2. speakers
  3. 1055187971

Need better bass from Silverline Sonata

I'm using a pair of Silverline Sonatas (model 1 with single bass driver) in a mixed HT/2-channel system. In general I'm very happy with the sound -- particularly when I get the chance to pull the Sonatas out into the room -- but I feel the bass is lacking impact and real extension. Any ideas on improving bass response without using a sub (I have a Servo-15 which is great for movies but I haven't liked the results with music)? My budget is $2,000 in addition to any resale value I get selling replaced items.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

My "2-channel" setup is as follows:
Sony S7700 to Bel Canto DAC2
analog through a Bryston SP-1 to Bryston 9BST
then the Sonatas
Cables are D-60 to the DAC, Alpha Core TQ2 to/from SP1 and Acoustic Zen Satori biwire to the speakers. I'm using Virtual Dynamics Nite power cables on the DAC, SP1 and 9BST.

Options considered so far:
- replace the I/Cs with Acoustic Zen WOWs
- replace amp with new model Bryston 4BSST or pair of Evo 200.2s as monoblocks (SET-ish sound good with Sonatas?)
- replace speakers with Totem Mani-2s
jezzholland

Showing 1 response by rsbeck

rsbeck
887 posts
 
I was thinking about buying Sonata I's. In my research,
I read that the Sonatas sound absolutely great, but are
missing bottom end extension. It was a complaint that kept coming up from owners and reviewers. Best way to get bottom end extension is to increase the power of your amp. But, the Sonatas are incredibly efficient and shouldn't need much power to make them sing. Another way to get more bass slam is from your front end components. But, rather than rely on my memory, I would get info on how the Sonatas are rated as far as bottom end extension. IMO, trying to get the Sonatas to produce bottom end extension with cables if they are not built to resolve low bass will ultimately prove frustrating. My best advice would be to either enjoy
your speakers for what they do well, which is produce wonderful music from mid-bass on up, or to add a top-notch sub-woofer, which will give you the bottom end you are seeking. Personally, I like the Revel B-15. It is
expensive, but it has an excellent set-up to help you
integrate it into your system. I see them offered used
on Audiogon from time to time.

More to discover