More Power or use subwoofer to boost bass for music


Hi,   just want to know if anyone can offer their opinions on how to boost the bass when listening to 2 channel music.

I just got a pair of B&W 804 D3 and would like to get more bass out of the speakers.   I remember the bass was pretty punchy when I heard it in the dealer showroom, but I don't seem to get that in my setup.   I currently have Parasound A31 power amp with 250 watts per channel.

So the question is whether I should get a more power amp, or add subwoofer to my 2 channel music.  I'm a little bit of a purist and would prefer not to use a subwoofer for music, but I'm open to this option.

I would definitely appreciate if anyone can share their experience/opinion.   Thanks very much.
xcool

Showing 6 responses by jl35

I would start with a better amp and attention to placement. Regardless of power specs I think they deserve a better amp. After that I would consider sub(s). A pair of 6.5 inch drivers in a relatively small cabinet can only put out so much real bass at real volume out to the listening position.
thanks for that @audiokinesis
Duke..when using 2 subs with floor standers, do they need to be identical or can they be close models...Could i use a REL S/3 with my REL S/5 ? thanks...I also have no room for 4
Duke and Ralph did a great job of clarifying the swarm concept and it's applications to different settings, with related options...great to get the info finally from very knowledgeable members...
we've also lost track of the fact that the OP was satisfied with the speakers bass at the dealers...so the difference is his set-up/room and equipment...I would certainly start by going back to the dealer and see what equipment was being used and recheck their set up...now if you demoed them there but bought them elsewhere they won't be much help...
I wonder if a 128kbps file even has deep bass...I’m one of the lucky ones whose system sounds great with one sub, and the REL made a big difference over my large floor standers, so would definitely recommend an REL trial...the S models have just been replaced, so there are some good deals out there...