I went through this bass problem and solution this year. I did investigate some. The DBA double-bass array did seem to solve a lot of the problems, but I just could not implement that many drivers in my room. Based on my experiences, there are actually a couple things that are required for good deep bass:
- Power supply in source/preamp (and even amp) components.
- Acoustics / standing waves problems.
The power supply capability in source/DAC will absolutely contribute to deep/tight/strong bass. The dac/preamp may sound good, but unless it has a massively sized power supply, it will just not be able to push those very large waveforms. I have seen discrete Class A preamps that the manufacturer has just tossed a couple 3200uf caps in and called it a day. A good example is Krell KAV-280p and Bryston BDA-2. Both have undersized power supplies, in my opinion. You really need something like 20,000uf for Class A circuits. The Oppo BDP-105 has a decent power supply (2 x 6800uf), but remember it is using conventional op amps (not Class A). This is not the whole story however. Avoid gold-plated or silver-plated components if you want deep/tight/strong bass. This is where rhodium plated elements can be your friend (power cords, interconnects, even fuses when applied conservatively and properly).
The other problem is, of course, problems with standing waves in small rooms. I went through a bass tuning exercise this year and I actually now have 14 (counted them) 2’ x 4’ bass panels. Six Owens 2" 703FRK, four 2" Roxul Rockboard 80, two GIK Monster Bass Traps with Flexrange Limiter, and two limp-mass bass panels tuned to 63 hz. All are covered with Guilford fabric except for the limp mass. I plan to add two more limp-bass bass panels tuned to 50Hz.
The bass is significantly (night and day) deeper and stronger that it was before at my listening position. I also no longer feel like my ears are compressed in a vacuum (due to over pressure at some frequencies). It is a enormously better situation. I made all bass panels myself except for the GIK. I think I spent less than $1200 total.
Acoustics is very important here. However, if the deep/tight bass is not there from the source/preamp, you are not going to get it by adding bass treatments.
I will say that the GIK monster bass trap with the FlexRange limiter is an exceptional product if you are looking for a broad-band bass trap. The limiter panel increases bass absorption without sucking the life out of the mid/high frequencies. Positioning is important as this may work better in some areas.
