Integrated Question

Scott, 

I also have the same Modwright and just got a Rel subwoofer to help with my large listening room. Exceptional amp with a great phono stage. Still trying to find the perfect speakers to match with them. But the more I listen the less I want to change amps. Next time you are in Chucktown send me a pm. Maybe you could listen to my system for comparison. Joe

@amboguzzi Wrote:

I have the subs set for @70Hz. Room 13x19.

I would try it @80 Hz!

Mike

The Bel Canto Black EX has high and low pass filters, a definite plus for controlling subs.

I’ve never owned or heard any Totem speakers but some internet sleuthing seems to show that, according to the manufacturer, the speakers have a minimum  impedance of 6 ohms.  That doesn’t seem to be a hard speaker to drive.  The trouble shooting guide suggests to check the speaker connection polarity if bass or imaging is an issue.  Maybe take some room measurements using a mic and software to see if you’re sitting in a null space.  My mic cost $100 (Umik-1) and the REW software is free.  I had one room with no treatment that had bass nulls where I was sitting but plenty of bass stacked up at the front and back walls.  My new room has been treated some and it helped clean up bass response.  However, I’ve taken some measurements that show a bump around 40-50Hz so there is more to do.  All that said I know you can’t treat your room but getting a good idea of what your room is doing before you spaff $$$$ on a new SS integrated might be worth the effort.  Once you know what the room is doing speaker placement tweaks might help as well.  Also, it’s only one 6.5” driver so are you possibly expecting more than what the speaker can reasonably be expected to deliver?

I had the Modwright 225i. It had a nice midrange sound but NO bass to speak of. I had to crank it up to 80% volume to get anything out of it. The speakers were Acoustic Zen Crescendo Mark 2. MAYBE I could have kept experimenting with different speakers etc. At 90% DB on the Crescendos, this amp should have played loudly. I was never more disappointed with a piece of gear. I did speak with another owner of the 225i who felt the same way. I hope this thread fleshes out the problem I had and vindicates the Modwright.