Need more slam! Help!


Hi all,

For the most part I am very happy with my current system. I’m still pretty new at the hobby, been about 3 years or so but in that time I feel that I’ve been able to cobble together a pretty nice system.
I currently have a vpi prime scout with an ortofon 2m black cartridge running to a musical surroundings phonomena to a rogue rp1 preamp, to rogue st90 amp and concluding with vandersteen model 3 signatures. Audioquest diamond back interconnects and kimbercable speaker wire.

First, here’s what I love about my setup - huge soundstage, really open and three dimensional. And this is probably what I find most exciting in home audio reproduction, I love feeling as if I’m looking at the stage from the third row and can pick out where everyone is, truly magic to have that feeling from the living room couch. I am pleased with the speed and accuracy of my system, it feels very articulate and controlled.
Now for what I’m yearning for, basically just more omph. I want a lot more snap on a snare hit, I want to feel the music more in a physical sense. I guess you could describe this as a more “live” sound but that’s not exactly what I mean. I really just want some more slam. Where should I be targeting, thinking power amp? Thanks in advance!
128x128sammyshaps

Showing 4 responses by sammyshaps

Thanks for all the responses! Definitely going to check out active subwoofers. 

And thanks @avanti1960 for the advice. I will definitely try out the brimars. And interesting point about the rp1, that limitation hadn't crossed my mind.
Thanks for all the replies thus far! Really appreciate it.

@erik_squires the preamp has two outs so I could go to an active woofer. I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on that with my setup. I'm not looking for deeper bottom end, the Vandersteen's reach low enough for me. Would a woofer help with the "snap" and "slam" I'm looking for? 

@bdp24 thanks for that recommendation. I will research further.

@shkong78  Thanks for the recommendation, interesting indeed but 18k is not happening right now. I'm happy to invest up to $3k to get me closer to what I'm looking for. 18k is more than the worth of my whole system. 
Thank you everyone for your replies. It seems so far consensus is adding a sub. I’m not opposed to that, and I’ll ask more questions down the line. I guess I’m curious what folks think about the amount of power I’m giving the vandersteens and if more would get me closer to what I’m after.

in terms of subs, I know nothing about them, would love recommendations below the 1.5k price point. Thanks! 
Thanks again everyone for the feedback. Lots of good info and lots to consider. Will report back with the route I decide to take!