IndiqAudio Diamond Achal Owners - What are you powering your Speakers with ??

Music evokes emotion, and that emotion drives much of what we discuss in this forum. Whether we’re praising or criticizing brands, it’s all rooted in how deeply we connect with the sound. So in my view, getting emotional about it is absolutely fine.

I personally was sold on the idea of "Made in India" speakers. The thought was: since they’re designed and built here, perhaps they’d suit our kind of music better ( than the international brands). To be transparent, I didn’t audition the speakers myself. But those who did often mentioned they were powered by solid amplifiers — not by AVRs or entry-level amps.

Much of the excitement came from the success of the Misras, and we bought into the promise of something even better with the Achals.

Now, on the topic of resale value — someone buying a Dali, Focal, or a similar global brand doesn’t usually worry much about it. That’s because a well-made product eventually earns trust and builds its own reputation over time. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be happening here.

And this thread isn’t targeting a brand or any individual — it’s just an honest discussion. But look at the response — how many current Indiq Achal users have actually joined in? Hardly any.
Just a suggestion Sandeep, how about reaching out to the Indiqaudio owner, Amit and troubleshooting your dilema with his suggestion. Maybe he can suggest something.
 
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Just a suggestion Sandeep, how about reaching out to the Indiqaudio owner, Amit and troubleshooting your dilema with his suggestion. Maybe he can suggest something.
Some of the ideas to improve the quality came from him - way back in 2021-22 he even visited my place - but things didn't improve much.
GAPS identified by him were
- No carpet in the room
- poor room treatment
- Open port
- Weak amplifier
However, the speakers were working fine (as per his analysis), so I thought it was now a good time to check with people who are using and enjoying Achal's.
 
Some of the ideas to improve the quality came from him - way back in 2021-22 he even visited my place - but things didn't improve much.
GAPS identified by him were
- No carpet in the room
- poor room treatment
- Open port
- Weak amplifier
However, the speakers were working fine (as per his analysis), so I thought it was now a good time to check with people who are using and enjoying Achal's.
Then I guess fm General Sound's experience & advise in this case may help.
I wish the other Indiq owner's could pitch in here.
 
Some of the ideas to improve the quality came from him - way back in 2021-22 he even visited my place - but things didn't improve much.
GAPS identified by him were
- No carpet in the room
- poor room treatment
- Open port
- Weak amplifier
However, the speakers were working fine (as per his analysis), so I thought it was now a good time to check with people who are using and enjoying Achal's.
There are a few likely scenarios why you are not getting responses from owners of this speaker.
1. Owners of Indiq diamond Achals have not seen this thread
2. They have seen it but did not respond for a variety of reasons
3. They are not members of this forum
4. They are members of this forum but not active at the moment..
5. Other reasons
 
There are a few likely scenarios why you are not getting responses from owners of this speaker.
1. Owners of Indiq diamond Achals have not seen this thread
2. They have seen it but did not respond for a variety of reasons
3. They are not members of this forum
4. They are members of this forum but not active at the moment..
5. Other reasons
Agree - may get their attention in times to come 🤞
 
Some of the ideas to improve the quality came from him - way back in 2021-22 he even visited my place - but things didn't improve much.
GAPS identified by him were
- No carpet in the room
- poor room treatment
- Open port
- Weak amplifier

However, the speakers were working fine (as per his analysis), so I thought it was now a good time to check with people who are using and enjoying Achal's.
If the speakers were working fine as per the Designer's own analysis, then you're pretty much flogging a dead horse - perhaps the "thin" sound is exactly what he was going for and those waxing eloquent about it enjoy it as well. To each their own, yours is apparently just about everything else but Indiq.
 
Why don't you give digital Equalizers a try? Ex poweramp. You can make your speakers sound the way you want. Speakers which you like in audition rooms may sound different in your room. You may like to give digital Equalizers a try.
I am using WIIM amp - and have used its calibration (whatever it's worth)
 
If u have speakers service manual, do post the crossover schematics diagram and speakers frequency response graphs so as to assess if it had a flat response. From speakers website, the subwoofer is crossed very low at 225 Hz and the two 6.5" woofers are crossed to tweeters way above at 2800 Hz which is way high in my opinion & reducing woofers to tweeters crossover at 1.8 khz or below (tweeters frequency response needed for this) shall yield better results & a better nearfield listening levels. The speakers sensitivity as stated at 94.5 dB seems to be misleading.
The subwoofer should be amplified with a seperate amplifier so as to improve speakers performance. So simply biamplifying this speaker shall take performance to next levels.
If needed post a youtube video playing these speakers & comparable speaker video simultaneously shall be good to focus on issues faced.
One thing that might be causing the issue—I had these speakers made with a bi-amping option, whereas the standard version usually comes with a single connector.
 
I am using WIIM amp - and have used its calibration (whatever it's worth)
See to take care of thin sounding factor PEq is always best option. A bit of boost in 200Hz - 250Hz ..... Boost as per taste in 600Hz - 900Hz frequency and a cut around 2KHz will take away thin sounding as well as any harshness in music. Thin sounding is also a factor of nasalness present in the system.
Let me know if you need PEq settings I can help you with that.
 
My input... sorry to be late to do so.
I have been using Indiq DA old edition since last 3+ years but they more or less failed to impress me. I have used Marantz C50, Yamaha RXV685, Aiyima A7, Fosi ZA3 as amps & smsl M300 DAC & smart TV/mobile/laptop as source of YT, Spotify, netflix, prime video, stored mp3/flac/mp4/video files etc files.

Lately something changed after I rearranged my set up.
My observations:
1. Indiq DAs are quite power hungry. Need a powerful amp to drive.
2. A good pre-amp is almost a must. For music, I connected Fosi ZD3 through USB/Coax and sound opened up quite a bit. Also got louder. Still SQ not the level to impress me.
3. Usual Smart TV HDMI arc is a waste. Either your smart TV shall be higher end or above average OR need to get a dedicated tv stick/tv box. In my case, I stopped using hdmi inputs from smart tv and using fire tv stick 4k through AVR. Satellite tv box eg airtel etc would sound bad through average smart tv. Better connecting sound output to amp/preamp directly or through AVR.
4. Indiq DAs v1 are very directional. Listener position matters more compared to my bookshelf speakers.
5. My best speakers were the ones I purchased from FM sadik. He is a genius.

Conclusion/recommendations:
Given his current set up, OP could borrow a higher wattage power amplifier to check the things & then conclude.
 
Not sure if this will evoke the kind of emotions which were once evoked with the mention of measurements of Indiq audio speakers, but still putting that option/opinion out there.. :D
@sandeeprao: If you can get/borrow a measurement mic like the UMIK-1 or any other similar ones, and do at least one measurement of each speaker from near the listening position, it will help you understand if there are any obvious problems..
Percieved attributes like thinness, etc, come from the selective attenuation and amplification of certain frequency ranges. It could be because of the positioning of the speaker in the room relative to your listening position, or it could be inherent to the design of the speaker itself. Even a single measurement of a speaker from the listening position will usually give you good indicators of potential problems. It will also help you with the judicious use of EQ, later, if needed.
In my opinion, measurements can give you good enough clues to identify the problem, rather than aimlessly changing the associated electronics and N number of other things..
 
Not sure if this will evoke the kind of emotions which were once evoked with the mention of measurements of Indiq audio speakers, but still putting that option/opinion out there.. :D
@sandeeprao: If you can get/borrow a measurement mic like the UMIK-1 or any other similar ones, and do at least one measurement of each speaker from near the listening position, it will help you understand if there are any obvious problems..
Percieved attributes like thinness, etc, come from the selective attenuation and amplification of certain frequency ranges. It could be because of the positioning of the speaker in the room relative to your listening position, or it could be inherent to the design of the speaker itself. Even a single measurement of a speaker from the listening position will usually give you good indicators of potential problems. It will also help you with the judicious use of EQ, later, if needed.
In my opinion, measurements can give you good enough clues to identify the problem, rather than aimlessly changing the associated electronics and N number of other things..
Thanks @Vineethkumar01 for the suggestion and your points.

Over the last week, there have been a few positive improvements in performance. Also, as suggested by some of you - I got back in touch with Amit and am hopeful to figure out some solutions.

So, for the time being, I am taking a timeout for a month and will share all my learning and experience in the same thread.

In the meantime, I would like to thank especially
@DB1989
@General_sound
@mehul3
@morerajendra5678

Hoping for the Best 🤞🤞
 
I went over to Sandeep’s home recently to hear the speakers. I had taken my Marantz PM 7001integrated(70w at 8ohms/100w at 4 ohms) and a set of cables for biwiring, which we did. The room is about 12 sq feet with carpeting and sofa. Normally furnished and ideal as a listening space. The speakers were placed at an equilateral distance of approx 7 feet or so and were raised on a solid mfd spiked platform about an inch of the floor. Woofers placed outward(some may consider it heresy, I hear the better sound). A Wiim streamer was used as source and various genre of music played. After warming up for some time, at about 9:30 on the volume dial my first thought was,” Hey, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with these speakers.”
In fact, within the envelope of a moderately powerful amplifier, they were sounding lush and smooth with the classic Marantz sound coming thru with a slightly rolled off treble, moderately rich midrange and reasonable bass.YMMV as my 70year + ears are not what they used to be, with significant loss of midrange ,possibly due to listening at v high volumes at a younger age. So to all you young folks: bring down the volume and thank me later.
It must be remembered that the speakers, although rated at 90db have three drivers with a 10inch woofer, are certainly not an easy drive for most amps. Moreover, as I recall now, although the speakers are rated at 8 ohms, I measured DC resistance at 5 ohms with a cheap multimeter. Maybe Amit can provide the impedance plot and detailed measurements and correct me if wrong. The Marantz which is 100w at 4 ohms possibly could get stressed at higher volumes, though die hard Marantz owners,(and I am incl), may vehemently disagree. So my final thoughts were that I could easily live with these speakers, however they do need a powerful high current amplifier which doubles down at 4 ohms, to drive at high volumes and also a large room to realise their full potential .Biwiring helped in this case as the 10 inch woofer got a dedicated cable run and is strongly recommended. While room size is a factor we must remember that we have to adjust to room size available(many of us,including me live in very small flats) and not speaker size, for continued domestic harmony. So I would like to say that these are fine speakers, heavy, solidly built and finished with high quality drivers. This is the Mk 1 version in which the speakers are not flush with the front baffle. As I have not heard the Mk 2, which has flush mounted speakers and other reported improvements, a comparative comment cannot be made. Standalone with a suitable amp and source this is a very fine speaker.
Thank you Sandeep for allowing me the pleasure of listening to your system and the excellent hospitality at your home along with your friend Anil and your young son who bore our hobby with patience.
 
I went over to Sandeep’s home recently to hear the speakers. I had taken my Marantz PM 7001integrated(70w at 8ohms/100w at 4 ohms) and a set of cables for biwiring, which we did. The room is about 12 sq feet with carpeting and sofa. Normally furnished and ideal as a listening space. The speakers were placed at an equilateral distance of approx 7 feet or so and were raised on a solid mfd spiked platform about an inch of the floor. Woofers placed outward(some may consider it heresy, I hear the better sound). A Wiim streamer was used as source and various genre of music played. After warming up for some time, at about 9:30 on the volume dial my first thought was,” Hey, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with these speakers.”
In fact, within the envelope of a moderately powerful amplifier, they were sounding lush and smooth with the classic Marantz sound coming thru with a slightly rolled off treble, moderately rich midrange and reasonable bass.YMMV as my 70year + ears are not what they used to be, with significant loss of midrange ,possibly due to listening at v high volumes at a younger age. So to all you young folks: bring down the volume and thank me later.
It must be remembered that the speakers, although rated at 90db have three drivers with a 10inch woofer, are certainly not an easy drive for most amps. Moreover, as I recall now, although the speakers are rated at 8 ohms, I measured DC resistance at 5 ohms with a cheap multimeter. Maybe Amit can provide the impedance plot and detailed measurements and correct me if wrong. The Marantz which is 100w at 4 ohms possibly could get stressed at higher volumes, though die hard Marantz owners,(and I am incl), may vehemently disagree. So my final thoughts were that I could easily live with these speakers, however they do need a powerful high current amplifier which doubles down at 4 ohms, to drive at high volumes and also a large room to realise their full potential .Biwiring helped in this case as the 10 inch woofer got a dedicated cable run and is strongly recommended. While room size is a factor we must remember that we have to adjust to room size available(many of us,including me live in very small flats) and not speaker size, for continued domestic harmony. So I would like to say that these are fine speakers, heavy, solidly built and finished with high quality drivers. This is the Mk 1 version in which the speakers are not flush with the front baffle. As I have not heard the Mk 2, which has flush mounted speakers and other reported improvements, a comparative comment cannot be made. Standalone with a suitable amp and source this is a very fine speaker.
Thank you Sandeep for allowing me the pleasure of listening to your system and the excellent hospitality at your home along with your friend Anil and your young son who bore our hobby with patience.
Sir, it is very kind of you to remove the time to sort out someone else's audio issue. I am sure with your experience, there is a lot for many to gain. Thanks to Hfv, a lot of like minded people can connect with each other.
 
I went over to Sandeep’s home recently to hear the speakers. I had taken my Marantz PM 7001integrated(70w at 8ohms/100w at 4 ohms) and a set of cables for biwiring, which we did. The room is about 12 sq feet with carpeting and sofa. Normally furnished and ideal as a listening space. The speakers were placed at an equilateral distance of approx 7 feet or so and were raised on a solid mfd spiked platform about an inch of the floor. Woofers placed outward(some may consider it heresy, I hear the better sound). A Wiim streamer was used as source and various genre of music played. After warming up for some time, at about 9:30 on the volume dial my first thought was,” Hey, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with these speakers.”
In fact, within the envelope of a moderately powerful amplifier, they were sounding lush and smooth with the classic Marantz sound coming thru with a slightly rolled off treble, moderately rich midrange and reasonable bass.YMMV as my 70year + ears are not what they used to be, with significant loss of midrange ,possibly due to listening at v high volumes at a younger age. So to all you young folks: bring down the volume and thank me later.
It must be remembered that the speakers, although rated at 90db have three drivers with a 10inch woofer, are certainly not an easy drive for most amps. Moreover, as I recall now, although the speakers are rated at 8 ohms, I measured DC resistance at 5 ohms with a cheap multimeter. Maybe Amit can provide the impedance plot and detailed measurements and correct me if wrong. The Marantz which is 100w at 4 ohms possibly could get stressed at higher volumes, though die hard Marantz owners,(and I am incl), may vehemently disagree. So my final thoughts were that I could easily live with these speakers, however they do need a powerful high current amplifier which doubles down at 4 ohms, to drive at high volumes and also a large room to realise their full potential .Biwiring helped in this case as the 10 inch woofer got a dedicated cable run and is strongly recommended. While room size is a factor we must remember that we have to adjust to room size available(many of us,including me live in very small flats) and not speaker size, for continued domestic harmony. So I would like to say that these are fine speakers, heavy, solidly built and finished with high quality drivers. This is the Mk 1 version in which the speakers are not flush with the front baffle. As I have not heard the Mk 2, which has flush mounted speakers and other reported improvements, a comparative comment cannot be made. Standalone with a suitable amp and source this is a very fine speaker.
Thank you Sandeep for allowing me the pleasure of listening to your system and the excellent hospitality at your home along with your friend Anil and your young son who bore our hobby with patience.
Nothing like a peer review! Glad that forum is pro active in supporting one another. Knowing speakers are fine must be such a relief. If we change amp, family doesn't mind but changing speakers garners ire.
 
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