[Steve]

Anyone notice any sonic changes with room temperature variation?

If I let the room temp rise more than about 2 degrees above 72, the sound starts to thin and down by two degrees and the sound starts to fill out.

[JRace]

Well air pressure changes with temp...so it will affect SPL, however I would wager that what you are experiencing is more placebo than actual measurable changes.

[Steve]

Well air pressure changes with temp...so it will affect SPL, however I would wager that what you are experiencing is more placebo than actual measurable changes.

Hi JR,

I don't think so as if I continue to raise the temp, 78, and the sound gets extremely thin and visa versa. 65 and it really sounds full. I would say other forces, such as compliance changes etc, are at work.

[BRILEY804]

While I am far from being an expert at this, but I could understand a change in sound  in the morning, afternoon and night time due to the demand for power during the day.......but to hear a difference in sound due to temperature going up or down ?   

Have you taken measurements of the sound when this happens ?

[Steve]

Nope. But it is pretty plain to hear. Not subtle that is for sure.

[BRILEY804]

On another note,

65 and it really sounds full

I would hate to see your power bill every month if you are having the house set to 65

[BRILEY804]

when this so called " change in sound " takes place, is the equipment you are using already warmed up or are you just starting to listen ?   

[Steve]

  Yes, I have to be careful with the electric bill.

The equipment has been warmed up for hours, sometimes with the temp already high or low, other times I change the temp after the equipment warms up.

Multiple driver speakers might have a different compliance for each driver, different cone material, surrounds, spider etc. Be interesting to see if maggies exhibit similar, or any  changes.

[opnly bafld]

On another note,

65 and it really sounds full

I would hate to see your power bill every month if you are having the house set to 65

Steve only does 65 in the winter.
A tweak that SAVES money.

Lin

[Steve]

Hi Lin,

Yes, my experimenting has been going on for some time. Many winters ago is when I first noticed it, then during summer I let the temps rise. This year I tested both extremes during the summer. The electric bill was quite high this past month.

[warnerwh]

I think the phenomenon is mostly psychological.  I feel different now when I sit here sweating compared to having a fire going to keep the temps up.

Your emotional state affects your perspective of reality.  If you don't believe me go into the garage and smash a 24oz. hammer against one of your fingers very hard. When you are done I could ask "wasn't that a pretty stupid thing to do" or burst out laughing but I suspect the throbbing pain will keep you from thinking it's too funny.  As a matter of fact you would want to maybe take it out on me for being there. Like the saying goes "don't mess with a wounded bear".

[Daygloworange]

I've read in threads about the influence of temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, even altitude possibly having audible effects on sound.

As a musician, I have definitely heard my tube amps sound very different in high heat and humidity. It was not my imagination, as I have board tapes from the gigs.

I spoke to a few people about one particular night where I was convinced that the speakers cones must have shredded as the amp sounded severely distorted. It was speaker distortion. They sounded horrific. It was during the last 2 songs of the night. I was convinced that I was going to have to replace the drivers.

I went back the next day to soundcheck, and it was all fine.

The board tape of the previous nights performance confirmed what I was hearing.

I've been told that perhaps the voicecoils had over heated causing the distortion. Thankfully, there was no permanent damage.

Cheers

[Zero]

Steve - first, your experiences are not all imagined. 

It's been long established that temperature and humidity greatly affects sound. On warm days, the air is less dense - allowing the sound to travel quicker. The more humidity (water) thats in the air, the easier it is for the sound wave to travel. These extra water molecules in the air help "bounce" the sound wave around resulting in greater velocity. In your case, it may be causing a more detailed and "thin" sound. Panel speakers in particular sound like complete crud under these conditions. Personally, I'd avoid heat and humidity all together if possible. Not only can it damage/shorten the life span of your electronics (among many other things in the home); it just ain't comfortable!

A cool atmosphere is more beneficial to hi fi nuts such as ourselves. Sound waves travel slower through cold air. Typically, with cool weather also comes less humidity. This is a GOOD thing. The less moisture that is in the air, the more acoustic sound will be absorbed. This typically results in a much less offensive, or "bright" sound.

On a slightly different note; psychology can greatly effect your experiences as well. For yours truly, the best time of the year for listening is right around the corner! With fall and eventually - winter, brings many nice days and nights of listening with the windows wide open, creating a wonderful atmosphere in the room. I may even light a scented candle or two (I ain't afraid to admit it)! I can't wait!

[Steve]

Thanks A6. Seems like I recall years ago, seeing an audio magazine that listed temp, humidity etc at the beginning of the review.

Anyway, a temp change sure made a difference to these ears, and not subtle.

Thanks again A6.

[Joey B]

I haven't noticed a change with temp , but a lowering in humidity causes my MG IIIa's to sound thinner . I wish it made me look thinner 

Joey B