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Bass Issues

I have an Arcam SA-20 integrated amp, B&W CM5 speakers and an SVS SB1000 sub. I previously had 20 yr. old B&W DM602 speakers. I sold them. The 602's 7" drivers were great with bass but lacked in other areas. The CM's (6.5" driver) are much better in midrange and treble but I'm having trouble getting the bass dialed in. They can get a little boomy and lack a clean drum punch like the 602's had.

I've got them 26" from the rear wall and am using the outer foam plugs in the ports. You can plug the entire port or take out the middle part and just use the sleeve. I've spent days inching the stands around, toed in, not toed in. I was using an AVR as a preamp with the 602's so I had crossover capability. With the Arcam I don't. I'm a little lost without that feature. The CM's sound best when I can cross them over at 80Hz. Do I have options to manage bass like an outboard crossover or something else?
128x128brian_holmes
andrewkelley
271 posts
 
They probably just need to break in 
chrismini's avatar
chrismini
62 posts
 
Just buy some headphones, a decent DAC, and a decent amp. The hell with acoustics.
brian_holmes's avatar
brian_holmes OP
45 posts
 
Top shelf advice chrismini. Moving on.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Disconnect the bass section on mains?

YES, the problem would be could you produce enough Mid Bass 100-250-300 hz range.

Again, if your not squeamish (purest) about an EQ, or inserting an active OX (300.00 usd) like a Behringer 2496 in between the signal path.  That will cure it all very quick, with ALL the goodies, DSP, on the fly correction, la-te-da.. Then you can do what ever you like.. MAGIC..

Regards
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello brian_holmes,

     It seems like you're receiving some elaborate advice on possible solutions.  I just thought I should chime in again and let you know it's highly unlikely that any drastic action, such as disconnecting the bass section on your main speakers, will be required.
     The most elaborate possible solution I would suggest you even contemplate trying is utilizing a pair of subs rather than just one. If your budget is low, however, I would suggest trying the possible solutions that cost the least or nothing first.  For example, my earlier advice to try repositioning your existing sub utilizing the 'sub crawl' method.
     Please resist taking any elaborate. drastic or costly action at this point in your search for a viable solution.

Tim 
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