2. amps-preamps
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Amp quality / Slam

I need some help with my amp set up. I currently have a theater/2ch stereo set-up, and I'm not pleased with the "size" of the sound being delvered when I listen to 2ch music. I have a Marantz mm9000 bi-amped/ bi-wired to my main speakers and the 5th channel powers the center ch. when I'm watching movies. I'm looking for that powerful, full sound that hits you when playing music at higher volume. Right now I feel like the sound is not as clean or crisp as I would like. I'm not a metal head, (although I do love AC/DC)in fact I listen to reggae and jazz most of the time. I'm wondering if the problem is the amp? I know its not the speakers, the have great range and can deliver in the right environment. The amp delivers 150w per ch., so I have a total of 300w going to each.....I'm just not as blown away as want to be. HELP!!!
mhubbard
mhubbard OP
86 posts
 
Ok, more detail on my set-up..

The speakers are the new Cambridge Soundworks T500's, they have a built in powered sub and are bi-wireable. My room is 13ft wide and 19ft long and the celing is 8ft , however the listening area is aprox 10ft from the two main speakers. The speakers are floor standing units, spaced about 6ft apart.
EQUIPMENT:
Alesis Masterlink CD Player/hard disk recorder (connected to)
MSB Link DAC3 (connected to)
Sunfire Theater Grand 2 Preamp
Marantz mm9000 5ch amp 150w X5 (front and center ch.)
ADCOM 5400 2ch amp 125w X2 (rear Surrounds)

CD,DAC,Preamp powered through PS Audio Power Plant 300, connected to PS Audio Ultimate Outlet (20 amp.) from wall socket.

All connection wire is Tara Labs RSC Prime
Speaker wire is Monster Z series
estrnad's avatar
estrnad
117 posts
 
Check once again for proper wiring polarity; if one woofer is out of phase, say goodbye to slam. Use a test CD if available, or just trace wires from amp to speakers.
ALSO, take out the PS Audio Ultimate Outlet. Having used one myself, I found it did bad things to my amps' sound. The PP300 is enough. Plug your amps straight into the wall.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
dynamics issue? Are you using (I see no mention of) upgrade AC cords? If not then you need to experiment with some good cords. Other tweaks that can help to enhance dynamics: cones, shelving, Vibrapods, preferrably all placed under your source component in a sandwich stack but again experimentation is required to determine what will work best in your own particular application.
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