A question of bass... Several actually.


I recently auditioned Dynaudio 72's and Rega R3's.
I enjoyed them, the Regas mostly. I found the Dynaudios didn't live up to their hype.
When I asked about bass (speakers having full bass response) the salesman (who owns the shop) said "If you want bass you have to shell out the big bucks."
Is that it?
Is it necessary to spend $1000 per speaker or over to have audible, palpable, appropriate bass reproduction?
To be clear I am not talking about disco dancing bass, but bass frequencies are a necessary part of the audio spectrum.
The salesman also mentioned that for high end audio a separate subwoofer is not appropriate as it "doesn't track."
To cover this fully, doesn't putting the amp output into a sub's crossover to be split to satellites compromise imaging etc?
rhanechak

Showing 7 responses by rhanechak

I was using a Prima Luna Prologue 1, the amp I was thinking of buying. Why not audition all the components I wanted to put together?
After having read the reviews of the Dynaudio 72's (many many many positive), and the Rega R3's (very few, although positive), I was really unimpressed by the Dynaudios.
Their presentation was flat and unimpressive.
The Regas presented a great image, and seemed more 'live.'
The bass in both speakers seemed adequate.
Ah that "good ear"...
Can I get one of those on Audiogon, or do should I get a new one (with warranty).
BTW, I just purchased a pair of Rega 3 loudspeakers. I thought they would be more than adequate for my small room.
In the shop they provided clean, quick reproduction with some audible, palpable bass. I figured my room is smaller, so the bass (and overall output) should be improved for my circumstances and with some tweaking.
Well, let me tell you, I am currently running the speakers with a ridiculous, non-audiophile amp that is way underpowered.
I played with the position of the speakers and found that placing them near the room corners near the side walls reinforced the bass output to the point that it overwhelmed the highs and mids.
I can't wait to hear the Rega 3's with the tube amp I am expecting.
The Rega 3's are fine speakers and I really enjoy them.
I dont see much written about them on the web, so if anyone is interested I will write a review and offer my humble opinions.
Oh, duh! Turntable, CD, sometimes computer.
I'm set for sources now, but there's always upgrade.