Not quite there yet, off on a diversion...

[dave_k]

Hi All,

I've been listening to my set up for a few weeks now and it just doesn't move me as I'd hoped. I think there are a couple of things going on here: sub-optimal positioning (speakers and tv in corner, sadly no other option available if i want to use the speakers for tv and xbox as well), a lean amp (marantz pm66se KI sig, great detail though), speakers are Mission 752, and my source for music is Sony BDPS360 blu ray player.

I think the system is a bit lacking in bass weight and general 'punch', everything else I'm happy with.

I'd like to keep the speakers and may move them to my bedroom where they can have a bit more space around them.

I'll be buying a CD player at some point, any suggestions of one that will address bass weight and punch deficiencies? Also, how is the BDP player likely ot be holding the system back? In other words, are my amp and speakers a good synergistic match?

I'm also thinking of taking a punt on an Sansui x17 series amp, a la Record Spot, to see how the sound changes. Any thoughts?

Essentially what i'm hoping to achieve is a full bodied sound with good punch and detail, rather than the somewhat 'clinical' sound i have at the minute. I'm not looking for thumping bass, just a bit more to prop up the rest of the sound. And i'm more than happy to use secondhand gear.

Thanks for your time folks.

 

[Craig M.]

try adding a dacmagic to your bluray player, if it doesn't do it for you take it back for a refund. might add the bass weight you are after.

 

[bretty]

If you are happy with the detail that you have, but want to add some bottom-end, my advise would be to add a sub.

 

[dave_k]

Hmm, hadn't thought of either of those, although my amp doesn't have a pre-out for a sub.

 

[Anonymous]

Good suggestion, you could get the dac magic and perhaps use your computer for the source to? as well as a cd player I mean. However the latter would obviously depend on the proximity to your computer from where your speakers are and of course what you are happy to spend.

 

[ear]

some wharfedale subs have speaker conectors:

Amp-->sub-->speakers

 

[dave_k]

I appreciate the suggestions re adding a sub, but because I live in flat i can't really have really low frequencies shaking the the ceiling below me etc, what I'm really after is just some extra emphasis of the bass that is there, by boosting it at the source (DAC or dedicated cdp) or swapping my amp, eg for a Sansui or something with a bit more weight than my marantz.

A dac is definitely interesting from the perspective of flexibilty, but a bdp still doesn't make an ideal transport due to playback limitations.

 

[drummerman]

dave_k:

I appreciate the suggestions re adding a sub, but because I live in flat i can't really have really low frequencies shaking the the ceiling below me etc, what I'm really after is just some extra emphasis of the bass that is there, by boosting it at the source (DAC or dedicated cdp) or swapping my amp, eg for a Sansui or something with a bit more weight than my marantz.

A dac is definitely interesting from the perspective of flexibilty, but a bdp still doesn't make an ideal transport due to playback limitations.

I have the same amp as you but dont use it often. I agree it lacks both solid bass and to an extend punch but it's also not very good at detail in a hifi sense ie. sound stage/separation and is neither very extended at the frequency extremes. Nice mids though in typical marantz fashion. I use a Denon amplifier which betters the KI in most areas bar perhaps a little fluidity in the very mid-range.

Whilst I'm sure that another amplifier will or can improve on it, same with a Dac, the suggestion made about a sub is a good one. I use a little one which has both rca and neutrik connectivity so could be used with your marantz. I used this sub with every system I had here, a Naim/PMC one recently and it always has enhanced them, full stop. Nothing to do with floorboards shaking. A great investment which does not become obsolete as you change systems if chosen correctly. As always, my opinion only.

 

[Anonymous]

The bass may shake the floor whether it comes from a sub or the speakers.

If you go the sub route, try a granite plinth (argos ect) with some sorbothane feet (ebay).

Or

something like Auralex SubDude under the sub.

Should stop some of the vibration.

 

[dave_k]

I can understand how a sub will help prop up the bottom end, but there are two things i have against adding one.

1) I don't think it will help the lack of punch i'm trying to overcome, and

2) I can't afford to buy one that will be really good for music.

Also, it's an extra box to house and wire up.

This weekend i think i'll play about with the position of my speakers and see if i can free them up a bit.

 

[dave_k]

Well I've just taken a punt on a Sansui AU 217 amp off of ebay, hopefully it'll arrive this week. I'm looking forward to seeing how the sound changes as I've never really compared amps or anything hifi before.

I probably should do something about my source and move away from the BDP but for the time being it will do.

Also fancy getting a matching TU 217 tuner, feeling retro at the minute