2. misc-audio
  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
erik_squires
16,104 posts
 
Given you have said no to any room treatment then what you most need is an EQ and/or room correction (which is an EQ with an algorithm).

All other equipment will PALE in comparison to what you can achieve with even a mediocre EQ, and I can't tell you how often people are astonished at the results. 

I recommend the miniDSP units, some of which have digital in/digital out (with bandwidth limits) or ROON if you want to measure and correct yourself.

Everything else is in the range of "what fuse should I buy" improvements.  Good luck with that approach.
stuartk OP
2,831 posts
 
@eriksquires:

I'm not opposed to such an approach but do all the miniDSP units include a DAC?  I very much doubt the DAC in a $250 device is going to equal my Aqua. 
invalid
1,193 posts
 
http://www.thebestamp.com/Active_Crossovers_ASXs/ASX-103.php


This unit uses your current speakers and may fix your problem, it's got great user reviews. At least give him a call and find out what he has to say.
stuartk OP
2,831 posts
 
@invalid:

That looks interesting. I'd prefer to avoid tubes, though. 

sgreg1
612 posts
 
In my experience with the same issue I made two changes that helped. Upgraded power cords to my amps and then added a power conditioner. I was skeptical at the thought but after the upgrades it only required one min of listening the hear the difference. The bass was clean and tight the muddy sound was gone. Even bad recordings benefited from the upgrade. 
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