Bass amp for a tri-amped system?


Folks,
I have a speaker-required active crossover which feeds the mid/highs to 2, fet input/tube output 200 watt mono amps and the low frequencies to a Belles 350 stereo amp. I'm interested in tightening up the bass a bit and wondering if there is an older amp out there that might replace the Belles. I know the Krells have always had good grip on the bass, but wondering if there is anything else out there. Should I be thinking of any issues? Compatibility?
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Showing 13 responses by papermill

Sgr,
I instinctively agree with your comment. However, I've tried that configuration with my hybrid amps configured as stereo. what I found is I didn't have quite the dynamic resolution and power of low frequencies I get from my current set-up. My mono amps and speakers are manufactured by the company and compliment each other very nicely with the exception of the bass which the manufacturer suggested this set-up. The speakers have 2, 15" woofers in each speaker and require that additional power. The integration of the tri-amped set-up has been pretty seamless using the active crossover.
Rrog,
Thanks for your comment. I've had several high-end audiophiles (including a reviewer for DAGOGO) and musicians listen to my set-up.
And I think, again as a result of the outboard active crossover, a lack of coherence has not been an issue. In fact, I've received unanimous compliments.
I'm also fortunate to hear some 6 figure systems and where my humble rig consistently suffers is ultimate articulate, resolving bass. (And maybe my speakers are just not capable).
What I mean by "dynamic resolution", compared to those high buck rigs, mine is a bit sloppy at the lowest of frequencies. Upper bass, lower mids have actually very good resonance and articulation.
As to cabling, I've reworked my entire system with Stealth Indra, Metacarbon, Nanofiber and Air King. The Air Kings are solid silver and I have them connected to the Belles. No comprise there - they are really stunningly transparent.
So short of reconfiguring speakers and amps, which someday, I know I will have to do, my short-term fix/mod might be the bass amp - at least that's what I'm considering. I have no reference for comparison.
And you may be right that I'm chasing a tweak that cannot be enhanced. However, ultimately your advice is sound. thank you.
Just one more note. I've been addressing this issue for about 15 years in this room. I've placed Bass Busters in all four corners along with very careful speaker placement. (Vandersteen, Tannoy, Martin Logan and now Signature- 5 yrs). Amplification has been ARC, B&W, BAT, and now Signature. It could be just the nature of the room which I know will not change.
And with all the upgrades I've made in the last couple of years - the entire front end sources, all cables- interconnects and power. The system has taken several fantastic steps to where maybe the ultimate next step is probably speakers. But that will be for another decade.
Bd,
Thanks,
I'm totally unfamiliar with Eagles. I took the liberty to see them on your virtual system. They look interesting. I'm using 200 watt monos which these mammoth speakers need to sing. I'm actually completely content with my Signature amps - they are really quite wonderfull. The best of both solid state and tubes. Thanks for the suggestion.
Please forgive me, but I don't understand the "disparate" problem if the active crossover prevents frequency overlap. and once again, it is the lowest of frequencies I'm trying to address probably below 40 Hz. Getting "used to it" doesn't explain the evaluations performed by qualified audiophile visitors. Once again, I think I understand the reality of mixing amps, it's well documented. however, I believe in this case, it minimally applies.
Thanks Sgr, I appreciate your perspective, especially after seeing your system!
Cabling to the amps are all Stealth Metacarbons with Stealth Indra upstream so I think I'm following your advice.
Barrysandy,
Nice to hear from you and thanks for the realistic feedback.. The Signatures have 2, open baffle 15" woofers in each speaker. They are 90dB efficient, but I don't know what their nominal impedance is. So you can see I'm looking for some "iron fisted" control at just those low frequencies. I took the liberty of checking out your system - very nice. I love my Tri-Planar arm too.
Marty,
Thanks I'll look into it. Is it anything like the Copeland room correction that was floating around a few years ago? I tried that it and it was very detrimental to the overall sound - plus I needed to add another set of interconnects into the signal path which I think added to the negative results. It provided several equalization curves upon analyzing the room response also. And then one could also, via laptop customize the curve. It tended to ultimately distort the signal. What you are suggesting might be different. Thanks for your input!
Marty,
very interesting. I like the idea of limiting any correction to those low frequencies. I think that might be a viable option. Thanks
Marty,
I checked the internet of the SVS/Audyssey and it appears it is discontinued. The attractive feature of this unit was that it appeared to be able to adjust two sub-woofers (two speakers?). I think I would need to purchase two of the Velodyne for each speaker... But with the money back policy- it seems it may be worth a try.
Matt,
I would be nice to be able to try some of those amps if I could find a "bargain". You know, I'm only paying for those bottom octaves. I'll keep my eyes out on Audiogon.
Update! Well, I've discovered a part of the solution. I replaced the supplied active crossover unit, which was fixed ( that is no adjustment options). In it's place is the Bryston 10B Sub crossover (all analoge). It allows me to adjust the crossover frequencies of the low and high and slopes. As a result I've been able to tweak the bass to accomodate both my room modes and the inherent properties of my speakers. I've been able to eliminate some of the low bass sloppiness. I think if I wanted to take this any further would require replacing the speakers rather than the bass amp. I think.