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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.
128x128izjjzi
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allenf1963
371 posts
 
@izjjzi,

This was a very refreshing and rewarding post and thread to read this month.  I've enjoyed following "the enjoyment and discovery" you've had as a newcomer to the Audiophile World -- and I've especially enjoyed NOT seeing posts from the usual asswipes on this Forum that belittle newcomers relentlessly if they dare stray from their "always correct answers". 

Over the years, you will come to appreciate the impact your Sister-in-law made on your journey when she helped to get your wife "on board" during the listening session you described.  Buy her a bottle of good Bourbon...STAT!  She just made your future audio expansions and monetary outlays much easier during household budget meetings with your better half -- much easier.

Here's to your continued enjoyment! 
blancpain1
9 posts
 
I love the look and sound of the Sopra 2's, I listen primarily Classic Rock on the loud side via C2600 MC275 X2 Turntable 80% stream 20% via Tidal HiRes 20' X 20' room. The one drawback to the Sopra's is missing hard hitting bass, Mid-Range Best in class, Tweeter Excellent, Bass just so so for typically produced Rock. I'd suggest your system sounds great as is and your ears will adjust in a few months to their sound, yes the Sopra's will also open up a bit as you play them and the bass will become easier to drive and feel. By design with hard hitting Rock, you won't get the punch you feel with let's say a Klipsch Forte III or Cornwall (or many other hard hitting speakers) I mention these because I have them and love them for hard hitting room shaking rock, but they lack some of the detail Sopra's have but then again, this detail matters little with most of the rock I listen too. And when I say lack detail, trust me, its just to me most others are blown away with the detail. My system when I have the Forte's hooked up, is the reference system for my friends and they have some impressive systems, but its always my house when they get a new Lp or have found a new song streaming. For some reason, most of us music and system lovers are always searching for something better when in reality, most on this forum have super systems that sound great.......but we are always searching for better, that's why there are soooo many gimmicks that make people lots of money selling to us. Your comment when your friends/family were over and blown away says it all. Enjoy and Rock on! 
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
103 posts
 
@allenf1963 So this isn't how it always goes? Unfortunate, but I can roll with the punches if folks take a swing. Funny you mentioned Bourbon. We were sipping a special bottle of Angel's Envy last night. :)  Mission accomplished!

@arnoldo Not sure how your reply repeated six times? Sounded like a good move with the Loki to buy you time, and great point about being patient. I think others mentioned having a bit of patience as well. I rushed to judge the 4 and 2ohm taps vs the 8ohm. I rushed to purchase a streamer. Part of the rush is wanting to report back here asap. The other rush is to have all the components I need. The Node was not the solution for me. It was an uneducated, rushed purchase. It will not do USB out until possibly later this year via a firmware update. I will be selling the Node and getting something that supports streaming DSD to my McIntosh DA2, but so far that quest is showing me such a streamer is not cheap...

Is there anyone here that steams DSD to a McIntosh DAC? What is your streamer? I would love an Aurender or Innuous, but the price... I started with a high-end base, so maybe I have no choice but to go high-end? My budget is now thin since deciding to step-up to the MA-12000.
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
103 posts
 
@blancpain1 Appreciate the story and you are spot-on. I do love the current sound and am seeking perfection. Is it good enough as-is? Probably. I just know I can do a little more and be really happy. A few more components (steamer and maybe a power conditioner) and I will be happy. Once I have a complete system steaming the source I want, I will then resume treating the room and seeing where I can get in terms of bass. This post has lead me down a methodical path, a fun trek that I must not rush. 
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