You're between a rock and a hard spot. You can't adjust sound by speaker movement because of domestic considerations and, IMHO, you won't get the changes you expect (want) to make by merely getting different electronics, or for that matter speakers. Sounds like you need to get some more upper bass sounds (usually gotten from room placements, etc) or high frequency sounds to compensate some for your loss of hearing. If your integrated has a loop for ancillary equipment you could try an equalizer such as the 6 band Schiit Lokius, in fact even if you don't have a loop you could put this equalizer between 2 different sources. Good product and its relatively cheap and well regarded.
What to change a systemic question
My first real (in my view) system was all Adcom gear cd, pre, and 200 watt power amp. and Snell c2 mk2.After decades of trouble free use I bought a used Technics SUG 700 integrated, Marantz CD 6006, and Canton 9k reference.
The room 12x18, it's four corners from top to bottom plants, one side wall is open to another room, the speakers aim at a couch 8 ft away, the speakers are roughly 8 ft from each other, stuffed chairs are on the outside edge of each speaker, The Floor is wall to wall carpet. behind the couch ( my sitting pos) is a Glass covered pastel roughly 3x3 ft. Married so audio gear movement flexibility is zip nada,zero. and there is an upstairs bedroom I could turn into a great .... Ah the stuff of dreams.I digress.
Whats missing is a bit more weight but in the total Hz range, just a bit stronger, deeper bigger dynamic expression but keeping it all tight.
The 9Ks vanish, their imaging, soundstage, depth, micro dynamics etc. all very good. In all things but ultimate weight I'm a happy camper. Having said that I'm freaking going deaf, no seriously sadly I'm old, and I like my music at 65 to 75 dB range.
So any recommendations for improving either, sadly not both, the speakers or integrated up to $3000 would be appreciated. the amps 70 watts the speaker range recommendation 120 to 200 watts. So a bit of a miss match, but not at my listening level.
What I would like the Snells huskier voice and the Canton's everything else., of course but Better.
(1) The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want - YouTube
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Well having more weight on the musical notes is quite difficult to achieve only by changing electronics on bookshelf speakers. And even in floorstanders, you usually only get it with big 2.5/3 way speakers. You could start trying out some subwoofers, they might add a bit of oomph and gravistas in the bass. A good R2R can be very helpful as well, some entry level Holo Audio or Denafrips can be get for around 1k. |
I’d add a couple small subs. They’ll not only improve bass and dynamics but also overall imaging/soundstage. I’d highly recommend a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs as they’re only 13” square yet will get you down to an honest 20Hz (-3dB) and come with integration software to take a lot of pain out of getting them to work in your room. They only cost $1150 for two (or less of you buy from their Outlet) and SVS offers a truly risk-free, 45-day trial period including shipping both ways and also have excellent customer service, so why the hell not? That’s what I’d do anyway. Best of luck. |
My set up is similar to yours in regards to speaker placement and distance and I have a Technics SU-G700M2 as well and I can assure you it’s not the integrated that needs to be replaced. My listening space is smaller (10.5’ X 14.5" in a "room" that extends another 5’) but alas, no greenery in the corners. That shorter front to back wall is a factor in base reinforcement but I’ve had speakers that no matter what I tried, were a bit weak and thin across the spectrum despited all my efforts to better it. Even my JBL 4319 monitors with their 12" woofers had impact and dynamics but not that fullness I craved. What made the difference are my Revival Audio Atalanate 3 monitors with "only" a 7 inch mid-woofer. Practically the same base but more fullness, musicality and body with no sacrifice in detail, air and ambience. It’s a match made in heaven for me.
I’m sure some here may tire of my recommending these speakers but they are the last ones I’ll ever get unless I win the lotto and then get a bigger space to accommodate their bigger brother, the Atalante 5. All the best,
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Couple questions — 1) Did you use the SVS app to integrate the sub and 2) Is the SVS still in the return period? The SB1000 Pro is, as you know, basically at the bottom of their range, and what you’re looking for may just require a better sub. If you can return the SVS I’d recommend looking at the Rhythmic F12 or, if it’s in budget, a JL Labs sub as they both kick it up a notch or two or three in performance. REL may also be well worth considering given what you’re looking for. So sorry if I steered you wrong. I feel really bad that you’re still not “there.” |
Scott, Have you fiddled with the crossover controls? Both phase and crossover points? If not, I’d try that before I reached any conclusions. From looking at the manual I’d be interested in having a higher crossover point so more high frequencies pass and doing this I'd pay close attention to volume. FWIW, I’ve noted that many folks don’t realize that the sound of what you would consider to be ’bass’ includes higher frequencies and their presence is what defines bass as ’tight, having impact, etc. |
+1 @newbee Very good points and certainly worth some experimentation if you haven’t already done so. |
Markalarsen I hear you loud and clear I honestly believe that would be the most significant improvement to my system. nonoise I agree with you the thing is those canton's are a fine speaker and I'd hate to see them go but it maybe time. I see your speakers are from France sadly no dealers are listed in the states. Newbee Canton told me for the reference 9k to set the subs cross over at 60HZ. But why not futz with the crossover I think I will move it up to see how it sounds. |
