Add another sub or go with F30's?


My current setup is a Cary 303/200, Levinson 383 and Revel M20's with a REL Strata III.

The room is 13x19' with the speakers 5' in from the short wall. Listening distance is 8'. The room has 2 open 36" doors, one on the back wall the other on the side wall slightly behind the listening area. The sub currently sits just to the left of the left speaker. The floor is carpeted, walls are plaster. No drapes or wall coverings. I'd describe the room as lively.

Listening preferences are rock, folk and blues mostly.

I love the way the M20's sing but you know how it is when one starts to thinking about how it may be improved. Some recordings can be a bit bright though others are fine. I'd like more bottom end without boominess. The REL is set at next to the lowest crossover setting, volume is at 12 o'clock.

My question is whether to add a second REL or upgrade to the F30's? Perhaps sub placement could be better but I'm doubtful that one Strata, in this size room, has enough output for what I'd like to hear. Corner placement seemed too muddy. My experience with setup is admittedly very limited so maybe someone could help me with that. Auditions are many miles away so I usually buy used and then try it. All suggestions and comments are welcome!

Thanks,
Gary
garyb6

Showing 1 response by mstram

I hope somebody might pick up this old thread. I have the M20s and the B15 that a friend wants to sell set up in my living room. I've hooked them up to my current reference system using a Classe Six preamp and Levinson 23.5 amp. WOW! very impressive. The guy also let me take home his Levinson 383 that he had used with the M20s. I am considering buying all his gear for another system. I was wondering if there is any way to use the 383 with the B15, since there is no "pre out" on this integrated amp.

I could use the B15 and the M20s with my Melos SHA-1 preamp and a Levinson 27.5 if need be. The other major concern would be the need for 2 long interconnect runs of ten feet or more so the B15 can be placed in a corner like the instructions state. It seems to me that such long runs and the need to have two sets of interconnects and a subwoofer's electronics in the path between the amp and preamp would be deleterious to the sound. Not only that, but it will be deleterious to the wallet!! It would cost big bucks for 20 ft. of quality ICs. I was thinking of trying Signal Cables Silver Resolutions which could be bought for around $600 for two 10 foot pairs. Ar least you get the option of returning them in 30 days if you don't like the sound. I would have to use a single-ended cable from the Melos to the sub, but I could run balanced from the sub to the ML 23.5.

Any thoughts from those with experience are appreciated.