An adventure in stereo

[SteveM3]

As I develop the stereo in my new R56 I have been recording the frequency response to help decide on my next move. I thought I would show them here for interest. This is also often called a spectrum analyser. Frequency response is one of the three main guides to the quality of music. One other is how clean the signal is but i don't have the tools to measure (inaudible) distortion. The third guide is how easy it is for the human brain (via the ear) to make out individual instruments and their position and how human the singing sounds. As far as I know there are no pieces of equipment to measure these. My equipment measures +12db to -15db, anything outside this range is not recorded. In all cases so far this means less than -15db. Below are the four most interesting, next I intend to add my beloved Genesis amplifier and then additional tweeters in the A-pillars. I'll wait for warmer weather for these stages.

[SteveM3]

Frequency Response R53, standard tweeters and rear 6x9s but Infinity Beta 5.25" front midbass.

An accident destroyed one original 5.25" OEM speaker while in my loft so this probably has slightly better bass than original. I was surprised how even the response was for OEM, the boost around 100Hz (where the y-axis crosses) is very common as that helps make the music sound more dynamic. The fall off at the higher frequencies seemed to be well judged. Overall a nice sound that would be enough for many people.

[SteveM3]

Frequency Response R56, standard speakers for October 2010 build with boost.

Better bass than the R53, especially to my ears, but not such an even response. Unfortunately the better bass limited the volume that could be played without boom. At medium volumes though this sounded good for an OEM setup and again many people will be happy with this.

[SteveM3]

Frequency Response R56 with front's upgraded to MBquart 4" co-axial and midbass speakers (3 speakers per door). Standard Rear speakers, standard wiring.

Seeing some improvements now. This setup could be played louder before boom and other vibrations interfered. Still has a patchy response in some areas.

[SteveM3]

Frequency Response R56 with upgraded MBQuart fronts, Genesis 6x9 rears, all driven through front speaker wiring.

Starting to get some better results now. Despite a more impressive frequency response I know these speakers sound a lot better when driven by the Genesis. Also note this setup uses the 6x9's to supplement the mid bass and bass of the fronts and these have no high frequency content. So this is only suitable to provide good sounds to the front two occupants. This is because I am selfish and when I have 3 or 4 in the car we talk too much for the stereo to be on.

[Boro Boy]

Very informative, SteveM3, thanks. It would be interesting to see the spectrum for the R56 with Harman Karmon. I specced this for my latest Mini, and I am very glad I did - I feel is an improvement on the previous R56 'Hi-Fi', and of course a big step up from the standard Boost.

Tone settings: I have Bass level at 0, Treble at +2.

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boro Boy (original)

Very informative, SteveM3, thanks. It would be interesting to see the spectrum for the R56 with Harman Karmon. I specced this for my latest Mini, and I am very glad I did - I feel is an improvement on the previous R56 'Hi-Fi', and of course a big step up from the standard Boost.

Tone settings: I have Bass level at 0, Treble at +2.

If I get the chance I'll measure a HK system and add it to this thread. Even before the latest upgrades I saw the HK speakers in the factory and they had the appearance of quaility.

[rumblestrip]

If anyone is thinking of analysing their own audio systems then SynRTA is freeware and you can get it here: New Page 1

I used it at home to help me balance my subwoofer with my main speakers.

It will work using the built-in microphone in your laptop - but, of course, the better the microphone then the more reliable the results would be. Hope this is of interest to you car audio fans.

Derek

[rumblestrip]

Soory not sure how this forum handles links quoted in a message - googling Syn RTA will get you there. Derek.

[rumblestrip]

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveM3 (original)

If I get the chance I'll measure a HK system and add it to this thread. Even before the latest upgrades I saw the HK speakers in the factory and they had the appearance of quaility.

Yes they have a quality sound too. I am glad I ordered the HK upgrade for my 2010 Cooper.

However, it is balanced to sound more like a good home Hi-Fi and doesn't resemble what most people aspire to in a car system. In my experience accuracy isn't what is wanted. It's sheer volume and an excess of bass that turns people on. I have a word for people who like this sort of sound. They are WOBUFs. It's the noise they make as they drive past... WOBUF... WOBUF... WOBUF.... WOBUF....

WOBUF stands for Windows Open, Bass Up Full ;-)

D.

[timp]

could the w-word perhaps rhyme with 'bankers'???

[rumblestrip]

Quote: Originally Posted by timp (original)

could the w-word perhaps rhyme with 'bankers'???

w..e..l..l.. I suppose it could?