2. cables
  3. 1383669863

System too bassy - Primaluna & Usher

I'm looking for advice on how to tame my bass. Since upgrading my amp to the Primaluna Dialogue One from a low end Harmon Kardon, I've noticed my fatigue level from the bass has shortened my listening times drastically. That could also be because listening levels are higher because of the increased power. Regardless, I would like to tame the bass which these Ushers are known for.

THE SETUP:

Lossless Files
Apple TV > unknown decent quality optical cable to...
Rega Dac > low end Monster RCA cable to
Primaluna Dialogue One > $3 ft speaker cable to
Usher Be-718 speakers
VTI Metal stands

The room is 12' X 13' with one side open concept into the rest of the condo. The wall that the system is against is actually a couple of feet shorter because of the HVAC system, which puts one speaker in a corner.

I just got the Primaluna amp and I love the Ushers and do really like the Rega Dac. So I'm not willing to change those.

MY THOUGHTS:

I'm thinking of interconnects, speaker cables and room acoustics. I think room acoustics is a must regardless. Perhaps I do that first, then look at the total sound.

What are your thoughts?
deetothevee
samhar
1,048 posts
 
This might give you some ideas, goes along with Mapman's suggestion relating to power !!!! I agree with Newbee's placement and tube suggestions and Mattmiller's wire statements. Where are your speakers positioned in relation to the front and side walls? System pics are helpful so people can observe the whole set up !!!!

http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/508ush/index.html
deetothevee OP
44 posts
 
Here are pics of my setup. I can not move the speakers. After a lot of moving around this is where my lady and I agree to have everything.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p85esxsugw5svb4/Y_FSpWNMv1
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,094 posts
 
Maybe experiment with position of speakers when no one else home, just as a test, not permanent, just to get a feel for how that works. Then play something the lady likes that sounds really good, and maybe you can negotiate something. :)
deetothevee OP
44 posts
 
Samhar:

I'm guessing this is what you were referring to from the review you posted:

"I mostly listened to the Be-718s in my smaller (9' by 15' by 7.5'), acoustically treated listening room, but I did set them up as well in my larger (13' by 25' by 9') main room...They locked in with the smaller room amazingly well, not only "disappearing," ...

...20" from the front wall and 19" from the sidewalls. That left about 4.5' between the speakers and put them 9' from my listening position."

This kind of positioning is just not going to happen for me. Unless I put them against my window which is just not an option for us. It has to fit our life, not be our life. With that in mind, I'm open to other suggestions.
deetothevee OP
44 posts
 
Mapman:

Hahaha...you guys just don't quit. I don't want to move the speakers because I like the way it looks. I love hi-fi but it's not my life, I still want it to look like a home. When I have a dedicated room I can do that.
More to discover