Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

06-20-15: Mattnshilp
...he suggested I add a sub to the room connected in series from the amps to speakers (high output terminals). He specifically said not to pull the signal low level from the pre-amp. He said to put the sub behind the listening position in the back of the room to balance the pressure in the room, adjusting the output so its not even audible but enough to offset the main speakers output pressurization.

Matt,

As far as placing a sub in the rear of the room is concerned, it seems worth trying but the concern would be that arrival time differences at the listening position, between the mains and the sub, may compromise coherence unacceptably. And if you set the sub's volume low enough to prevent that, you may find that it is ineffective with respect to its intended purpose.

Also, regarding the reference to "series" connection (which strictly speaking is a misnomer, as from a technical standpoint the sub and mains would be connected in parallel): Assuming the amps are in the front of the room, as you most likely realize it would be best to connect the amps directly to the main speakers, and to run separate connections from either the main speakers or the amp to the sub. Also, as you probably realize, if the sub is a powered one the cables to it would not have to be heavy gauge (even 22 gauge or smaller would work fine) since powered subs have high input impedances (e.g. 10K or more), and hence draw very little current.

Regarding the BagEnd product, if you haven't already seen it you will want to check out Kal Rubinson's review. Also, you may want to look into the Spatial Black Hole. I have no experience with or particular knowledge of either product.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

The Bagend, Black hole and subwoofer trick (which I forgot to mention he said to try both in and out of phase) all seam to be doing the same sort of thing.

I'll try the sub trick since I have an extra sub around. If that helps, I'll consider the other technologies. I think an acoustic fix like a Helmholtz is still likely the best solution.

Matt- great thread! Epic perhaps. Have you permanently moved beyond consideration of incorporating both "computer" and physical disc transports?

Also, do you derive incrementally more listening pleasure from your turntable rig?

JH - I have given up directly spinning CD's. I rip them or download off the web.

I have actually started spinning more LP's as my system gets better and better. Analog is incomparable.

Loudspeakers with Powered Woofers
Some loudspeakers include integral power amplifiers to drive the woofers. Such speakers provide a range of bass-tuning options not possible with conventional passive loudspeakers. A speaker with a powered woofer can be equalized to extend its cut-off frequency, allowing a relatively small-footprint speaker to deliver response to 20Hz. You can also adjust the bass level to best match your room. The ability to adjust each speaker’s bass output independently is a huge benefit, particularly in asymmetrical rooms. For example, if one speaker is in a corner and one speaker has no sidewall next to it, you can dial down the bass level from the corner-located speaker to compensate for its greater room gain.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/a-guide-to-better-bass-tas-197-1/