I have three sound systems in my apartment each of which have their merits. I say this only to highlight I have equipment to compare to. My desktop 2.1 system seems to offer a bizarre dynamic range when reproducing audio in movies. It difficult to set a listening level. Set the volume at level where you can hear bedroom whispers, and a gunshot or car explosion will take your head off. The same MP4 with a stereo sound track sounds fine on other systems.
I can only surmise that on my desktop system the problem is that my ears are less than a metre away from the sound source.
My alternative (conspiracy theory) is: my amp came from a big box home theatre system containing satellites with a single 2" driver. There may be some sort of DSP within the amp designed to compensate for the shortcomings of the original speakers. Using 'real' speakers as satellites results in an exaggerated dynamic range.
Thoughts.
I can only surmise that on my desktop system the problem is that my ears are less than a metre away from the sound source.
My alternative (conspiracy theory) is: my amp came from a big box home theatre system containing satellites with a single 2" driver. There may be some sort of DSP within the amp designed to compensate for the shortcomings of the original speakers. Using 'real' speakers as satellites results in an exaggerated dynamic range.
Thoughts.
Interesting idea. The problem with dialog and dynamics is a known one, a lot of ink has flowed over the issue, but with not much in the way of a fix.
With big speakers at a reasonable distance, I also find dynamics to be less jarring than with small speakers close up.
With big speakers at a reasonable distance, I also find dynamics to be less jarring than with small speakers close up.
Perhaps it's a compound effect of small drivers being more pistonic, smaller cabinets having less hangover and less room reverberation. Perhaps the amp power supply has more reserve at low volumes.