Help wanted: Bass!


I’m in need of augmenting the bass in my system. I’m the old school type and would rather NOT go the sub route.

My system and environment:
• Pre:   Conrad Johnson Premier 16LS
• Pwr:   Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono Blocks
• Pwr Condtnr: Shunyata Hydra
• Speakers: Tannoy Kensingtons
• Cabeling: Stealth PGS IC’s, Vandenhull Bi-wire Speaker wiring
• Sources: Conrad Johnson DV-2B CD Player, SOTA Star w/SME arm w/Grado cart, Magnum Dynalab Tube Tun 
• Music:   Classic Rock, Easy listening, Female Jazz singers, Classical
• Room:   Big (25 X 30) w/cathedral ceiling. Harwood floors/ceiling and big glass windows. Rugs and furniture

Came across the Emerald Physics Bass Manager claims to add 1/2 octave of bass to any speaker. IYO, could that be a solution? Are there similar helpers like this out there? Not much in the budget (about $500) for a near-term purchase. Could double that for a longer-term.

Again, not wanting to go the sub route unless I have too. Can’t do room treatments or alter room configuration (it’s our living room) either.

Any thoughts/suggestions will be greatly appreciated – thank you!

rbschauman
More excellent posts with advice to a technical level - love it!

Greatly appreciated gentlemen. I certainly feel that I've taken a big leap today in acquiring the needed know how on how to confront and resolve this issue. 

Kindest regards,
Randy
 
Honestly, while I love well-tuned subs, in your case would avoid subs at all cost, because you don't want to do any room treatment.  The deeper in the rooms response you go the more chances you'll have to make the room ring like a bell, and then subs get a bad rep for not being as detailed, not being as good, whatever, compared to the mains.

Your single best bet, after the amp taps, is to measure, and EQ appropriately.

If you said you had flexibility of sub woofer placement, were willing to consider some soffit traps, and began with an EQ in the picture, then subwoofers would be a direction I'd suggest.  Otherwise go ahead, I'll just show up with popcorn.... :)

Best,

Erik
I just read that the ports also on the Kensingtons are side firing,, make sure they have room to do their thing, and again try the different output taps on the CJ 12's this is where the bass drive, control and bloom will be affected the most. 

Cheers George
rbschauman ... 

Here are some room treatments for folks who don't want intrusive room treatments. They solidify the bass, extend the highs and give you a more focused sound stage. Amazing product.  

http://highend-electronics.com/products/sr-hft-high-frequency-transformer

Get the 10 pack and place them according to the directions in the package. The 10 pack will get you right on your budget. The difference they make is NOT subtle. 

Nothing to lose with a 30 day, full refund, return policy.

OP