My Setup

[EddNog]

Not sure if I ever posted my setup here; at this point, since I’ve basically end-gamed, figured this is as good a time as any to finally post my setup.

WiiM Ultra playing Qobuz as well as my local library on attached USB storage.
DSPeaker Anti-Mode X2D for bass management and also room correction
Topping D90 III Discrete DAC to convert the digital out from the DSP to my speakers
Topping B200 monoblocs to drive my pair of
KEF LS50 Meta standmounts
SVS 3000-Micro subwoofer

I have the subwoofer placed dead center and then crossed over with the speakers at 110Hz and volume-set in such a manner to create a, “natural Harman curve,” without having to rely in any way on tone control to do so.





Did the best I possible could with speaker placement and subwoofer phase adjustment to minimize the nulls (image is just for response representation—I am not actively using the WiiM’s EQ/RC):


-Ed

 

[Vignus]

Similar set up to yours, in terms of: 1) KEF LS50 meta (I have used Sonus Faber Lumina II for 2 years, but just got the Metas and not looking back); 2) DSPeaker X2 (the most consistent device in my set up - unbeatable for room correction at the price point). My amp is a Yamaha A-701 - excellent IMO. I also have a Fiio R2R DAC which I use occasionally.

Streamer: I've had many, and I currently use the Ultra and a Cambridge Audio mxn10 (why don't they use easier names, such as Henry or Bill, I don't understand). I often switch between the two's trying to make up my mind on which one I prefer - Ultra has a better app and a superb search function, Cambridge a better DAC and overall sound, and plays DSD's. Ultra RC is to me a big let down, it never sounded right. Maybe with time they will improve it, but it hasn't happened yet.

 

[Ronnie D]

Ultra RC is to me a big let down, it never sounded right

I had the same issue, but I put it down to the fact that I just don't know what I am doing. However I joined the beta test for seperate rc and eq. This made a huge difference and sounds great. There is a big difference now when I switch off the rc. It might be worth a try.

 

[EddNog]

I had the same issue, but I put it down to the fact that I just don't know what I am doing. However I joined the beta test for seperate rc and eq. This made a huge difference and sounds great. There is a big difference now when I switch off the rc. It might be worth a try.

I constantly compare the latest WiiM RC to the Anti-Mode X2D any time there is an improvement from WiiM. Still has yet to measure up against DSPeaker, unfortunately.

-Ed

 

[RyanWithWiiM]

Looks great! I also have the KEF LS50 Metas, but in white being powered by a WiiM Amp Ultra

 

[Valentino]

If I was to downgrade my system (alas, no more Mahler outbursts at realistic levels) the LS 50 Meta is on my very short list for main speakers in a WiiM controlled setup.

 

[EddNog]

If I was to downgrade my system (alas, no more Mahler outbursts at realistic levels) the LS 50 Meta is on my very short list for main speakers in a WiiM controlled setup.

What speakers are you using now?

-Ed

 

[Emiyanez]

Really nice setup!

Currently, I own a pair of ELAC UF52 floorstanders which are the cheapest three way coaxials I could find. I think they are extremely good especially for the price (you can find them for less than 500 a pair in Amazon in Europe). They have not been measured but the smaller sibling, the UB52, measured extremely well but got one of the worst reviews I have seen in ASR due to the resonances in the unit tested. I run them with an Ultra connected to a Rotel RB-1572, which is a classic class-D design based on an ICEPower that can delivery plenty of juice. I also think this is my end-game system (for a while ).

That being said, coaxial means KEF and I was always tempted to jump to the LS50. However, I have the feeling that I will lose a lot in the mid-low department compared to the ELACs, even with a sub. I am currently running the floorstanders full range with an SVS SB-1000 also taking duties below 60Hz. This setup gives the closest measurements to Harman without the need of EQ. If I set the crossover higher and do not send full range to the speakers, I do not like how the bass sounds so I think that I will not be happy with the LS50.

I have to say that I am not a critical listener but I rather enjoy casual listening while doing other things so it could well be that the LS50 are not for me after all. KEF R5 could be a reasonable alternative but it would be a quite serious investment.

Happy to read that you really enjoy you system!

 

[Vignus]

I constantly compare the latest WiiM RC to the Anti-Mode X2D any time there is an improvement from WiiM. Still has yet to measure up against DSPeaker, unfortunately.

-Ed

Same here, and same conclusions, unfortunately

 

[EddNog]

And now I’ve gone and moved the sub behind the rack, up against the wall. Grey curve was before, green curve is after.



The tilt is Harman curve. I believe I’ve maxed out placement!

Here are the scan results with WiiM (again, I disabled the WiiM RC after taking these graphs):




-Ed

 

[Valentino]

What speakers are you using now?

-Ed

Bespoke stuff. Developed with a friend in 2009, refined ever since. I made a presentation.

 

[jed1]

@EddNog My set up with WiiM Pro Plus has two active subwoofers that provide highpass filtered line output to main active speakers. How do I adopt Antimode X2 in my setup? I use SMSL DO100 Pro to bridge between WiiM Pro Plus and two active subwoofers - see my signature. Please advise.

Thanks!

 

[EddNog]

@EddNog My set up with WiiM Pro Plus has two active subwoofers that provide highpass filtered line output to main active speakers. How do I adopt Antimode X2 in my setup? I use SMSL DO100 Pro to bridge between WiiM Pro Plus and two active subwoofers - see my signature. Please advise.

Thanks!

So you can either put an Anti-Mode X2D between the WiiM Pro Plus and the DO100 Pro (probably the better setup) or you can put an Anti-Mode X2 in place of the DO100. I think the DO100 is the better DAC compared to Anti-Mode X2, so better of with Anti-Mode X2D and then using the DO100 for DAC.

Your setup with each subwoofer performing full crossover duty and high-pass filtering the signal to the same channel speaker is ideal since it allows you to run stereo subs (full 2.2 setup, not just 2.1). The Anti-Mode X2 and X2D cannot normally support stereo subwoofers, hence is limited to 2.1. The Anti-Mode X4 supports stereo subwoofers, but that model is insanely expensive.

Alternatively, the MiniDSP Flex can support a full 2.2 setup, but you’ll have to be willing to learn how to perform the room correction using REW, which is more flexible but not as simple to use as the Anti-Mode (which is push-one-button-and-done). I don’t know if the optional DIRAC license in the MiniDSP supports a full 2.2 configuration; if not, then it is also limited to 2.1 just like Anti-Mode X2/X2D.

-Ed

 

[Heat11]

im just glad your RC assessments look like mine. it looked like tachycardia or something

 

[EddNog]

Continuing to make adjustments to placement and was able to further even out overall response.





I think I’ve really done it this time!

-Ed

 

[EddNog]

Played around with various phase and polarity settings in the SVS DSP and finally settled on this response (measured in HouseCurve with UMIK-1):


I’m happy with this. Don’t think I can improve without getting a second sub to deal with that null.

-Ed

 

[canard]

Played around with various phase and polarity settings in the SVS DSP and finally settled on this response (measured in HouseCurve with UMIK-1):
View attachment 21761

I’m happy with this. Don’t think I can improve without getting a second sub to deal with that null.

-Ed

The cancellation will probably not be manageable with a second sub ;-)

 

[EddNog]

The cancellation will probably not be manageable with a second sub ;-)

This seems to go against conventional wisdom that the second sub, by placing it differently in the room from the first sub, will allow that null from the first sub to be filled at the main listening position. This is the primary reason for recommendations of multiple subs.

-Ed

 

[canard]

not here
;-)

 

[FedotovKA]

Played around with various phase and polarity settings in the SVS DSP and finally settled on this response (measured in HouseCurve with UMIK-1):
View attachment 21761

I’m happy with this. Don’t think I can improve without getting a second sub to deal with that null.

-Ed

Hi Ed!

Move the main system 30 cm away from the wall, and everything will be fine. The dip will shift to 90 Hz, and the subwoofer will cover it up there.