / Treble and I used Red cable for Right Grey cable for Left which makes it much easier to set things up and be sure they are correct.
Turned it on showed I had a digital input and Dirac on the DDRC 22D , The 10 x 10 HD showed AES/EBU input all which is what it should be . Then tried some low level sound , nothing zilch complete silence . Frustrating first day spending hours trying to find what was preventing the sound from getting from one unit to the other . Gave up left everything as it was had a nice G&T and called it a day for work on this.
Came back today and still the same . A few tips and helps from the Wam and the miniDSP Forum but nothing really concrete as to what was the issue . Was advised of an additional plug in that would raise the 10 x 10 HD to accept and use 96Hz / 24 Bit instead of the standard 48hz / 24 Bit so installed this . Did a complete dismantle and slowly and carfully installed each unit back in place and checked every connection . Logged in to the two miniDSP units and did full factory resets and again updated the firmware to the latest . Finally set the crossover settings again for each channel and check the input settings and the output routings . All checked out so make sure the volume is low and turn everything back on . Joy music Radio Paradise is playing at a low level . As all things are set to flat the sound is nice but not that impressive . What is good though is that all six drivers are playing at there filter set frequencies so we have a real three way active.
next is to run a DIRAC Session done so many of these most of the things are just automatic around twenty minutes latter i looking at the suggested filter and adjusting things to how i want to have them and prefer them to sound . Slot the filter in to the DDRC in Slot 1 and set is now complete .
Finally i get to the good bit and listen to some music . What can I say other than I am grinning like a Cheshire Cat , I had though the 2 1/2 way active I had before was good and a huge improvement on the passive 103's . I was not expecting what happened now with the three way active . Music is just better more real and even the imaging (not a strength of sealed baffle speakers used close to a back wall) has grown and spread out in to the room and away from the speakers . Then there is the instrument separation which is a whole world away from what it was. Bass is now deeper and more textured , you now get to know what is being played and how it is being played from gentle strum , plucking or full on Funk Bass slap . To say I am happy is just not selling this all the frustration and lows getting this to work not too mention the money spent has been validated for me as this just sounds ace .
I will hopefully have this full new style system up and working and available for any visitors to hear at the Wam show in September by which time things might be more normal than they are now . If you decide to visit please find me and come and have a listen . If you can bring your own music (Flash Drive USB only sorry no CD this time) have achat and I will play whatever you like . Then be honest and tell me if this sounds as good as I think it does or if I am just deluding myself and it sounds pants . Do not worry I have enough confidence in how I hear things to accept it will not be to everyone's taste but it suits me and my music and I at this moment listening to Angel Eyes by Roxy could not be happier .