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Maybe Leaving SET for Solid State because I want bass

Looking for a recommendation of an amp to power a pair of 12 in 2 way bass reflex studio monitor with 96db sensitivity. My SET amp sounds lovely and pure but is bass shy. Looking for a sweet solid state amp with some slam. I've heard my setup with a pair of Herron Monos and a Pass Sit-3. Herron had the bass but was otherwise unsatisfying. Pass was a little lean. Budget is $3-5K on the used market. Even something on the lower cost end that would give me a taste of what I'm looking for as proof of concept would be great to start out with.

Thanks in advance!

dhcod
faustuss's avatar
faustuss
813 posts
 

@deep_333 

"Get this high IQ Yamaha instead. It has a tubey sound, will have strong bass eith your speaker and zero pitfalls of a lousy SET. It is also prettier with beautiful meters, unlike some goofy looking set.."

Yeah, and it's power supply doesn't have the guts to drive a Wilson.

Post removed 
joeycastillo
267 posts
 

OP

if you want BASS , i highly suggest getting a used Pass Labs x150.5 or maybe even a used x150.8

This revelation came to me, as I cannot seem to drive my ATC scm 11v3 with authority with MONO AHB2, they sound great for most part with the ahb2, but I want to hear it with greater bass authority. well, my Pass X150.5 simply did that and it also gave me a lustful midrange That I learned to love

Yes, my XA-25 did not have the power to wing the atc. but the x150.5 did

 

good luck

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,404 posts
 

A variac is a variable transformer, it can do nothing with regards to compensating for the sag that occurs in an AC line when the equipment connected to it draws more current than the mains can provide unless maybe if they’re including some form of AC regeneration in them now since I know that kind of device is available to hobbyists but I don’t know how if at all that would compensate for the sag.

This statement appears to ignore the quote which immediately proceeded it. No need to repeat myself. If you don't have a variac in your measurement arsenal you literally can't make accurate measurements of high power amplifiers. Its a rare amp that can't run on a 15Amp AC line!

my original premise which you refuse to address.

This statement is false on account of the word 'refuse'. What is the matter of which you wish to discuss? Regarding your innuendo following this statement, its false as well, based on what appears to be a made up story. 

erik_squires
17,539 posts
 

Class D is really not a bad choice at all, but one suggestion I haven't seen is making sure the room is not overly reflective.  A reflective room will have exaggerated mid-treble energy and it will always sound like it lacks bass. 

Another obvious suggestion is to add a subwoofer. 

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