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Enhancing low frequencies for my system

Hi.This is Mike S. Here is a master listing of my current components: 
 
My components:
Vandersteen Speakers 3A Signature
2 2W Vandersteen Subs
Border Patrol DAC
Bluesound
Cambridge Transport CXC
McCormick Deluxe DNA 0.5
Modwright SWL 9.0 Anniversary Edition preamp with added phono preamp
Rega P3 table with Elys cartridge

I’m currently looking for and need ideas for enhancing my low frequencies with my current system.  I wish to have a “Phatter” sound stage.  My idea is to add a separate preamp with a remote control and power amplifier including two additional subs with crossover to compliment my current subs that are not as much bass as bass as I prefer.  I appreciate any thoughts & ideas that you may have.Thank you so much for your time & experience, Mike S. 
mjschwartzman
sgordon1
444 posts
 
I would not spend more money on more equipment: +1.

Have you paid attention to cabling, vibration control of components,
subs and speakers?

Absolutely, room acoustics are likely involved.
What happens when you move your speakers more towards
the rear wall?  Moving your seating position forward can
"take out some of the room," reducing the influence of 
the room on what you hear.

Do you have a lot of rugs, big sofas, other speakers in
the room?  Try "less is more" approach.

Reread "Get Better Sound" by Jim Smith?
mcreyn
293 posts
 
I have to agree. I had a set of 3a Sigs for a while and they had amazingly tight and plentiful bass, nearly as deep as my Velodyne ULD-12s (pair) and “tighter” sounding. Richard Vandersteen is a bit of a bass whore, and with the 3a + twin 2wqs, you should have plenty.

I agree with look at your setup. Either you equiptment is set up wrong, you need to move your sub or seating position, or your room has severe acoustical issues. Regardless, a change in equiptment is not going to fix it (unless you are looking to do 120+ db at 20hz, then you will need some huge subs like Seaton Sound).  
erik_squires
16,353 posts
 
Bass Traps
DSP based EQ
Placement

These are a few of my favorite things. 
gdnrbob
4,458 posts
 
OP, I would contact a Vandy dealer and have him/her check your setup.
If you are near NYC, Johnny Rutan would be the man to ask.
I owned the 3a sigs, and the 2w subs and while I never needed super bass, they always sounded full.
Bob
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Isolate the source, obviously. Unless you have something against slam and bass extension.
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