More power?


I am currently running a SF Line 1 Preamp into a CJ Premier 11 with Audio Physic Virgos. I love the sound of my system, although the Virgos really need to be dragged out into the middle of the room to image properly (serious spousal acceptance issue), and I feel like they are a little weak in the low end. I'm wondering whether upgrading to a more powerful amp (e.g., CJ Premier 12 monos) will make a significant difference in the bass. I was also wondering whether adding a PS Audio power plant would make a difference. Other gear: SF SFCD-1 CD Player, Basis 2000 TT. Any feedback greatly appreciated.
miguelk
If I am not mistaken, the CJ 11 is 70 watts into 4 ohms. I just recently heard the Virgos driven by an ARC VT100 along with a BAT VK-30SE, and bass was not a problem. ARCs tend to run lower than they state so my guess would be they are really 90 or so. I find it hard to believe that 20 watts are going to make that much a difference.

The Virgos do sound best in the middle of the room with you closer to them than you would be to most speakers. Do you have them pointing to you (highly toed in)? I would not suggest spending the money on a new amp, but to continue to work on the speaker placement as well as the room itself. Please tell us more about the setup and room.

The PS Audio will not make that much of a difference in what you are looking for. It helps clean up noise related to power but will not give more bass. It may help tighten things up a touch, but I would not rely on that.

Audio Physics are a great value and give you things that no other speaker in the same price range can, huge staging and terrific imaging. They are worth keeping only if you can have them setup properly without destroying your marriage. :)
Thanks for the response. I live in a loft, very open space, fairly assymetrical with high ceilings. When I listen I have to pull the speakers out to the middle of the room (and rearrange all of the furniture that's in the way...), and yes, they are toed in. I listen fairly near field (I've tried to follow the Audio Physic speaker placement guidelines as best I can). I get all the promised imaging and soundstage results, but just not much bass slam. Modifying the room (i.e. with tube traps, etc.) is not an option. I was thinking that because of the room size I might simply need more power to get the low end, but I would hate to spend the money and then realize that I had already gotten all the low end I can get out of the speakers with the CJ 11. Someone had suggested the Rogue M120 Monos as a possible option... In all other respects, I completely agree with your statement about the Virgos re: value and performance. After many hours of auditioning, I've concluded that I can't really find a better speaker unless I spend at least double the price, and so I'm just trying to get as much out of them as I can.
Based on your statement that your room is a very open loft, what you require is a subwoofer. While they don't go down into the 20Hz range, the Virgo is not lacking in bass when used in a reasonable sized room. In larger spaces they simply cannot pump out the volume with their somewhat smallish woofers. Would recommend either the Audio Physics models (Luna or Rhea) or the better REL units (Stadium, Stentor or Studio). If you can place the subwoofer in a corner, you will have all the bass you've ever dreamed about. BTW, two subs are better than 1.
And if I can't use two subwoofers, will using just one (off to one side) have an effect on the stereo imaging?