Speakers

[deleted]

So I finally took a plunge into the VST world, something I though I'd never do. And, I am now finding the speakers on my P515 woefully inadequate. They were always good for the onboard sounds - I only play my piano in my home - I don't gig. I almost returned my VST because I did not like the sound - through my piano's speakers I came to find out. Sound seemed better with my headphones but where it really seems to shine is on recordings.

When I first bought the piano, I bought a set of JBL studio monitors - JBL 305 PMKII - 5". I never really liked the sound out of those - kind of dull. Perhaps I can adjust them - I'm not am audio tech so it's a bit overwhelming. I wonder if I should sell those and get some different speakers? I got myself a new tablet computer with 64gb RAM and a 1TB SSD and I bought two VSL pianos - both are stunning through headphones or in recordings but not particularly through any of the speakers/monitors I now have.

Any thoughts on monitors/speakers or does anyone with some audio tech experience think I could adjust the PMKIIs?

Thanks

jdg78

I've found that getting a good sound out of speakers w/ VST playback is a bit tricky. Apart from the speakers themselves, a huge part of it depends on the speaker placement and size/acoustic properties of the room.

I can't speak to the specific qualities of the JBL model you have, but I'd first play around with different speaker placements or room setups if possible to see if that helps.

If not, or if you think it would be beneficial to try different speakers, you might want to consider going w/ more of a home audio route. I know a lot of people tend go with powered studio monitors for computer audio playback but I've had pretty good success with using a small home audio amplifier and then attaching passive speakers meant for primarily for music playback.

There are quite a few small & relatively inexpensive but high-quality amplifiers these days that are designed to be hooked up to a computer via USB or other digital connection for use in a desktop setup. They often have built in tone controls for boosting the treble and/or bass which can be helpful for tailoring the sound to the specific characteristics of the room. I'd be happy to recommend a few models if you're interested.

These VSTs are essentially music recordings that you trigger with your keyboard, so if you have a setup that sounds good for music playback in your room, chances are it will sound pretty good for VST playback as well.

David B

I'm sure the P515 has audio outs and a digital audio interface, so you can try running your VSTs through both the onboard 515 speakers and the JBL's. I would imagine that would sound pretty good.

The onboard speakers system is pretty good on my N1X, but it's noticeably improved when I'm streaming music through both the onboard N1X speakers and my studio monitors.

Here is a short video I did on my audio setup (it was a request someone had made).

https://youtu.be/fKoSxrrN2X0

God Bless,
David

[deleted]

Thanks for your comments - yes, the thought has occurred to me to try regular stereo speakers - so yes, if you could point me to some amps I can study up on that. David, thanks - yes I do use both my onboard speakers which are great for the onboard sounds plus i turn on the monitors as well. They do add some "heft" to the tone, but I'm still not 100% satisfied. I think I will try the way you have yours placed before I make any changes to the equipment lineup that I already own - it may help. There's also some switches and dials on the back of each monitor that can be tweaked and I'm wondering it adjusting those could help - I just don't have the time to use the brute force method trying all combinations and permutations until I hit on the right setting. I was hoping someone might have somethin to say about all those settings and how I can bring out more presence and clarity and highs

HZPiano

Hello,

[deleted] , I also tried those 305s and didn't like them, so those went return to sender.

At the time I had just bought a pair of Wharfedale hi-fi speakers (two-way, 5"+1" type, bottom ported) that I loved (still do!) for music listening, TV and such. From that notion, I purchased two more pairs and put those above and below my piano, added another (rather older) Wharfedale pair I already owned also below the piano. I restored two Onkyo amplifiers from ca. 1990 which sound the business and drive this speaker setup. Given a good source (VSTi), this setup gives me a full bodied, lively piano sound.

Keep in mind speakers, rooms, and personal preferences are a tricky mix and some 'brute force' investment in time and energy are inevitable.

Also don't forget about sheer volume: pianos are loud! This factor alone plays quite a part in a realistic experience. Mind not to utilize ear-damaging levels, though.

Cheers and happy sound development,

[deleted]

HZPiano Thanks HZ sounds like that’s two votes for Amp+Stereo hi-fi speakers. I suppose on Saturday I’ll spend the day fiddling with adjustments on the 305s before I give up entirely on that avenue. Ill check Craigslist and see if there’s any old amps listed in the meantime

jdg78

In re: to amplifiers, here are a few small, affordable, but well-regarded amps designed for desktop use, but powerful enough to drive most home audio speakers:

They both have multiple connections including USB, and have onboard DAC chips that can take the digital signal directly from your computer and process into audio.

I personally have the Loxjie A30 and am pretty happy with it, however I found that connecting via the coax and optical inputs sounded better than connecting directly via USB, so I inserted a small device in between the computer and amp that takes the USB signal and converts it to both coax and optical outputs:

You could also use something like this to attach an older amplifier that has digital connections but no USB connection, or to attach an extra amplifier and set of speakers, allowing for a 4 speaker setup.

If you're planning to use older gear, just make sure it is capable of processing digital signals or else you'll have to get a separate DAC to convert the audio signal to analog before attaching to the amp.

[deleted]

Thank you for the info - i'll check it all out….

vagfilm

My non-expert 2 cents... Beware if those speakers are Bluetooth-only (shouldn't be, but read carefully the specs) because that will cause significant delay between key press and sound. One other thing to consider is spatial separation: there is a fine balance between having enough distance to generate good soundspace, but not so much that each speaker will sound like a separate sound source. Test them at different distances (each pair of speakers will have a different sweet spot of separation).

Ralphiano

As far as your monitors, or any sub$1000/pair monitors, I am doubtful that you will find satisfaction with that route. I never upped my game to the $1000 monitors, but used a couple different approx $700/pair monitors and never got what I considered to be realistic piano sound reproduction. I have heard reports from reliable members here and on another forum that above $1000 the monitors are pleasing. i don't know for myself.

First, let me say that, with the exception of DACs, all my equipment has been purchased "used". I get more bang for the buck, and believe me, the bucks can disappear fast in the hifi world.

I am firmly in the hifi camp when it comes to playing your digital piano or VSTs. My path has gone through, in order, a Pioneer 5.1 home theater receiver, a Denon 5.1 home theater receiver, and now, an Adcom class A-B amp. Each was better than those before it. Particularly, the jump from home theater receiver to a music focused amp like the Adcom (or NAD) was the biggest jump in sound quality. These amps are far better at producing a warm, woody sound from piano recordings/VSTs.

As for speakers, they have proven that you just don't know what you don't know. I've had cheap, and thought they were good. Until, I heard better. At one point i purchased a set of Energy Towers (each with dual 6.5" drivers) and thought i was in heaven. Their MSRP was about $1400/pr., but ended up with a street price of about $700/pr. But, along the way, I discovered better, and bought better. The best speakers i have had, my current ones, are just a pair of dual 6.5s in the form of a kit from Parts Express. The kit was about $400, but I bought them used from the kit builder for $90.

There are bargains to be had in the used market if you are willing to invest your time in familiarizing yourself with what if available, and what is possible.

My current setup sounds very nice playing piano recordings and reproducing piano sounds from VSTs. It consists of:

Topping D50s DAC (purchased new for $200);
BSR 10 Band, 2 Channel equalizer ($10 used);
ADCOM GFA-535II amp ($180 used)
Parts Express $400 speaker kit with dual 6.5" drivers ($90).

So, you can get into nice sound from relatively few dollars if you take your time and keep your eyes open for bargains.

Good luck to you!

[deleted]

Ralphiano Thanks for your info….