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
Deetothevee, I hate to say this, but considering the fact that you cannot change speaker placement, I think your ability to significantly alter the excessive and, I assume loose, bass will defy significant alteration just by changing 'stuff'.

You might pick up an SPL meter and a test disc w/ 1/3d octave test tones and measure your set up to verify/locate the area of boost and the extent of the boost you are trying to cure. Do not overlook my comments about the listening position - you can also reduce the bass some by putting your chair in a null in the bass frequencies.

There are two other possible solutions. 1) Use of a sub placed away from the wall/corner, and a cross over so you can roll off the bass (excess) from your main speakers. I don't know enough about a sub's implementation with your integrated though - it might not be possible for you.

2) If you are using one source for most all of your listening you might put a 1/3d octave equalizer between your source and integrated and reduce the bass hump there.

FWIW, if you are going to consider using acoustic products to reduce bass be sure to identify where the excessive bass frequencies are. Medium to low bass frequencies are difficult, if possible, to control in a small room (if at all) in a home, especially when it is a 'shared' room.

Changing wires is for fine tuning adequate systems but not for making major alterations in frequency aberrations due to room dimensions (your is one of those as well) and speaker/listening positions.

It is possible that if you can accept listening at low levels that the excessive bass may not appear so excessive. At low levels the apparent bass response of many systems in many rooms falls off appreciably (that is why pre-amps used to have tone controls, to boost the bass).

I hope you can find a solution, but it won't be easy and will require a compromise. Good luck.
Thanks Newbee.

I just brought out my speakers about 6 inches and toed them in heavy, and yes, it did help a lot with the bass. It actually doesn't look so bad. Let's see what she thinks. But wow, if the only thing I get out of this is to hear what it should sound like, it will help me moving forward.

I could get used to how this looks :) We'll see what she thinks.
Thanks for posting the pics !!!!! That is a challenging position/room that room acoustics treatments are worth trying. Try wire first and hear what happens !!!