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Would like to get more bass out of my B&W 801 series 2 speakers

Hello,

I've been forum diving about ways people improve their music listening experience.   So many directions to choose from, I'm looking advice which will give the most bang for the buck given my situation.

Years ago I was visiting a friend who had these same exact speakers, and I went on a quest for my own pair.   His setup had a *more rich sound*, but he is no longer with us for me to pick his brain.   Don't know anything about how he was driving the speakers.

In general I think the current setup gives me good detailed sound, but probably a little thin in the bass.   Might be because of my listening levels (low to moderate).    I wouldn't call the mid/high frequencies warm, but they aren't harsh either...   which was a concern with the class D amp.   I'd characterize them as clean and detailed.  

What I'd really like to do is bring out the low frequencies to join the party.

 

 

Environment:
massive, 32x40 with vaulted ceilings.    Lots of windows.

Hardware:
B&W 801 S2
- on the original casters
- crossovers modified via the common Van Alstine mod 
NAD C298 amplifier
- some decent biwire speaker cables
NAD C658 streaming DAC 
-  balanced xlr interconnects
Rotel CD player

 

What I listen to:
I listen to a wide assortment of music, this morning I went from classical to jazz...   but usually I listen to rock/blues/reggae.   You name it I listen to it.

 


 

Things I have considered:

- buy/build stands for the speakers.
- try out different amp(s)
        there are a pair of GFA555 series 1 available locally (bi-amp?) 
        lots of folks recommend the Classe delta line

 

 

 

Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance!

chessie
chessie OP
9 posts
 

Best I can do right now is provide this link to a picture:

 

https://imgur.com/a/MNjPTb6

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
231 posts
 

IMO, you need waaay more power to dig out the bottom two octaves in that big room.  Look for a very high current (high damping factor also) class A/B amp.  

chessie OP
9 posts
 

Would the Adcom GFA555 fall into this category?   They seem to have a decent reputation in the power department.    

erik_squires
16,345 posts
 

Just saw your picture.  Your best option is to treat your ceiling and bring your speakers out from against the wall if at all possible, otherwise treat wall directly behind with as thick absorbers you can afford.

The ceiling is going to substitute a little for the other treatments you can't place.   Normally you don't have to do that much with the ceiling, but in your case you may use it somewhat to reduce the overall reflectiveness of the room.  Also the entertainment center between the speakers is not helping you. 

Try blankets/pillows in between the speakers, and behind to get an idea of where you want to spend money in treatment options.  They are free and can help you get a feel for what choices will work for you.

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
231 posts
 

The Adcom GFAs (aka GreatF&ckingAmp) were good in the day but they are very, very old and would need to be recapped etc.  Is it worth it?  Will they be reliable?  Questionable at best.  Look for something more modern, and good bang for the buck, like a Hegel H30 or better yet the H30A.  Should be plenty of power and pair well with your excellent speakers.  

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