Foam plugs for Proac Response 3.8?


I just bought a minty pair of Proac Response 3.8s here on Audiogon, and am finding that the bass is overloading my 13 x 28' room. Because of the way the room is set up, I need to listen in the short dimension (speakers positioned along the long dimension on either side of the fireplace), in about a 10' triangle.

The bass is a little too strong, and I can't move the speakers further away from the wall (about 2' of clearance now) as they're already in the nearfield.

Would putting a bit of light foam in the double ports help tone down the bass, or do I need to go with a smaller speaker?

P.S. I'm driving them with an Audio Research Vsi60 integrated with the new KT120s.

Thanks for any help and advice.
bob_rodgers
Thanks for the responses, 'goners.

To answer your questions:
-Tpreaves, yes - it'd be an easy thing to try.

-Nicotico, I suppose you could call my room sparsely furnished, but it does have heavy drapes behind the listening position, a carpeted area, chairs, etc. I've had smaller speakers work better (i.e., other Proacs, Spendor, Sonus Faber) but not provide the low end I seek. The best shot was a system comprised of a Graff integrated driving Proac D25, supplemented with an REL Strata III sub.

-Dopogue, I always tighten up the drivers when I buy a pair of speakers, but have neglected to do it this time around. I'm on it!

-Brf, Great idea. I'm a cyclist and drummer and have used the blue Locktite for a number of uses. I'll try it on the driver bolts.

Thanks to all!

-Bob R
Have u tried pulling them out by another foot?...for a total of 3' from the wall. You should pick up a little more definition on the soundstage and the bass will diminish a little. Good luck.
Sparks-
They are already such a large speaker with spread-out drivers, I'd think that they're probably not designed to work in the nearfield. Bringing them out another foot would place them about 8-9' from the listener and 3' from the back wall. I suppose I can try it, but they'd certainly be intruding into the room.

Thanks for the helpful tip, Helosie!
-B
Wondering what you did to solve the issue. Were you ever happy with the bass response?

Thanks,
Josh