Brittle sound

[Ariodante]

I've just set my KEF Concord speakers up on a tiled ceramic floor and the sound seems to be more brittle than when I had a wooden floor or carpets. Do you think they're actually producing a more "accurate" sound, or should I put some absorbent material under the speaker legs to dampen / soften the sound? If so, what material would you recommend? Or perhaps I should simply adjust the bass/treble controls?

 

[Nikhil]

I've just set my KEF Concord speakers up on a tiled ceramic floor and the sound seems to be more brittle than when I had a wooden floor or carpets. Do you think they're actually producing a more "accurate" sound, or should I put some absorbent material under the speaker legs to dampen / soften the sound? If so, what material would you recommend? Or perhaps I should simply adjust the bass/treble controls?

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you here.

Yes your experience does match with what happens when you place a speaker on a hard surface. This can be countered with speaker stands or platforms in the case of your speakers. Wood or carpet will help smoothen the sound a bit. Using a small carpet or rug under the speakers will absorb the high frequency hash that causes that brittleness to some extent. There are excellent speaker base stands that are available but probably not justified in terms of cost - but they are there if you want to give them a try.


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[keroo1099]

I've just set my KEF Concord speakers up on a tiled ceramic floor and the sound seems to be more brittle than when I had a wooden floor or carpets. Do you think they're actually producing a more "accurate" sound, or should I put some absorbent material under the speaker legs to dampen / soften the sound? If so, what material would you recommend? Or perhaps I should simply adjust the bass/treble controls?

Why don't you first try experimenting with a rug between the speakers, maybe a pillow or two behind the speakers to see if the sound improves before making a plunge. You can also try mass loading the speaker by placing heavy books on the top

I have always found isolating the speaker on proper spikes makes a big difference in clearing up the sound.

Good luck

 

[Passive_audio_enthusiast]

Why don't you first try experimenting with a rug between the speakers, maybe a pillow or two behind the speakers to see if the sound improves before making a plunge. You can also try mass loading the speaker by placing heavy books on the top

I have always found isolating the speaker on proper spikes makes a big difference in clearing up the sound.

Good luck

Second this. Experiment with things that you have at home before taking a call. May be moving the speaker bit backwards also would work as treble fades away faster than bass with distance

 

[General_sound]

Absolutely agree with the comments. A glass/ceramic tiled floor is a nightmare for listeners. I had a practical experience when my older cement flooring was replaced by tiles. In addition to being a slip hazard it totally upset the balance of the speakers. A carpet and heavy curtains can mitigate the issue to some extent. Do experiment with placement and stands. Incidentally what is your source and amplification? Warm Regards.