i think the problem is that your cd player does not produce clean enough bass output. a frend of mine who has the same speakers as you just added an adcom gda-600 d/a converter and he cannot believe the bass responce. he paid $300 used for it. also use an illuminations d-60 digital cable for best results. it is worth the $150 cost. (1/2 meter through audio advisor mail order.) it is one of stereophile's reference digital cables.(i also use the same d/a and cable with magnepan 3.3's and 2 velodyne f1500r subs.)
Vandersteen 2Ce and bass performance
I recently bought a 7-month old pair of Vandersteen 2Ce speakers and stands. I am running them with an Adcom 545 MKII and GFP555 Pre Amp. They are biwired with Monster M1.4s bi-wire. The room is large and hard (windows, maple floors, drywall, and brick). I'm hard up for more bass. I'm particularly concerened with the fact that so much of the musical stage is convincing and yet the kick drum in so much of my music sounds reticent. The speakers are reputed for "excellent bass extension," and I do not remember this reticence when auditioning other 2Ces in a local dealer. Suggestions for how to evaluate or improve this situation?? Any help is appreciated.