Some Free Tweeks that will improve your audio system's sound

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
  • Want to improve your system, but don't want to spend anything? he are some ideas

ความคิดเห็น • 116

  • @Coneman3
    @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Let’s all just appreciate Phil’s natural and funny delivery. It’s like having him round your house for help/ a chat. Seems a lovely chap.

  • @SimonLloydGuitar
    @SimonLloydGuitar 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Best £2k upgrade I did was toe in the spealers and drawer the curtains.

  • @patthewoodboy
    @patthewoodboy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    tightening the speaker bolts is just compressing the wood after the initial fitting. Removing all connectors and putting them back , undoing the mains plugs , put a new fuse in is the same as buying a expensive mains lead ... you are a top man for revealing the BS

  • @4leggedfurball
    @4leggedfurball ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Monitor Audio have their main drivers bolted right through to the rear of the cabinet I believe. So you tighten the bolt at the back.

  • @paultereo
    @paultereo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Absolute gems of helpful advice , without going into your deep pockets !

  • @jonpalin3551
    @jonpalin3551 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Top advice! One word of warning, I’ve been tightening up drivers for years. The magnet from the tweeter of a pair of Acoustic Zen Adagio’s was so powerful, it literally pulled the Allen key from my fingers at least 2-3cm away - damaged the thin ribbon tweeter 😢 - had to remove and send both tweeters back to USA for repair - use extreme caution around tweeters

  • @scurfie2343
    @scurfie2343 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I laughed until I tried tightning my speaker, which are from the 80's, and wow they were loose! Thank you!

  • @ralphalder14
    @ralphalder14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for this. I have just gone round and nipped up the screws holding in the drivers on my speakers (KEF iQ7’s). It was amazing how loose they were!

  • @Coneman3
    @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video. Never thought of tightening screws. I have 2 suggestions which I’ve tried.
    1. Put pipe insulation round speaker cables. For 2 reasons - absorb and isolate from vibrations plus it keeps their distance from any power cables and/or interconnects.
    2. Only done this on 2 plugs so far. Put a thin piece of rubber sheet in between plug and socket, obvs cutting holes for the 2 plugs to go through. Primarily it’s to absorb and reduce transmission of vibrations. Puritan Audio Ultimate power cables are floppy for this same reason. The rubber must be quite thin so plug is still making good contact in the socket.

  • @adrianbeck1654
    @adrianbeck1654 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Also move bass drivers on older speakers 180 degrees as gravity has been acting on the suspension all those years

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like a good idea if wiring allows it.

    • @jankafka7330
      @jankafka7330 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I tried that but then I couldn't get the speaker grills back on and the bass and mids were all muddy.

    • @russellparker4568
      @russellparker4568 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They might be stuck in too if they are royds or regas

    • @justinparkman3585
      @justinparkman3585 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wouldn't that be the weight of the magnet

  • @cliveangel5729
    @cliveangel5729 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Removing the plug in and out of the socket several times always helps also none switched sockets,
    I know this as I’m an Electrician and when I do Earth loop test I can improve the readings

  • @robertwang7825
    @robertwang7825 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you have a large TV on the front wall , move it higher by 25-30cm , you will be amazed with the improvement in imaging, depth and soundstage.

  • @318ishonk
    @318ishonk ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For those renting holiday properties from time to time I also recommend to bring your hifi system and try it out in different buildings and rooms. The variations in sound quality are astounding.
    For me it was a Scottish cottage that showed me that I first need to change something about my listening room and speaker positioning before continuing to buy more expensive / better gear.

    • @SimonLloydGuitar
      @SimonLloydGuitar 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Sounds good but my speakers weight almost 89kg each.

    • @318ishonk
      @318ishonk 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SimonLloydGuitar Yeah well you'd take your travel speakers with you of course. I can't move my main speakers either; I'd have to get a van...

  • @sexytasmin
    @sexytasmin ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks Philip great tweekery video. I knew the tip about tightening up the drivers.

  • @mrcoolsun3142
    @mrcoolsun3142 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The problem with tightening screws/nuts etc is that one person's loose is another's tight and vice versa - it is very easy to over tighten. Ambient temperature also plays a part as does the original designer's intentions!

    • @sheerenergy8602
      @sheerenergy8602 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I'm tighten my speakers heavly and it's ok. Only problems are in plywoood.

  • @symonbuck3911
    @symonbuck3911 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tweaked the bolts on all my speakers (main and office). Couldn't believe how loose they were and how much the sound improved!

    • @nakedeye68
      @nakedeye68 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Bet the sound didn't change one iota. 😊

  • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt
    @carlosoliveira-rc2xt ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Using a rubber o-ring as a washer on the woofer screws keeps them from loosening. B&W did this to their Matrix 800 speakers for that very reason.

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good idea, was thinking same. Could also help absorb vibrations.

    • @brucermarino
      @brucermarino ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I believe they also did this as a vibration reduction technique. Thanks for the great tips!

  • @shaunroberts9285
    @shaunroberts9285 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good advice! Keep up the great reviews 👍

  • @leegodwin2071
    @leegodwin2071 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video Phil Thanks so many brilliant tweek that others miss out, tightening up drivers and cleaning up plugs are brilliant tips that hifi folk used to do but the trend has stopped over time.
    Time for a hifi deep clean.

  • @Coneman3
    @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just being blown away by latest tweek. Marigo Labs Aida Mat. It goes on top of CD and absorbs vibrations. I can’t believe the difference. I’m hearing things previously hidden. It’s like I’m hearing CDs for the first time! The mat is not cheap at £199 but so worth it! Without this mat, you won’t know what’s on your CDs.
    Note I’ve got 7 mods to CD playback before I even get to my DAC. My system is about £30k+ replacement value.

  • @stephendixon8575
    @stephendixon8575 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent video (again - personally I like the off the cuff low Fi production style). ‘Free’ tweaks are even better. On the subject of layout of cabling, I think the idea of cables crossing at right angles (if they have to at all) is more to do with physics principles of induction (left hand and right hand rules) than minimising the area where the cables meet. It’s also puzzled me why amplifier manufacturers don’t give more thought to the positioning of power sockets to make the best cable layout easier, especially on high end equipment or better still on monoblock amplifiers. I’ve looked at many pairs of monoblock amps and wondered why they couldn’t just make the power socket position layouts on each amp symmetrical to one another, so you can have a left and a right hand monoblock with the power cable positioned as far out the way as possible, but I’ve yet to find a manufacturer who does this. It occurred to me you could theoretically sit the monoblocks on their side, to keep the power socket near the floor for example and out the way, but given the weight of the transformers etc and then questions on how best to minimise vibrations (if the feet are no longer in use) just defeat the whole concept! Yes … I’ve clearly got too much time on my hands and am over thinking this 🤯

  • @PaulDoldenDetails
    @PaulDoldenDetails 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve got some 1988 Tannoy M20s there immaculate but the screws had definitely never been touched so I tightened them up I noticed a difference straight away 👍🏻

  • @TriAmpHiFi
    @TriAmpHiFi ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good suggestions. 😁

  • @chevyimp5857
    @chevyimp5857 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Quality hifi waffle.. enjoyed this thanks

  • @paulcs2607
    @paulcs2607 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cable dressing is a basic for all electronic applications to stop electromagnetic interference. If you can’t separate power from signal cables, then yes, cross at 90°, but that is not because of the contact area it’s because the electromagnetic fields can’t interact when they are not parallel.

  • @mister_bojangles
    @mister_bojangles ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thightening the midrange driver screws is a good tip; percussion sounds a lot more three-dimensional afer doing this. Beware that some manufacturers are using Torx screws now. I recommend the Park Tool TWS-2 for dealing with these as it offers drivers for nine different sizes of screw all housed in a single moulded holder.

  • @charles7170
    @charles7170 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A glass fibre pencil is probably better for cleaning contacts, fuses etc. It's not as abrasive as sandpaper.

  • @jsmorton674
    @jsmorton674 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent tips. Thanks so much for doing this. Deeply appreciated!

  • @MrSHABBATRONIC
    @MrSHABBATRONIC ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Many thanks food for thought!

  • @mgsee
    @mgsee ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Regarding re-tightening screws - I also do the same with my headphones, both the screws holding the ear cups together and also the screws in the headband assembly. The results are much the same as with speakers.

  • @andrewbrazier9664
    @andrewbrazier9664 ปีที่แล้ว

    Our narrow & low ceiling dining area has a remarkable positive effect on my budget hi Fi & speakers 🔉 🙂

  • @dell177
    @dell177 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Good video, it pays to go over your setup every 6 months or so because as we all know cables left on their own will soon form a Gordian knot and nothing good can come of that..

  • @tonyjedioftheforest1364
    @tonyjedioftheforest1364 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good tips thank you

  • @billywindsock9597
    @billywindsock9597 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tightened the drivers on my PMC’s. They have been running since new, two years, so had about a full turn on each bolt. Had a small win!

    • @paulgingell973
      @paulgingell973 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did my 25-24 last week four years old all went up quarter of a turn

  • @jefffan171
    @jefffan171 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    18:19 not free and not sure if it makes a difference but I tried this. I popped into a B&Q (UK hardware store) and think I paid £1.89 (or something ridiculous) for 2m of pipe insolation to help separate the cables that I couldn't prevent crossover

  • @hermanmunster3358
    @hermanmunster3358 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The monitor audio speakers usually have a single bolt into the back of the magnet don't they, so you tighten those from behind. At least the Bronze 200's and BX5's do that I have.

    • @jazzman1626
      @jazzman1626 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes. My BX6s have.

    • @brucermarino
      @brucermarino ปีที่แล้ว

      That bolt may be used for tuning and so tightening may not be the best option.

    • @hermanmunster3358
      @hermanmunster3358 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@brucermarino It is actually advised to do so in the manual, as the speaker drivers on most Monitor Audio speakers are not bolted to the front baffle. They are designed that way to minimise resonance, apparently.

  • @bjarnesolhaug6698
    @bjarnesolhaug6698 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great input! Thank you

  • @Markymarkvinylnut
    @Markymarkvinylnut ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Phil

  • @warrengday
    @warrengday ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've got power cables down one rack back leg and signal cables down the other back leg.

    • @hermanmunster3358
      @hermanmunster3358 ปีที่แล้ว

      What if you only have a stand with three legs, 2 up front and 1 at the rear?

  • @jameskolar9655
    @jameskolar9655 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your vids are good quality. More than good enough for me (a technical Buffon!) to understand everything that you’re telling me and to enjoy the vid. All done on your phone too? Well done Phil. I have a Go pro 10. Bought it as it was cheap at the time and to mount on my bike. Have you made a vid with a go pro? I’m a vinyl lover, with no turntable ha ha! I’m going to buy one, but I feel there’s so much choice that I’m procrastinating too much. I’m fancying a Rega Planar and considering the P6, but I’m told I should buy cheaper for a first record player. What do you think? Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me, I really do appreciate it.

  • @Tink-GB
    @Tink-GB ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice..but god..the waffle man..!

  • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt
    @carlosoliveira-rc2xt ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Actually Blu-Tack has been shown to be an effective anti-vibration tweak, better than spikes or many isolation pads. I would recommend slightly more than you have recommended but agree that one can use too much.

    • @hermanmunster3358
      @hermanmunster3358 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I've used blutac in the past for standmounters. To stop them sliding off the stands more than anything. But it does also make a good isolator.

    • @fuckinellitsraymo
      @fuckinellitsraymo ปีที่แล้ว

      It couples the speakers not isolates them.

    • @hermanmunster3358
      @hermanmunster3358 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@fuckinellitsraymo Well it has worked for me in the past, when using stand mounters.

    • @fuckinellitsraymo
      @fuckinellitsraymo ปีที่แล้ว

      @@hermanmunster3358 It's good for keeping your speakers attached to stands but it still couples them to the stand. If you need to de-couple then it should be done at the base of the stand. You only need to isolate once.

    • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt
      @carlosoliveira-rc2xt ปีที่แล้ว

      @@fuckinellitsraymo It does both. As I said, it was shown, which means actually tested.

  • @gotham61
    @gotham61 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The things on the bottom of the speaker that you screw the spikes into are called T nuts.

    • @TriAmpHiFi
      @TriAmpHiFi ปีที่แล้ว

      Swing & a miss friend.................
      T-nuts require a hole drilled all the way through the material, which clearly isn't the case here.
      Tapping Inserts for wood were implemented here, as evidenced by the materials top side being unblemished.
      Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

    • @gotham61
      @gotham61 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TriAmpHiFi There are friendly ways to suggest a correction, and douchey ways to do it. With your snarky "swing and a miss" quip, you chose the second approach.
      I have found that just being pleasant and helpful will get you further in life.

    • @TriAmpHiFi
      @TriAmpHiFi ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gotham61 You must be inconsolable at a baseball game.

    • @TriAmpHiFi
      @TriAmpHiFi ปีที่แล้ว

      And by the way.......... that's Strike 3, you're outta there!

  • @lisar3944
    @lisar3944 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I didn't have blutac on hand so I tried a couple of strips of anti-slip material usually laid under rugs. Works well, even with a cat jumping up on my speakers regularly (I know, I know - but have you ever tried to reason with a cat?)
    Overall this is full of fab advice - thank you!

  • @jefffan171
    @jefffan171 ปีที่แล้ว

    3:29 I agree and if anyone is curious as to why I do the same and support this approach of adjustment. It's the same way that drummers would use to tune their percussion instruments for even tension across the head or skin (depending or said instruments).

  • @arthurwatts1680
    @arthurwatts1680 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tweaks. You people invented the language ;)

  • @mauricewatton9130
    @mauricewatton9130 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I tend to use a small amount of Brasso to clean contacts.

  • @shaunprice3219
    @shaunprice3219 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Upgraded from Musical Fidelity M2si to Rega Elex-r ex demo but what a difference it’s night and day better. Only thing now got thinking how would be with P3 compared to my P1 think itch will need scratched sooner or later 😊

    • @ginomoujik8488
      @ginomoujik8488 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was considering M2si.. could you describe where it falls short, thanks!

    • @shaunprice3219
      @shaunprice3219 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ginomoujik8488 Hi
      It’s not a bad amplifier at times certainly made me smile and get foot tapping.
      However playing certain bass heavy music it tended to be very light so uncontrolled slightly distorted at times even at low volumes.
      You’d then play more complex music and would sound fantastic.
      I tried adding a subwoofer to it but to my ears sounded worse.
      So bit the bullet and bought a amplifier that was over a thousand pounds and because it has been replaced by the Mk4 I got at a superb discount and now very happy.

    • @ginomoujik8488
      @ginomoujik8488 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@shaunprice3219 thanks! a taut bass is never to say no to. I had Elex in mind, but then I got Classic Audio Spartan 5 phono stage, so I wanted something that I can use all of.. dreaming of Aethos :)
      I demoed P1-3 with Rega Io and I would say that the jump from P1 to P2 is at least as much as from P2 with carbon to P3 with Elys. Do consider P2 if you can't stretch to P3.. although now it's a high time to get P3 50th anniversary..

    • @shaunprice3219
      @shaunprice3219 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ginomoujik8488Hi P1 has a Eyls 2 cartridge and does sound great. But really want the P3 and if could push the budget P6.

  • @chuckmaddison2924
    @chuckmaddison2924 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A tweek that is not talked about much, if ever, is turn the air-conditioner on a couple of hours before listening. It helps if house is well insulated.
    What the heck does it do ?
    It cools the air and increases its density. Proof , have you wondered why it sounds better late at nite .

  • @bryanjennings7821
    @bryanjennings7821 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ma bolt to the back.

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you have 40 tweeks that average 5% improvement each; that equals triple the sound quality. Equipment in Stereophile magazines Class A+ is not even double the sound quality of the equipment in their highest class category. Which means more difference tweeking than spending tens of thousands of dollars (or more) on equipment. There will be an occasional performance category you won't equal though.

  • @twochaudiomg2578
    @twochaudiomg2578 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    must of read some old 25 y.o audio book
    #1 Nueter meter Torque screwdriver all screws need to be the same.
    So your Cuntry has a fuse in the power cable
    The cheap one you showed ? you have the electricity hitting that fuse
    Then the fuse at the ICU. that's crazy
    Free advice is real expensive

  • @hoobsgroove
    @hoobsgroove ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Acetone is best for cleaning contacts and if it's really bad use it with a green pop cleanser. Audio great fuses stupid lol

  • @gaborozorai3714
    @gaborozorai3714 ปีที่แล้ว

    A "tweek" is an improvement that you can download from Twitter? ;)

  • @andrefortune8278
    @andrefortune8278 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Please don't sand your fuse there cheap enough buy a next one 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
    Get some contact cleaner or similar same with all interconnects
    Deoxit wipes work 👌🏾👌🏾

  • @brewt1mer
    @brewt1mer ปีที่แล้ว

    I did the tightening tweak on my dynaudio special forty speakers and it ruined the wide soundstage so I slackened them off again..

  • @ginomoujik8488
    @ginomoujik8488 ปีที่แล้ว

    14:07 The middle pin is earth.. I don't think it would make any difference to clean it for the operational current.. :)

  • @peterdavidthompson4876
    @peterdavidthompson4876 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I use wire wool to clean plugs and contact cleaner for everything else. P.s the fuse will sound better one way round just try and see witch way round sounds the best!.

    • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt
      @carlosoliveira-rc2xt ปีที่แล้ว

      Which😉

    • @peterdavidthompson4876
      @peterdavidthompson4876 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@carlosoliveira-rc2xt just very fine wire wool and kontact hifi cleaner it's £20 for a small bottle very very good 👍👍

    • @johnholmes912
      @johnholmes912 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's AC stupid

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 ปีที่แล้ว

    I meant equipment in Stereophile Class A+ is not double the sound quality of equipment in Class C. More improvement that that can be had tweeking, if you figure out enough tweeks.

  • @bjarnesolhaug6698
    @bjarnesolhaug6698 ปีที่แล้ว

    May I just ask you a quick question: To improve the sound, do I upgrade my Douk Audio U3 headphone amp or my Sennheiser HD 560S headphones. I have a Rotel A11tribute integr amp and a Rotell A11 tribute CD player. Thanks for your guidance

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว

      He doesn’t read comments.

    • @bjarnesolhaug6698
      @bjarnesolhaug6698 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Coneman3 I didn’t know that. Thanks.

    • @bjarnesolhaug6698
      @bjarnesolhaug6698 ปีที่แล้ว

      on a second thought, strange - as he doesn’t get much comments

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 ปีที่แล้ว

      He’s a lovely guy. He said he avoids reading/replying to comments as it can easily get hostile.

    • @bjarnesolhaug6698
      @bjarnesolhaug6698 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Coneman3 really sorry to hear that. Best wishes.

  • @joemartin6439
    @joemartin6439 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    All my plug are silver

  • @andrewlittleboy8532
    @andrewlittleboy8532 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brasso is much better. Sand paper is a it rough.

    • @milesdufourny4813
      @milesdufourny4813 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I use Brasso on the bare copper prongs of my power cables, then wipe them down with DeOxIt.

  • @patthewoodboy
    @patthewoodboy ปีที่แล้ว

    what grade of sand paper gives the best result 🙂

    • @UK_Lemons
      @UK_Lemons ปีที่แล้ว

      Audio grade sand paper of course. 😮

  • @aprobin1
    @aprobin1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Did you make note of the fuse direction?

    • @mgsee
      @mgsee ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I don't know if you are being serious, but I find that fuses - like cables - are directional. The difference might not be as noticeable with a speaker system, but is very apparent with a headphone setup where there is less acoustic room interference affecting the sound.

    • @hermanmunster3358
      @hermanmunster3358 ปีที่แล้ว

      There's a thought 🤔

    • @johnholmes912
      @johnholmes912 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      IT IS AC direction does not matter

    • @mgsee
      @mgsee ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@johnholmes912 Common sense suggests this would be the case, but you know what they say about common-sense... I trust my ears first, that way I don't waste money buying improvements when paying attention to tweaks such as this maximise the potential of what I already own.

  • @gr328
    @gr328 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loctite thread compound on speaker screws anyone?

    • @markcarrington8565
      @markcarrington8565 ปีที่แล้ว

      The screws are not backing off over time. They’re screwed into MDF, in most cases, and the tension causes the MDF to ‘give’ a little. By tightening them, you compensate for the settling of the screw. Hence, Loctite wouldn’t fix the issue.

    • @paulcs2607
      @paulcs2607 ปีที่แล้ว

      Loctite is only for metal to metal.

    • @gr328
      @gr328 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@paulcs2607 Yes, I was thinking when you have threaded inserts and bolts on the drivers

  • @mikemcguinness1304
    @mikemcguinness1304 ปีที่แล้ว

    What happened to the best of videos ...and others you were going to do ?

  • @nakedeye68
    @nakedeye68 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    £200 on a fuse!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂