Wilson Alexia 2 lacking some bass


Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out for advice on fine-tuning my system, as I'm noticing a minor lack of low-end response that seems unusual given the capabilities of my speakers.

Here’s the current setup:

  • Speakers: Wilson Alexia 2, positioned on spikes per the WASP guide
  • Amplification: Nagra HD mono amps
  • Digital Source: DCS Rossini Apex with DCS Rossini Clock
  • Server: Antipodes Oladra
  • Cabling: Shunyata Omega throughout
  • Room Dimensions: Approximately 20 x 15 ft

I’m wondering if the amps may not be the ideal match or if further adjustments to the speaker placement could help resolve this. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

greenspyder718

Two possibilities. One already mentioned, position in room. There are spots where base is poor or even almost doesn't exist. This is purely a factor of room dimensions and speaker position  in the room. Unfortunately the position for best mids and/or imaging are often not good positions for deep bass.

Second what do you base the lack of bass on? Is it measurement or listening to sources or even test records? How loud do you listen. Our ears roll off in the bass in relation to loudness. Our ears are flat around 100 dB(way too loud for ear health). Below that level the bass loss is because of ear roll off. And the roll off is extreme. I'm lazy and don't feel like looking it up but I recall 20 Hz being over around 15 dB at 80dB level(still loud for long term listening). Before the adoption of minimal controls we had things like bass controls and loudness controls to try to compensate for our ear response.

I’ve got almost the same setup with Alexia 2 and Rossini Apex but with Boulder preamp and amp. The bass is terrific. In fact, I replaced B&W 802d3 which were anemic. The Alexia has amazing bass. 

Great system.  Maybe the Alexa’s are to far from the front wall?.

Just a thought.

@greenspyder718, does the minor low-end lack you describe show up throughout the room, or only in the listening position? 

Is your 20 x 15 foot room open into any other rooms?

Can you describe approximately where the speakers are relative to the nearby walls? 

Thanks!

 

I owned Alexia2 for almost one year and just traded in for AlexiaV this week. In my experience Wilsons are never lack of bass response (not sure you meant 40hz deep bass or 80-100hz mid bass, and not sure you meant lack of bass volume or dynamics ?)  also how large is your listening area that the amp+speakers can fill with enough power ? 

I would try to move the speakers 1/4inch at a time, towards the front wall and see if it helps. Another thing I tried is to take away the grilles of bass drivers and it should give you 5% more dynamics or punch feel. 
 

I am not familiar with the preamp you are using , but another way to try is to adjust the gain on your preamp and see if that helps.