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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
denverfred's avatar
denverfred
252 posts
 
stuartk: Before you get involved in all the expense and to-do of all the good suggestions so far, are you using AC conditioning and upgraded AC cables? Both will really affect bass definition. Especially in multi-unit buildings. Even if you do all of the things suggested here, you’ll still need to upgrade cables to maximize the system.
stuartk OP
2,429 posts
 
@denverfred:

I live in a single family home in a rural area where each house has its own transformer. I've tried power conditioning and noticed no improvement. I do have upgraded power cables. I suppose I could upgrade them even further. 


Otherwise, this morning I toed speakers in considerably more than I'd tried before (approx 26 degrees total) and this definitely helped. 


kymanor1
45 posts
 
the amp
aubreybobb
86 posts
 
Hilde 45

Good footers for your speakers will decouple the speakers from the room. You will get crisp bass and way smoother mids and highs. 

I think when speakers are coupled to the floor the floor itself acts as a radiating body.  But I'm no techie and not sure this is the reason why the improvement is so major.  

I know it's not intuitive, but critical mass systems make great stuff and I trust them.  I can vouch for what worked for me.  Check out the reviews. 
stuartk OP
2,429 posts
 
@kymanor1:

What amp would you suggest?

I've spoken to Jeff Wells who said the bass performance of my majestic could be improved via upgrades. 

@Hilde456:

Thanks for the suggestion. I see there are currently 4 for sale used for $1750.  Even if I could find another 4 for the same price, that's $3500. I can see putting that sum towards a new amp but am (justifiably or not) resistant to spending that kind of money on footers. 
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