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Need more slam! Help!

Hi all,

For the most part I am very happy with my current system. I’m still pretty new at the hobby, been about 3 years or so but in that time I feel that I’ve been able to cobble together a pretty nice system.
I currently have a vpi prime scout with an ortofon 2m black cartridge running to a musical surroundings phonomena to a rogue rp1 preamp, to rogue st90 amp and concluding with vandersteen model 3 signatures. Audioquest diamond back interconnects and kimbercable speaker wire.

First, here’s what I love about my setup - huge soundstage, really open and three dimensional. And this is probably what I find most exciting in home audio reproduction, I love feeling as if I’m looking at the stage from the third row and can pick out where everyone is, truly magic to have that feeling from the living room couch. I am pleased with the speed and accuracy of my system, it feels very articulate and controlled.
Now for what I’m yearning for, basically just more omph. I want a lot more snap on a snare hit, I want to feel the music more in a physical sense. I guess you could describe this as a more “live” sound but that’s not exactly what I mean. I really just want some more slam. Where should I be targeting, thinking power amp? Thanks in advance!
sammyshaps
sammyshaps's avatar
sammyshaps OP
44 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your replies. It seems so far consensus is adding a sub. I’m not opposed to that, and I’ll ask more questions down the line. I guess I’m curious what folks think about the amount of power I’m giving the vandersteens and if more would get me closer to what I’m after.

in terms of subs, I know nothing about them, would love recommendations below the 1.5k price point. Thanks! 
big_greg
6,724 posts
 
Look at Rythmik, very musical, good bang for the buck. Get the best sealed sub you can afford. Then add more when you can. 
erik_squires
16,892 posts
 
Of course, you could also move the speakers closer to the wall. :)
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 


definitely a sub set up - a pair of better rels, through high level connection, would be a great solution

maybe get a better ss phono stage like a lehmann or ayre - they can add some slam to the analog output

musical surroundings unit sounds nice but somewhat 'soft' as i recall
wlutke
744 posts
 
The 3a sigs are great. I feel you’re spot on about their strong points. Feed them power and they’ll go deep with live concert atmosphere and imaging. That’s their strength and I loved them for it. I found them to respond well to system upgrades but held back in the areas you’re looking at. I suggest conservative upgrades, enjoy what they do, move on or move up the line.
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