Edifier R2000DB + some more

[meleager]

Hi all,

First of all, it's my first post here, so I apologize in advance if it's not in the right forum. Second, I feel only obligated to say I am a total noob about all things audio - both hardware and software - although I do torture a guitar or two from time to time.

I just recently bought Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, as I couldn't stretch my limited budget to reach a better offer. I should also point out that (believe it or not) I've never had a decent sound system in my life. So, anyway, those arrived and I hooked them to my PC:

Motherboard: B150M PRO GAMING
Audio: SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC*
- Supports Jack-detection and Front Panel MIC Jack-retasking
- High quality 115dB SNR stereo playback output.
Audio Features:
- SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology

At first, I got smashed by the power and the crystal clear sound that came out of them (note that I'm listening to a CD-quality radio online, but I also tested them playing some lossless files I have on my hard drive).

After listening for a little longer though, my years started to hurt, as I believe, from the mid and high frequencies. Also, I turned the bass to the maximum and still feel like I could use some more.

What do you think might be the problem (if any, other than just my ears), and is there a way to combine those speakers with another set, let's say 2.1, in order to make 5+1 configuration (for movies), via second optical port (after adding a second audio card to my PC I guess)? Is it at all possible to make two sets of speakers (2.0 and 2.1) play simultaneously (and on/off each one on demand)? Thanks.

 

[swechsler]

So many questions. OK, let me see if I can address them.

First, when you increase the bass, it can only boost the existing bass, it can't add what the speaker is incapable of producing. I think you'll need a subwoofer, to produce the lower bass. There's no reasonable way of getting lower bass out of these speakers.

Unfortunately, these don't have a subwoofer output (which seems like a strange omission in a modern amplified speaker, but anyway...). To add a sub, you'd need to use the analog output from your sound card to the low-level inputs of the subwoofer, then take the low level outputs from the sub and feed that to the input of the speakers. Of course, once you do that, you won't be able to use the volume knob on the speakers, you'd have to adjust the volume so it matches the output of the sub, and then only use the built-in volume control on your PC.

Also, if you wanted to build a 5.1 system, you'll need a sound card with a 5.1 analog output, there's no easy way that I'm aware of to direct front signals to one digital output and the others to another.

Regarding your ears hurting from the mid and high frequencies, it's possible that they're too harsh. You could try turning down the treble and see if that helps, but treble controls are generally too wide a band to help much with what you're described, without adversely affecting other frequencies. I'd try downloading an equalizer app and then make some adjustments and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, I'd return the speakers (assuming that's still an option) and start fresh.

ETA: OK, I looked at your motherboard, and it looks like it may already have 7.1 analog output. If that's the case then you may be able to drive a subwoofer directly, using the appropriate cable, but you still won't be able to use the speakers' volume control without affecting the balance.

 

[meleager]

Thanks a lot for the detailed and useful answer.

I just sent an email to the e-shop I bought the speakers from, asking to return them (no questions asked), although I'm not expecting for them to honor the 14 days right to sent back almost any item bought online (according to EU regulations). It looks like in many cases my country is an EU country just on paper.

I wanted to like them, I even forced my ears to listen for hours and hours, and now it really hurts. It cannot be just a coincidence or me having a bad day (it was the same story yesterday and the day before).