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Can IC's and Speaker Wire drastically affect bass?

Hello All: I'm very sorry for the long post. But I need input!
My System: McIntosh MA6900 Integrated (Flavor4 PC); Simaudio Nova CDP (Chimera AdvantageII IC/Flavor4 PC) plugged into Shunyata Hydra4 w/Copperhead PC; Definitive Technology BP 7002 speakers (Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker cable; FIM outlets

Listen to mostly Classic Jazz, some R&B and Progressive Rock

Room: Family Room (rectangular shape) Dimensions: 10ftx20ftby8ft
Speakers are near one of the short walls (brick fireplace) about 6 feet apart and 2 feet from the corners-but I tried closer to the corners and the bass improvement was not that substantial.

Speakers are full range towers with 12in. subwoofers coupled to two 12" infrasonic radiators./300watt amplifiers
Freq. Response: 15 Hz-30 kHz Efficiency: 92 db

These speakers are supposed to rock big bass: all the reviews and the owners reviews say so. But even when I turn up the bass level control past 12 o'clock on the sub amps the bass does not kick like it should. When I turn up the level controls past on o'clock the bass should be really kicking; it doesn't Even when I put my ear near the subs it just isn't putting out the bass spl's as expected. Since these speakers have powered subs, I had them checked at the dealer and they're OK. In fact, they sounded pretty good connected up to a Denon receiver.

I've tried Anthem, then Marsh and now McIntosh electronics and changed from a Jolida JD100 source to the Sim Nova. I added Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire a while back in search of more low end too. The one constant throughout all the changes has been the Chimera Advantage IC's.

I've spoken to Steve at Cable Pro and he has suggested twice that I try changing out various IC's and possibly PC's as well. He's not familiar with the Flavor4. (I have a JPS AC+ that I tried on my amps but it did not have an affect on the bass so I went with the Flavor4)Steve suggested I try the JPS again. He's also mentioned that the Analysis Plus can work very well in some systems but when it doesn't work it lacks bass.

Question: can changing IC's and speaker cable really change the character of a speakers bass power that much? Would I be better off just selling the speakers for some different bass mongers?

I'm willing to try Cable Pro but I'm also seriously considering some Ohm speakers. Want that bass from a full range speaker! And I'm no longer interested in trying subs. If I go with speakers, a home audition is a must. Your input would be appreciated! Thanks
foster_9
tvad
9,467 posts
 
You mentined HSU sub plugged into the pre-out and also that the BP have 12" bass driver, etc.
Are both of these bass systems running together?
They would need serious attention to phase and position to actually enhance the bass in your room.

Excellent point. Two different bass systems running together could potentially negate one another if the systems are 180 degrees out of phase.

Have you tried completely unplugging the HSU subs...both from the AC and from the amp?
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
The Hsu subs have a phase switch which I have tried. The 2 bass systems have worked together pretty well IMO. I took my speaks back to the dealer again and a faulty amp in one speaker was finally discovered and replaced by the dealer. The bass in the system has definitley improved and the case seems to be solved. Now I'm looking at a new set of IC's to make further improvements.

Thanks to all for your valuable input!
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Good to hear the problem was discovered! It really seemed like something significantly more than a wire problem.
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