2. amps-preamps
  3. 1176738136

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

Showing 2 responses by newbee

newbee
4,751 posts
 
I doubt that your unit is faulty.

Couple of possibilities. As you said, if you are comparing the SP9 to any unit with a contour feature engaged you bass will suffer considerably. Even if your contour feature was automatically adjustible with changes in volume, differences listening at low levels would be substantial.

Additionally the SP9 is balanced to the brighter end of the spectrum. The bass is certainly present, but the mids/highs are, IMHO, exagerated and will focus your attention on that part of the spectrum.

Tubes can make a difference. I would recommend that you try some new production EH 6922's. They will definitely add some warmth to your SP9. (I tried some in my SP10 a couple of months ago).
newbee
4,751 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.
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