2. amps-preamps
  3. 1079978973

question re: poor bass response

Apologize in advance if this is a naive question. Unless they are played very loud, I have been a bit disappointed in the bass response from my Sonus Faber Concertos driven by NAD C370 integrated; source: Arcam cd92. However, at reasonable sound levels, the volume control on the amp is positioned only about 8:30 - 9:00. Is it possible that I'm underpowering the speakers when they're played at lower volume (sensitivity of speakers is 87dB, 1W, 1m). Would bass response improve if I switched the jumpers to the variable pre-outs and reduced the gain to the power amp, such that more power would be required to achieve a given sound level?
pordoi

Showing 2 responses by hammergjh

hammergjh
157 posts
 
I also was plagued by a poor bass response at low and mid volume levels with my B&W CDM9 NT floorstanding speakers. I improved upon this dramatically by uncoupling the speakers from the floor via soundcare spikes. I received a welcome increase in bass at all levels. Then I added a Krell integrated to my set up. Once again another improvement in bass levels.

Are your speakers on spikes or appropriate stands? Also, is your amp up to the task?
hammergjh
157 posts
 
The Krell replaced an Odyssey Stratos. Krell amps are known for their prodigious base response, and now I know why. The bass became palpable at all listening levels but very balanced, not overly pronounced. The difference between the amps was striking. I'm not knocking the Odyssey, but I never felt the Odyssey handled the woofers that well and the Krell handles them like a champ.
More to discover