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  3. 169510-13640

Which component to upgrade to improve bass control?

Adding Symposium shelves and rollerblocks to my monitor (Silverline SR17.5) equipped system definitely helped but bass is still not nearly as controlled as I'd like.

Until we move into a different house where I can have a dedicated room for audio, I cannot use subs or add panels, traps, etc. to the room.  

So, I'm left with the possibility of upgrading a component but I have no idea whether my integrated (Wells Majestic), transport (Sim Moon 260) or DAC (Aqua La Voce S2) might be the best candidate for upgrading.

DAC UPGRADE ?
Are R2R ladder DACs simply weak in this area?  Searching the threads, I found a reference to DAC power supplies having a strong influence re: bass control but I lack the technical expertise to utilize this fact. Please keep in mind that I do not enjoy DACs that prioritize resolution above all.  

TRANSPORT UPGRADE ?
Would replacing the Moon transport with say, the new Pro-ject CD Box RS2 T be a better choice? 

INTEGRATED UIPGRADE ?
Would an amp with more grunt be the best choice?

I can only upgrade one of these at this point.
Budget:
Integrated: 5K
Transport: 3.5K
DAC: 5K
stuartk
stuartk OP
2,967 posts
 
 @hshifi:

Not sure why you say "besides the obvious of a better pre-amp and DAC". Care to share your rationale for these assertions?  Noone lese in this thread has suggested a different DAC would offer more controlled bass. 

I've tried power conditioning and it had zero effect. I live in a rural area  where each home has its own transformer. 
stuartk OP
2,967 posts
 
@hilde45:

"The proposal by hshifi — a better preamp, DAC, plus power conditioner, power cords, and a ground master — sound like throwing quite a lot of money at a much more fundamental problem. I'd bet an amount equal to their full cost that they would not help the issues you describe"

I agree! 
stuartk OP
2,967 posts
 
@gormdane:

Thanks for your input. Unfortunately, I don't have much flexability in shifting my listening chair laterally. I have tried moving chair forwards and back and have not noticed any difference. I guess that suggests my listening chair is in a bad location, period. 


stuartk OP
2,967 posts
 
@gosta:

Thanks. Yes-- I'm beginning to suspect DSP may be the only solution, in my case. 

@pacoinmass: 

What you suggest sounds fairly technical but I could possibly get a friend to help. 

@ elliottbnewcombjr:

No-- I haven't spoken with Alun Yun. I've had the speakers for about 15 years, now. 
stuartk OP
2,967 posts
 
@elliotnewcombjr:

Silverline is within driving distance, so I could take them over to Alan and have him listen to them. Hadn't thought of that option. 

I bought the speakers used from a guy who'd tried them in his recording studio for just a few hours and decided they weren't sufficiently neuitral for his purposes. 
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