Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Andrew,
If the RA or Isis has that versatility with different amplifiers that's noteworthy. I'd be surprised(pleasantly) if they equal or surpass the majestic match I heard with the Viva mono blocks.

Hey Matt,

You likely mentioned this, but why are you having bass issues with a rear ported speaker? IME, it can be quite a useful tool, in that the closer to the front wall, the more low bass energy you have, to a point. Rear ported speakers can get muddy sounding bass if too close to the front wall. Maybe this is your issue?

Are you locked into a speaker position? Seems as though you have some freedom. Your room is just a bit smaller than mine. Mine is 17 1/2ft X 22 1/2ft X 10ft high, and I have had no issues with rear ported speakers here. I just pull them out into the room until I get the right balance of punch and low end, then tune the room accordingly to make it all balanced. Given your room size, I think the 60hz area is likely your biggest problem. Missing some slam? The traps likely helped this allot, but you might need more trapping.

Bass is the number one issue with getting a system to sound right though, so I can understand your frustration.

One thing that I would do in that room, where that drop ceiling/soffit area behind your listening chair is... I would deface the front of it and stuff that with all the insulation I could get in there, then cover the face with a big speaker grill of sorts. This will go a long way into balancing that room more.

22.5' is not a bit bigger then 18.5'. It's only 4' but it makes a big difference. My length is my issue. I made a mistake not going 23' long. I find I can't get the speakers far enough off the front wall to allow the ports to breath and stay far enough away from the speakers to make them sound good. I'm sure it's my overall dimensions and my construction, but thus far anything new that I have tried that is rear ported sets off the nodes in the room something fierce and is overwhelmingly boomy; no matter where I place them. Bottom or front ported is fine, as is sealed.

There are plenty of great options that are bottom or front ported, or sealed. So I'm good to go. I just need to pick my favorite. The Coltane Tenor is stunning! But mucho bucks! I'm just trying to find a less expensive option that gets me to the same place that the Tenor does. We shall see.

Paul - also, thanks for the suggestion. I have the soffit stuffed full of insulation. With down or front porting, I have no base issues. Clean, tight, extended base down to about 23hz. Measured. I do have some more diffusion coming next week to manage my side wall reflections a bit better. But with the right speaker, my room sings now.

In fact, although they were not my favorite speaker I did measure an absolutely flat curve from 23hz to 21khz with the Lawrence Audio Double Bass in the room. Also proved to me that perfectly flat doesn't mean musical and engaging. Although one of my friends thought they were the cats Meow.....

Have you listened to the SONUS FABER OLYMPIC 111 ? Have not heard it my self, but a lot of favorable on line comments. The port is located on the side of the speaker, (not the rear), so it might be an option. Not to expensive either (15k I believe).

CHEERS.....