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What to do in my situation...

I'm using some older equipment and have Alon II MK2 speakers and an Acurus DIA-150 Integrated amp driving them. I generally like the sound quality, but would like a little more bottom end. I've read good reviews about the bass qualities on the Alons, so I'm wondering if I just need more power to drive them or if a separate subwoofer would be a better solution?

The problem with the DIA-150 is that there are no line outs to drive another amp or a subwoofer, so if I went the subwoofer route, I'd have to use the high-level outs. Is this a bad solution sound-wise? Anyone had success pairing a sub with the Alons using high-level outs?

The Alons are bi-ampable, but again since there are no line outs, I don't think there's another way to add an amp to this setup that wouldn't involve a large cash outlay?
oenophile
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
placement of the Alons may be part of the problem but you are apparently limited in placement options. try moving the speakers even a little bit and see if your impression changes.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
You've got a lot of issues here. As a former Alon II and Alon V owner, I would suggest:

Even if just for an hour, try remove the discs from under the spikes, and see if it makes a difference. Better yet replace those cheesy spikes with something better(not getting into brand names here).

All the room/placement suggestions are good. These are very sensitive to placeement. If you are limited in where you can put the speakers, don't forget to experiment moving your seat. Even a few inches will make a difference in what room modes are picked up by your ears. Frequencies get cancelled out in certain spots depending on reflections in the room. If you get a spl meter you can easily see this for yourself with any test tone CD.

As for the gear itself, Alons were voiced for tube amps. They don't need tons of power. They do need clean power, and although I have always liked Aragon/Acurus stuff, you will probably get better satisfaction with a tube amp.

Spending on a sub, and the integration issues there are exactly the wrong way to go. Money out the window; you will end up with bass at too high a musical cost. You've got some problems that will take a little work, but you can solve this. Cheers,

Spencer
oenophile OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I tried moving the speakers out from the wall a bit, and it didn't seem to do much for the bass. Wondering whether the factory spikes were useless, I took them off and placed the speakers directly on the floor. Big mistake, as it didn't improve the low-end at all and made the midbass sound cheap and boomy. The factory spikes do seem a bit cheesy...any suggestions for more solid spikes/cups or rounded cones that won't dig into the hardwood floors?
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
edensound, audiopoints, walkeraudio validpoints/discs. There are lots of options out there. I've used all 3 to great effect in various situations. Given your budget, I'd consider radiused Bearpaws from Edensound.

BTW, to increase bass, you would move the speakers closer to the wall. Unfortunately, this negatively affects imaging and soundstage.

Before spending big on anything, get a test cd and a sound meter, and try to figure out what your room is doing. That will make things much easier for you. Cheers,
Spencer
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