Ok I am going to throw out an option not yet considered... Due to the fact you listen a low levels, could the lack of apparent bass be due to the lack of appropriate low frequency equalization to make up for the low levels you listen? Think of the fletcher-munson curves and consider adding in some active equalization via DSP. Tweaking the response with some eq would go a long way towards resolving the issue. Given that you listen at low levels you probably are not using up the potential your current amplifier provides. That leaves headroom within the amplifiers performance envelope to apply some equalization. It will go a long way towards solving your issues with no real downside. If it turns out that you are pushing the amplifier beyond its comfort zone, you would likely already be aware of it. Also, you might want to verify that both speakers are wired in phase. Its so easy to make that mistake and cheap to fix. Taming the room reflections will clean up the 'smearing' of the sound that occurs with to many hard surfaces. Curtains, carpet, all will help. Hanging a decorative tapestry on the wall might help too. There are many ways to experiment with taming a bad room and I am sure you can make some headway by just experimenting with things you already own without spending money. Money of course fixes a lot of things, but there are other avenues to explore before resorting to that.
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!