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 1 response by musicaddict

I admit to having breezed through but skimmed most of the responses.

My Odyssey Audio Kismet mono-blocks put new life into a pair of Raidho D2s, small floor-standers, than I thought possible with great response and fullness of body into the 30+ Hz realm and are superb while keeping all the detail as while as adding more, plus more air and openess.

Otherwise get a good DSP unit and enjoy a reasonable flat frequency response across the entire range (and enjoy your speakers so much more) or buy a decent subwoofer or more and dial them it to fit what you have now.

Those B&Ws should have plenty of bass on tap, you need to figure out why they are lossy. Others have given great ideas. Even an inexpensive decent used sub, dialed in properly might fix your issues.   Best of luck!