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Equalizer suggestions? Will an EQ really make a significant audio improvement?

Maybe that is it. Two channel vs the surround system you have. You need to make sure the cd player is running two channel just like the TT. Maybe when you isolate the 40l's by themselves for just TT two channel , it sounds bad compared to your Theatre system. You will have to do some critical listening with the 401's only , with the cd player.
 
IMO the need for an equalizer is a sign of miss placed speakers, a crappy room or crappy speakers. Or all three !!!

Yes, I have owned and flipped several of those distortion boxes.
 
An EQ is not meant to correct equipment, maybe an ugly listening room to some degree. They are meant to correct recording shortcomings. I've had one in my system for over 20 yrs and i doubt I have over 500 hrs on them combined. They have all been Rane's. I collect live recordings and many need a little help.

I've used a 2m Red and it isn't the greatest cart, but it didn't sound like crap on my entry level table I had. As previously mentioned Alignment would be the 1st thing I'd check, that can make a huge difference. I'm not familiar with the Pyle pre, but the red has a fairly low total capacitance rating 150 to 300pf. The Kenwood TT is at least 50pf cheap (even Audio Quest) cables are 90pf/ft or more, someone mentioned the pyle around 200pf. If your capacitance total loading is way over spec it will affect the sound, usually it makes things over bright.
 
Art Vandalay said:
** Update ** OK, I have replaced the tweeters in both 401's and confirmed they are working fine. The Pyle pre-amp has been on for several days (some have suggested that it needs a "burn-in" period). I played tracks from a few albums of differing genres; rock, country, and classical. They all sound like crap; flat, dull, with no depth whatsoever. To say I am deflated is a massive understatement. I simply wanted to listen to my old records from years ago when they sounded really good. I cannot afford any more additions to this "sound system." I find it discouraging that my nice Onkyo receiver, Bose speakers, and Polk sub cause records to sound as though they are being played through Edison's original Gramophone. Everything else coming through those components sound fantastic.
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It's the speakers sweetie!! :oops: Bose... well. the 401s are very old. The Onkyo is excellent... the Polk sub will give you extra bass. The only thing left are the Bose 401s. There is a reason the saying goes: "No Highs, No Lows... it must be Bose." :eek: I have a pair of Wharfdale Linton Heritage speakers which are very dynamic. For something less expensive, I could recommend the Elac B6.2, Klipsch (if you like horn speakers) currently has the RB61 on sale through Amazon, Newegg, and Crutchfield for $299 the pair. Both of those speakers are superb, I am sorry you are feeling blue... :hug:
 
Natasha Bell said:
It's the speakers sweetie!! :oops: Bose... well. the 401s are very old. The Onkyo is excellent... the Polk sub will give you extra bass. The only thing left are the Bose 401s. There is a reason the saying goes: "No Highs, No Lows... it must be Bose." :eek: I have a pair of Wharfdale Linton Heritage speakers which are very dynamic. For something less expensive, I could recommend the Elac B6.2, Klipsch (if you like horn speakers) currently has the RB61 on sale through Amazon, Newegg, and Crutchfield for $299 the pair. Both of those speakers are superb, I am sorry you are feeling blue... :hug:[/QU
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Morgan D said:
Art, why don't you swap in the Boston acoustics just to see if the bose are that bad in two channel ?
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The Boston Acoustics are tiny cube satellite speakers. They are probably 3"×3"×3", and are mounted to the ceiling behind the sofa. On their own, they would not sound good.
 
Did you get a chance to listen to that reverse RIAA curve CD or just your CD player hooked up to the Bose in two channel ? I am rooting for the 401's since you took the time to replace the tweeters.
 
Morgan D said:
Did you get a chance to listen to that reverse RIAA curve CD or just your CD player hooked up to the Bose in two channel ? I am rooting for the 401's since you took the time to replace the tweeters.
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You have a lot of confidence in Bose, as even Logitech computer speakers (as pictured) generally compare favorably :eek:

Did I ever tell you that I was the chairwoman of the "NEW" Bose Appreciation Fan Club? :hug:

logitech.jpg
 
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DB-7 said:
As bad as people think bose are. There shouldn't be that kind of a difference in sound between tuner/cd/ phono
Bose may not be the most dynamic speaker but should still be able to make decent sound
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How many people have actually heard the 401's properly set up instead of just insisting they are bad because of the brand ? I have never heard them but they "look" really good to me.
 
Morgan D said:
Did you get a chance to listen to that reverse RIAA curve CD or just your CD player hooked up to the Bose in two channel ? I am rooting for the 401's since you took the time to replace the tweeters.
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No, I have not yet done that. I hope to have time in the next few days.
 
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