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Lack of bass with SP-9 MK3

I've just acquired an AR SP-9 MK3 and my short-lived excitement quickly faded. While the depth and highs are crisp and more detailed than my old GTP-500II (Adcom), the lows are uneventful to say the least.

Granted the Adcom had the Contour enabled, this preamp's lows seem non-existent. I suppose there's a chance that I've been listening to exaggerated lows, but I've tried running various genres through the unit with same results. Is the unit faulty or will new valves fix the issue?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
fourrings000bfd
hiend2's avatar
hiend2
403 posts
 
The are exceptions but thats pretty much the trade off. Take your pick if you rock, the soundstage depth wont matter much as it isnt existent in many pop recordings.
fourrings000bfd OP
2 posts
 
New tubes sound like a good start. Do you suggest ordering straight from ARC or somewhere else?

Do you think adding a dedicated subwoofer will help the issue? Though I'd think that if the signal is just not there, then there is nothing for the sub to reproduce.

Thanks for the suggestions.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Hard to tell without knowing what the other parts of the system are. Look, if you got used to exaggerated bass you will get used to a more realistic presentation if you give it some time. I seriously doubt that changing tubes will give you the bass you are used to. Reality tends to sometimes be underwhelming...
newbee
4,767 posts
 
There are numerous on-line tube sales companies which handle a lot of new production tubes (not so much NOS tubes, which are MUCH more expensive, BTW). I use the Tube Depot for new tubes but others do as well. Go to Audio Asylum and check out their 'featured' on-line tube dealers for details & prices. Last I checked the EH's cost 12.50 each.
sns
3,136 posts
 
I've had my SP9 MKII sitting around for years, everytime I've brought it out for listening disappointed by lack of bass, and that is installed into any system! The thing just sounds as Newbee and Thorman state. I've tried many tubes, they aren't going to change things much if at all.
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