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Revel F30 with Bryston 4B-ST and tube pre-amp

Hi,

I'm considering swapping some Revel F30 into my rig. I have a Bryston 4B-ST, Analysis Plus Oval 9s, N.E.W. P-3 single-ended triode pre-amp, and an Audio Resolution Reference 20 DAC w/ old Teac CD transport. The plan is to use them in a basement environment.

I miss the satisfying deep extended bass and slam for rock, alt., and electronica. Even classical and jazz sounds weak without a solid bass foundation to generate good rhythm and pace. I currently use PMC FB-1 transmission line speakers. They're reasonably competent until 50 Hz but pretty weak in the knees thereafter.

Has anybody tried the Revel F30s with a Bryston 4B-ST and a tube pre-amp combo? I have concerns about very dry bass from overdamped F30s (i.e. lean and analytical) coupled to a stingey amplifier (again, analytical bass). I hope the tube pre-amp will impart a little more roundness to the mid bass and add a sense of liveliness.
dave99
emster
75 posts
 
I had excellent success with the f50 and the 4bst. I upgraded to krell and studios, but I would not be at all concerned about what you are suggesting.
kchahoc
85 posts
 
Go ahead and listen to there BPP-20 or 25 pre as well. I found the combo of the BP-25 and the 4Bst a rather "lively" sound. I really like the F30's when I heard them too. Good luck,
mlkiz
33 posts
 
I heard the F50 at a dealer and loved them, but just heard the F30s last week and was vey disappointed. It seemed like the music just stayed in the box and didn't project. As compared to the Vandersteen 3A Sigs that I compared them to, the Vandersteens' were much more lifelike and clear. Just my view.
dave99 OP
4 posts
 
Hi fellas,
thanks for your replies. I auditioned the Revel F30s and bought them. When I connected them to my system, I was impressed by their low bass and extended midrange, especially with jazz. However, I find electric and upright bass quite dark and withdrawn. It's much more difficult to follow bass lines with the F30s than with my PMC FB-1s. I think these F30s have a lot of potential so I'd like to continue working towards a flatter low-end response.

I experimented with a lot of speaker repositioning based on my listening intuition and recommendations from a simple computer program. The front of the speakers are now 85" away from the rear wall and 54" from the centre of the woofer to the side wall. The speakers are 85" apart. I sit in an equilateral triangle orientation with respect to the speakers. The room is 20' deep by 30' wide but there's a lot of clutter around 17' away from the wall in the width direction so I model the room as 17' wide. I also applied some baffles along the wall behind the speakers. The sound has improved significantly in the highs, midrange, and low bass; however, the midbass still seems to be sucked out. I suspect the midbass problem is symptomatic of my current electronic configuration and possibly more acoustic cancelation.

Can anybody with the Revel F30s comment on their experiences (or lack thereof) with midbass shyness? I'm wondering if I need to continue applying more rigorous acoustic treatments or whether I need to consider changing my amp and pre-amp? I've been very intrigued by the positive publicity surrounding the Blue Circle line of products and am considering a BC28 hybrid tube / SS upgrade to my Bryston 4B-ST. Can anybody comment on the usefulness of this prospective upgrade with respect to midbass enhancement and overall musicality? I'm also considering the BC3 Galatea pre-amp to match the BC28. Again, any comments about this combination with the Revel F30s?

Thanks fellas.
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