Need more bass response

Hi Axspike. I've only been hardcore into the audiophile lifestyle for a little over two years. The first year and a half I toiled with cables and cords and never got the noticeable results I had read many others had attained. However, over the last year I have experienced positive and sometimes even amazing results with cable/cord upgrades. The most shocking realization was that a power cord could make a night and day difference in the sound.

But, in order for me to finally realize an improvement in sound, I think it all boils down to a lot of maybes. Maybe I had such positive results with power cords because the juice running throughtout my apartment is so dirty. Maybe it's because over the course of upgrading, the better components I've purchased benefit more from good cables and cords. Maybe it just happens that I stumbled on a component/cable combo with great synergy to my ears. And maybe I've become so obsessed with attaining the absolute sound, that I've become just like those goofy bastards who believe they can hear spirits talking in a cemetary, so if a cricket farts they think long lost aunt Bertha is talking to them. Maybe...

Depending on what you expect to hear and what you hear seems to be the issue. Bass response is a result of low freq. soundwaves moving in and around the sound spectrum. The Human ear typicllay hears bass at a distance of 4-6 ft from the source. Now the question is have you had your hearing test recently to ensure that these types of freq. can be heard. Try placing a radial arm saw close to the source and listen for tones.. Other thyan that it seems that others on this thread have provided some excellent ideas. What would I know.. I'm your litte brother

What's this about moles clawing for worms and Dave not being here? I thought this was a site devoted to the discussion of women's underwear.

Can't you people stay on topic?

Your complaint and, shall we say, skepticism are well founded. I think you have all the right feedback, so let me try and simplify it. Rock recordings are typically mastered differently than jazz or classical. They tend to be compressed (remember AM radio) and not very dynamic. CDs are not all created equal. Car stereos, no matter how expensive or what brand, need to compensate for road noise; hence, bright and boomy. And, you do have tone controls in the car. But, I still would not use it as a comparison. A square room is an interesting animal. Play with placement and possibly even relocating a piece or two of upholstered furniture. Hey, become an acoustical designer for the day. Maybe you need two speaker locations -- one for listen and one off to the side for when you are not listening. Moving them is a pain, but may be the answer. Your equipment is fine. Belles has always made nice amps, but it may be mismatched with the Rouge or, dare I say, your cables. Reconsider your tubes. Have you tried the amp with a passive device instead of your Rouge? I am not saying dump either but rather isolate some of the equipment to help diagnose the situation. I left the best for last. Wires do make a difference, but you do not need to mortgage your grandchildren. I used a very nice and affordable wire from Sweden. DH Labs and Mapleshade have good product, as do 25 others. The DIY Belden wires give good sound. Stan Warren's daughter makes some killer cables and very affordable. So, as much as you may want to avoid this journey, it is worth the effort. If you have a good relationship with a dealer or two, go back and ask what they have floating around that they do not use (sell) anymore or even just start borrowing. You have reached the point where you can make a mistake out of frustration. Take it a little at a time and have patience.

Thanks Cellorover for the common sense approach. I thought the Belles and the Rogue were a good match which is why I was a bit disappointed with some cds. I beginning to believe that what you and some others have said, and what my compromised ears have been telling me. Rock recordings when put through good equipment, suck. Your right about auto systems. I compensate to the max to get it where I like it. With my home system there is no compensation. I hadn't thought of that difference.
I bought the Belles first then the Rogue. I tried for awhile to buy a Belles 20A pre but they were too new and too pricey. I looked for demos but they were few and still pricey. Has anyone auditioned a Belles 20A and could offer a comparision between it and the Rogue?
On cables, it looks as if I'm heading for the "in search of the lost cord" journey. I will try placements and cords and see what evolves. I'll try a new thread about the Belles 20A and see where it goes.
And while were on the subject of ladies underwear, anybody seen mine?