Revel F30 with Bryston 4B-ST and tube pre-amp


Hi,

I'm considering swapping some Revel F30 into my rig. I have a Bryston 4B-ST, Analysis Plus Oval 9s, N.E.W. P-3 single-ended triode pre-amp, and an Audio Resolution Reference 20 DAC w/ old Teac CD transport. The plan is to use them in a basement environment.

I miss the satisfying deep extended bass and slam for rock, alt., and electronica. Even classical and jazz sounds weak without a solid bass foundation to generate good rhythm and pace. I currently use PMC FB-1 transmission line speakers. They're reasonably competent until 50 Hz but pretty weak in the knees thereafter.

Has anybody tried the Revel F30s with a Bryston 4B-ST and a tube pre-amp combo? I have concerns about very dry bass from overdamped F30s (i.e. lean and analytical) coupled to a stingey amplifier (again, analytical bass). I hope the tube pre-amp will impart a little more roundness to the mid bass and add a sense of liveliness.
dave99

Showing 1 response by plugged

ARGH! Too bad you didn't get a chance to hear the new PMC OB-1's cause they are everything you are looking for. It is too late to take the Revels back? The OB-1's have significantly more grunt than FB-1's, have much better midrange definition since they use the big dome out of the IB-1's as well as an upgraded tweeter. The F-30's are gonna sound that way pretty much no matter what you do, it is inherent in their nature and one reason you see a fair number of them for sale. I had a customer who just about drove himself crazy with the same thing you are experiencing... including trying about 10 different pieces of electronics. He finally sold the F-30's. Get thyself to your nearest PMC dealer and listen to the OB-1's.

Kevin
The Sound Broker