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Speakers replace or improve?

Hello,

In my home stereo I use pair of Polk Audio TSx 550T floor standing speakers connected to the YAMAHA A-S501BL amplifier, which is connected to the Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge.

The treble and mids are ok but the bass is very weak.

To make the speakers to produce some bass I reduce treble, reduce the Loudness setting  from Flat to -30db and turn volume to very high. But I live in a townhouse and can’t do that most of the time.

If possible I would like to increase the bass. I know that this question was asked many times and there is no universal solution. My home stereo is located in the small living room which practically doesn’t have a back wall because there is a big opening between the living room and the dining room.

I also have the Polk Audio PSW108 subwoofer but I don’t use it because there is no room for the sub in my living room. 

My questions are:

1. Can the Schiit Loki equalizer improve/increase the bass? Can I connect the Schiit Loki between the Fluance turntable and YAMAHA phone input without preamp?

2. Do I need to replace my speakers? Are there decent inexpensive (below $1500 a pair) speakers for a small room?

3. Can I use bi-amp option for my speakers? Do I need to buy a second amplifier for this option?

Thanks in advance for any answers and recommendations.

sukhenkoi
sukhenkoi OP
7 posts
 

I think you are wrong about Loudness control. Below is that the manual says about Loudness:

"Making it easier to hear the high- and low-frequency ranges even at low volume (LOUDNESS)

Enjoy natural sound even at low volume by lowering the mid-range sound level and compensating for the human ears’ loss of sensitivity to high- and low-frequency ranges at low volume.

sukhenkoi OP
7 posts
 

And I am not a self-described bass freak. I just want my sound to be balanced. I don't want to hear only highs and mids.

erik_squires
16,057 posts
 

Hey OP,

For a modest apartment you should have as much bass as you need, and indeed it sounds like you can get it, you are just afraid of the neighbors.

Check out the AM Acoustics room mode simulator and try to keep your speakers and listening location out of the lowest modes.

Is your room too reflective? A room with untreated walls will sound much brighter.

Also, be sure your woofers are actually working!! If the straps on the back get removed you may be missing their output.

soix
9,456 posts
 

So, your system sounds fine with CDs but just not with vinyl.  That would’ve been important info to have included in your original post dontcha think???  I wasted some time researching your issue for nothing because of this significant oversight on your part.  When you’re asking people to donate their valuable time to help you it’d be nice if you made the minimal effort to at least tell us the critical info we need to know.  Maybe keep this in mind for the next time you ask for help here.  Peace out.

deep_333
1,374 posts
 

I also have the Polk Audio PSW108 subwoofer but I don’t use it because there is no room for the sub in my living room. 

You are probably sitting right on top of a couple of strong modal nulls (the widthwise primary if you sit right in the widthwise middle...and it is probably coupled with a strong lengthwise, a heighwise, etc). In such scenarios, you will have very flaccid bass, no matter what speaker or amp you get (might as well sell everything and start dancing to imaginary music).

A subwoofer is also a modal treatment device, if placed and set up correctly. If you only have a single sub....try placing it nearfield around your couch. Tell wife that it's a stand for your beer to improve WAF.

 

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