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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
james633
1,047 posts
 
The lack of bass does not surprise me. The speaker’s bass drops like a rock after 50hz and steps down pretty hard even after 100hz (link below). Room gain will be very room dependent. Some rooms might even make it worse not better. 

I think izjjzi should measure the room at the listening chair. Does not have to be anything fancy. Even a DB phone app and a streamed test tone album would give you a good idea of the room. 

https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1445:nrc-meas...
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
103 posts
 
@james633 I reached out to REL regarding their pairing tool's recommendation of the S/812 and to get their thoughts on going with a pair of lower model subs. They have articles using the Sopra 3 as a real world example and they have photos of Sopras as well in some of their configuration examples. I am a bit skeptical regarding having more than one sub off of my integrated. Is there a difference to justify the cost? Thank you for the link. Explains why I've had to use the tone controls and bump the 25 and 50!

@ozzy The floor is berber rug over concrete. I have had the Sopras everywhere in the room, which is 11x20.5. I do not have the feet down or own platforms, but I do have the Townshend platforms on my list of options. I am not using these for home theater. My components are on wood, dampened with rubber gaskets. I will be updating my photos soon so people can see the rack.

I'm convinced the sub route is going to get me to bliss. I just want to get it right.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,531 posts
 
Wooden floors will give the impression of more bass than a concrete floor.

ozzy
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
103 posts
 
Pulled the trigger on the REL Carbon Special. This is after a few more days of back and forth with REL, more videos and reading than I care to admit. Almost went with the 212/sx, but it might be too much for my room. I know it's not two subs or a linear array, but it will be a massive upgrade and could be what I need to be happy and lastly focus on a streaming solution. I can always add a second down the road in this marathon of marathons. Maybe It wouldn't be as fun if it were a sprint where money was no object? This is what I tell myself anyway, haha. I will have 30 days with it and a no questions asked return policy. Can't go wrong. Full report once it arrives. 
james633
1,047 posts
 
You will like the sub it will make a big difference. One sub can sound fine but it is a little harder to work with to get smooth bass. Two subs is much easier to get flat bass in room. But with a single sub you should be able to find a spot that gives you smooth bass for a single seat at least. 
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