Would like to get more bass out of my B&W 801 series 2 speakers


Hello,

I've been forum diving about ways people improve their music listening experience.   So many directions to choose from, I'm looking advice which will give the most bang for the buck given my situation.

Years ago I was visiting a friend who had these same exact speakers, and I went on a quest for my own pair.   His setup had a *more rich sound*, but he is no longer with us for me to pick his brain.   Don't know anything about how he was driving the speakers.

In general I think the current setup gives me good detailed sound, but probably a little thin in the bass.   Might be because of my listening levels (low to moderate).    I wouldn't call the mid/high frequencies warm, but they aren't harsh either...   which was a concern with the class D amp.   I'd characterize them as clean and detailed.  

What I'd really like to do is bring out the low frequencies to join the party.

 

 

Environment:
massive, 32x40 with vaulted ceilings.    Lots of windows.

Hardware:
B&W 801 S2
- on the original casters
- crossovers modified via the common Van Alstine mod 
NAD C298 amplifier
- some decent biwire speaker cables
NAD C658 streaming DAC 
-  balanced xlr interconnects
Rotel CD player

 

What I listen to:
I listen to a wide assortment of music, this morning I went from classical to jazz...   but usually I listen to rock/blues/reggae.   You name it I listen to it.

 


 

Things I have considered:

- buy/build stands for the speakers.
- try out different amp(s)
        there are a pair of GFA555 series 1 available locally (bi-amp?) 
        lots of folks recommend the Classe delta line

 

 

 

Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance!

chessie

Showing 2 responses by amtprod

Just wanted to add to the thoughts of Adcom GFA-555 amps.
As stated, they are old, but they can be easily and affordably modernized.  I did exactly this with my old Musical Concepts 555, (dual mono), and it is a world better.
I would think for the investment, the 'best' would be TWO 555's, bridged to drive each speaker. 
I see 555's in perfect order for $400.  For another $400 you have a nearly totally new amp that sounds incredible and reliable for another 2 decades. 

https://hoppesbrain.com/product/adcom-gfa-555-mk2-input-board/

Oh my gosh I was just thinking about your set up yesterday! 
My subwoofer sort of buzzes the floor under it's square feet and I remembered Herbies Dots and thought "I need to just get some fat dots.....oh wait what ever happened to that guy and his B&W speakers!?!?!"
I am -SO GLAD- you are going the route with the refurbished Adcom 555!!!

Is Jon Morris doing the refurbishment?!  If yes, PLEASE tell him I say hello and his amp is still AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!  I brag all the time about it.  Doing the Bi-amping is going to be amazing for your set up!  And those stands...man they are substantial huh?!  What is the final height of things then?
So happy for you!  Keep us/me posted on how it all progresses!!

~alan