Interesting about 24/192 mqa. I was told I needed usb to get it, but maybe thats because I use a nucleus.
Sopra 2 Bass
New member, first post, and newbie in terms of diving into the world of nice things. This world is insane! I've already been spiraling for a few months researching what to buy, AB'ing countless speakers and amps. I now own a McIntosh MA9000 that's driving my new Focal Sopra N2s via Kimber 12VS. My "dilemma" is with the lack of BASS. I demoed the N2s, so I know it's possible, but absent in my home. I have to use the tone controls (this is where you tear me apart) to bump the low end. I do not know if it's my room, lack of bass traps, or equipment, but I'm failing to get down a little lower without tone adjustments. I stream Tidal Masters to my wired Bluesound NODE 2i (optical to the MA9000 dac). My room is 11'x20.5' with a low, 7.5' ceiling. I have tried as many speaker positions as possible with little change. I already know I need to eliminate room echo in the center of the room and have been researching various acoustic treatments. I feel like I'm off to a good start, but now stuck, not totally satisfied. Yes, it's the best I've ever owned and mind-blowing amazing, emotional, etc, but just short of perfect for me. In tracks where I expect a punch, I get an unmoving transition... Can I get "there" with different wire? Should I consider a sub? Why do folks on this site use two subs? Do I need to hire someone to properly sound-treat the room? Is my room a lost cause for what I own? Reaching out because I'm stuck, afraid to waste money chasing dead ends. My budget is thin after the McIntosh and Focals. Any help would be so appreciated! I hope to learn, grow and pay it forward some day. Thank you.
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Leaves me wondering what a clip sounds like vs something else...Im my experience when an amp clips you would hear that same pop of the driver hitting its excursion limits followed immediately by heavy distortion and lack of volume due to a blown driver. The amp it self would suffer no damage. Since I wasn't at your party and was unable to experience the volume level you were reproducing, it is impossible for me to know for sure, and I certainly do not want to contradict your dealer, but I've been in your shoes more times than I care to count, and I still think that there was a low end dynamic spike in that track and with you having the 25 Hz control and possibly the 50 Hz control adjusted were you do, that was just a little more low end power than that 7" driver wanted to see. Had it been the amp reaching its limit I think that driver would have been toasted, but again that is just my opinion. I'm also wondering it I should have been a bit more patient and waited for the MA-12000.Not sure why you think the MA12000 would work better. If you had run out of power with the MA9000 the fifty extra watts probably would not have bought you anything. You would more than likely need an amp that could deliver 600 watts or more if you are clipping a 300 watt amp. In short, I'm in it deep.I hear what you are saying (typing?) It's very easy to get sucked in. The best thing to do is just take a breath and relax. It sounds like you are enjoying what you have so no real need to rush. Figure out what you want to improve (sounds like you have) and proceed slowly. Do your homework. In my opinion, though it's not being asked for (too bad I'm giving it anyway) is that the improvement in DAC's in the next few years will be greater than the improvement is subs so unless you are extremely unhappy with what you have now, you might be better off upgrading that later. |
@audiorusty Definitely no distortion. The "pop" almost seemed like part of the track as the music was almost behind it and uninterrupted, if that makes sense? The sound is still pristine. No damage as far as I can tell. Next time, if there's a next time, I push past 60% I will have the tone control disabled and will be watching the power guard lights with my finger on the mute or volume control. Sorry, I should have elaborated. The MA12000 is more attractive, not just in looks, but having the newer DAC and tube pre-amp... I bet it just sounds better for the few extra $k. Regarding DACs, that's what I'm afraid of... the tech race. Been there done that with camera gear. I now have a dusty Canon 1Ds Mark III and tons of glass that I probably can no longer sell because I missed the value window. I blink and there are now several versions of the same glass and my cell phone takes nearly identical raw images... I would laugh if not for the tears. This hifi chase is already one filled with second guesses, returns, and the feeling I may never "get there". I not only need a seat belt, but a four point harness! (A sick bag would be nice too) Happy you're all on the same ride and helping me in so many ways. :) |
I also have the same speakers as you, and the lack of bass really bothered me as well. But then I added four Rel subs and that made all the difference. Now they sound absolutely stunning. Check out my setup here https://www.instagram.com/vinylxlifex |
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