How to Boost Mid-Range in my Set-up?

[Saket]

Hello Friends,

Last few days when I was suffering from this viral fever, I had nothing much to do at home except lying on my bed and listening to some music through my Sennheiser ear phones through my laptop, while doing some work. Most such tracks were Flacs, though some MP3 too.

I have noticed that during the last few days, I have developed a liking for neutral sounding music. I kept most EQs flat, with highs rolled off, very subtle lows or bass. I liked to tweak the equalizer which boosted the mid-frequencies, mostly around 250-500 Hz range.

When I recovered, and went back to spin some vinyl last evening, I missed mid frequencies against what was I hearing in the last few days. Although, everything was normal with some listening, but would like to boost some mid-frequencies in my set-up. Currently my system is capable of stomach punching bass and good highs. And my cartridge is Shure M44-7.

Do you guys suggest me to rope in my older philips record player-832 boxes which have full range speakers? Or I need a separate equaliser?

Regards,
Saket

 

[reignofchaos]

Change your cartridge to an m97xe. Will make a world of difference.

 

[Saket]

Change your cartridge to an m97xe. Will make a world of difference.

That's an expensive option. However, I think you are spot on. Have been contemplating getting an M97Xe, probably once the USD cools off, I will get a better deal than now.

 

[reignofchaos]

The reason I say that is because in my limited listening of the m44 at a friend's place, I found it to be really bright with a lot of boomy bass. The m97 on the other hand is exactly the opposite - very smooth sounding at least for the price. It'll probably go a long way in improving your listening experience.

 

[souravin]

Change your cartridge to an m97xe. Will make a world of difference.

+1 to reignofchaos. Shure M 97Xe provides very neutral sound. There will be no listening fatigue at all.

 

[Saket]

So, apart from controlling the bass, will it also emphasize more on the vocals/ mid range?

 

[reubensm]

The M44-7 is a high output cart with bass emphasis. It is meant for DJing where mids are not a priority. Overall, the sound from the M44-7 is a little thin, with a bit of a roll off on the mids. However having said this, the mids on the M44-7 are not that bad either. What speakers are you using? Speakers also have their own sound signatures. Do you get mids that you enjoy when you use other sources?

 

[Hiten]

Saket,
If you want to have fun and experiment, try changing speaker wires. Take ordinary long parallel wires like these. The increased resistance will tame the low end and parallel wire's increased capacitance will tame the high end. Which I think is the same as boosting the mids. How much will depend on the wire.
regards

 

[Saket]

The M44-7 is a high output cart with bass emphasis. It is meant for DJing where mids are not a priority. Overall, the sound from the M44-7 is a little thin, with a bit of a roll off on the mids. However having said this, the mids on the M44-7 are not that bad either. What speakers are you using? Speakers also have their own sound signatures. Do you get mids that you enjoy when you use other sources?

Yes, Reuben. I think I need better speakers. The 2 floor standers have 2 woofers & one tweeter in each. So it makes it bass heavy already. The two bookshelves have one woofer & tweeter in each. Do you reckon that adding a pair of bookshelves (or replacing with the current ones) which have full range speakers will do any good?

Saket,
If you want to have fun and experiment, try changing speaker wires. Take ordinary long parallel wires like these. The increased resistance will tame the low end and parallel wire's increased capacitance will tame the high end. Which I think is the same as boosting the mids. How much will depend on the wire.
regards

That is very interesting point Hiten. However, I am already using similar wires. Though would like to point out that one conductor is in silver colour while the other strands colour is copper in that wire. Does it make a difference?

 

[deba]

If you want to seriously play with frequency then you have to get a 31 band EQ or at least a 15 band,changing hardware and room acoustic material to change frequency response is a cumbersome and pricey affair.

 

[Hiten]

Though would like to point out that one conductor is in silver colour while the other strands colour is copper in that wire. Does it make a difference?

I guess it does make a difference. The Silver colour you are mentioning is probably a mix of copper and some other metal. Try to change to see. Would be interesting.
Regards.

 

[Saket]

I guess it does make a difference. The Silver colour you are mentioning is probably a mix of copper and some other metal. Try to change to see. Would be interesting.
Regards.

I have some copper wires lying around. Will check them for the purpose.

 

[peace_sells]

That is very interesting point Hiten. However, I am already using similar wires. Though would like to point out that one conductor is in silver colour while the other strands colour is copper in that wire. Does it make a difference?

From what I'm aware..there are 3 kinds of wires: Silver, Copper and Silver-plated copper. I'm guessing your cables fall in the 3rd category right? Silver cables enhance the highs..not sure if it enhances the bass but definitely the highs. Coppers is known for the mids and bass. I'm guessing silver-plated copper should give you best of both worlds.

 

[sachu888]

Hi Saket,
A good quality Phonostage and speakers will definitely solve your problem.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[Saket]

From what I'm aware..there are 3 kinds of wires: Silver, Copper and Silver-plated copper. I'm guessing your cables fall in the 3rd category right? Silver cables enhance the highs..not sure if it enhances the bass but definitely the highs. Coppers is known for the mids and bass. I'm guessing silver-plated copper should give you best of both worlds.

Thanks for the information. Highs is not a problem in my set up anyway, hence going by your & Hiten's suggestion, I will change to a thick copper wire set up soon.

Hi Saket,
A good quality Phonostage and speakers will definitely solve your problem.

Regards,
Sachin

Hi Sachin,

I would swap the speakers will full range drivers that I have and check. If that works, well and good, else will try to invest in a separate phonostage after that.

Thanks,
Saket