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Want More Bass

Got a new Rogue Audio tube amp and preamp. (88 and 66 magnum). Used to have a solid-state integrated that seemed to have more bass output. Now, with my speakers (and these components), I long for deeper bass. (My current speaker's bass response is rated at 50hz.) My previous experience with a tube integrated also seemed light in the bass at lower volumes. I listen more at lower volumes than at higher volumes.

So... what are my options:

1. find a new speaker that goes deeper? if so, what is recommended? Budget $3000 max. Needs to be a slim tower design due to room constraints. (Room is 11x17 and speakers are on the 17' wall. Music preference is mostly indie rock, small group jazz and electronica.)

2. add a sub? the preamp has two outs, so I could use interconnects from the preamp. if so, what is recommended. Budget for a sub would be sub $1500.

3. Other suggestions?

Thanks all for your help.
vertewax
vertewax OP
18 posts
 
Thanks all. I AM fearful of the sub-speaker integration difficulty. My speakers are Linn's and I don't want to spend the $ on the Linn Sizmik sub. I like the REL Strata III sub, but am thinking that a full-range pair of speakers might be a better way to go. (I'd rather not deal with the cabling either.) I really could go either way but which is easier and which is better... I really hate fussing!

Was thinking of the following: Vandersteen 2CE sigs (but they may be too wide physically).

Rogue recommends the Vandersteens. In Montreal last month I heard them and many other good things running on tubes, such as: Verity Audio, Focus Audio, Meadowlark Audio.

I do, however, find it hard to belive that my pre-amp could be at issue... I did a lot of research and never heard about any complaints with the low-end output of the sixty-six.
drewfidelity
178 posts
 
If you happy with the sound of your speakers as they are aside from a desire for greater lower frequency response my suggestion would be for you to add a quality subwoofer to your present system. I have owned Sunfire and REL subwoofers, different models of each, and believe that for sheer bass output the Sunfire line is the better choice, but the REL line will integrate better with your Linn speakers.

A cautionary note:
Once you start with subwoofers, it is hard to go back. They are very addictive
socrates
247 posts
 
Believe that your preamp is the issue, for it is or at least very well could be to blame, partly or fully. I've tried nearly a dozen modern preamps lately, tubes and SS, active and passive, the 66 was the worst of the lot in terms of bass performance, and the difference was not at all subtle. Try a cheap Creek passive for kicks if you would like to find out just how much you're missing down low (assuming your source has high enough output to drive your amp).
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
If you like all aspects of your current system except the bass then adding a sub is probably the most logical approach. Getting bigger main speakers may give more bass, but you'll still be using the same amp, with its power limitations, whereas with a powered sub like a REL the REL's internal solid state amp takes care of the power hungry low frequencies.
I own a strata 3 and I love it ... best thing I ever added to my system. Perviously my system had great imaging and great vocal reproduction, but wasn't very involving. With the sub comes scale, dynamics and very, very deep bass .. deeper and cleaner than I've heard from any floorstander under $2000 (not that I've heard that many).
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I had Vand. 2Ces in a 12 X 14' room and could never play them at more than low-mod. volume. They are a good sized speaker that can easily "overload" a room that size. That said, the 2Cesigs are excellent speakers with good bass, but they do benefit from being pulled out a bit from the wall behind.

The 2Ces bass also benefits from the control of a good SS amp. I would suggest tubes in a pre-amp, but a SS amp for better bass control. The McCormack amps work great w/Vandersteen speakers, and can be had pretty reasonably used-- or new for that matter. Just my 2 cents worth. Good Luck. Craig
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