Tentatively adding sub to system...

[psychles]

Hi everyone!  First time posting here and glad to see such an active Emotiva community!

I have recently completed my "10-year-upgrade" of my home audio system and decided to go with Emotiva separates.  I was using a beloved B&K CT-310 integrated for years, but it developed an issue and was far too pricey to repair... Sadly, it had to be put down <removes hat...>  Anyway, the CT-310 is a behemoth of an amp and I have had a very difficult time finding components (within my allocated price range) that would compare.  I have always preferred creating a listening environment that resembles a live room - therefore, I have never considered using a subwoofer for anything other than my PC system.   Alas, the demise of my CT-310 and the move to Emotiva components has left me desperately needing BASS... Bass that I was barely able to keep under control, with my previous power source.  

Here is my current setup:

• XPA-200
• XSP-1
• Marantz CD6004
• Pro-Ject Debut III (Acryl-it upgrade)
• Nak DR-1
• Paradigm 9se MkII (run @4ohm) floorstanding speakers
• The Chord Company interconnects

I have been using the Paradigms since buying them new in the early 90's.  They have always provided mountains of bass - particularly with the B&K I was using, prior to purchasing the Emotiva gear.  The problem, now, is that the XPA-200/XSP-1 combination simply will not produce enough bass.   The same outfit, with the only difference being the amp, used to provide enough bass to rattle windows, etc... The XSP-1 provides 3 db bass bump, but it is hardly noticeable.  Now I am looking at trying out a subwoofer (picking up a used Velodyne DLS-3500R, tomorrow) as a semi-desperate attempt to retrieve some of the dynamics I lost in the change.

I would most definitely prefer to determine WHY I am experiencing such a dramatic change, rather than just adding gear... If anyone has any thoughts, I would greatly appreciate hearing them as I can't help but think that I am missing something significant.

Thanks!
Mike

[harsh]

Using the XSP-1, are you sure you are using full range output?
When looking at the bottom of the preamp, the left switch must be put to the left to defeat the high pass filter.

I hope your problem is just as simple as that...
(you said the only difference was the amp, but it's always possible to trip the switch by mistake. Been there, done that )
(Edit: ok, your previous system was an integrated, so the difference is preamp + amp. Check the switch! )

[psychles]

Hi Harsh:
Thanks for the reply. I've been all over the back of the XSP-1 and, yes, the switches are set to full range output. Good suggestion, though...

Update: I lucked out and found a nice couple in Palo Alto who no longer needed their MINT Velodyne DLS-3500R sub. Just getting used to the balance and working with the room, but I am VERY happy with the performance of the Velodyne sub. With the filters on the back of the XSP-1 PLUS the low pass on the sub, I now have a very handy amount of "adjustment" to the sound stage as the filters act almost like a parametric EQ.

Success!

[Gary Cook]

My uncle is a Paradigm nut, I'm sure he had a pair of 9SE Mk11's, looked like this; 

It's been a few years, but from memory they liked a bit of amplifier grunt.  Personally, for that reason, I probably would have gone for an XPA-2 rather than a XPA-200.  Ignore the paradigm "maximum amp" rating it's way conservative.

Cheers

Gary 

[leonski]

I know I'm WAY late to the party, but NO BASS sounds like out of phase speakers. SWAP +/- on ONE speaker and try again. Turn the sub off and make sure your preamp is set to 'full range'.

[deltadube]

Dec 3, 2014 1:58:35 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

My uncle is a Paradigm nut, I'm sure he had a pair of 9SE Mk11's, looked like this; 

It's been a few years, but from memory they liked a bit of amplifier grunt.  Personally, for that reason, I probably would have gone for an XPA-2 rather than a XPA-200.  Ignore the paradigm "maximum amp" rating it's way conservative.

Cheers

Gary 

[teaman]

Feb 10, 2015 0:57:46 GMT -5 deltadube said:

Dec 3, 2014 1:58:35 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

My uncle is a Paradigm nut, I'm sure he had a pair of 9SE Mk11's, looked like this; 

It's been a few years, but from memory they liked a bit of amplifier grunt.  Personally, for that reason, I probably would have gone for an XPA-2 rather than a XPA-200.  Ignore the paradigm "maximum amp" rating it's way conservative.

Cheers

Gary 

Those Paradigms are gorgeous. I admit I would like to hear those Bryston towers to the left as well. I bet either set powered with that huge Bryston amp sounds amazing. I will have sweet dreams of audio heaven tonight.....zzzz

[arjna]

Perhaps those particular speakers present a particularly difficult load for any amp, especially in the bass.
Friend had a similar situation except 11se's (single woofer).
Tested my XPA-1s in place of his amp and the difference IN MY OPINION (especially in bass, but also image) was like listening from down the hall vs being in the room.
Still don't see why with 2 woofers per side you lack bass unless there is something else going on.
Ever wonder about the age and condition of the caps in the crossovers?
Sure hope by posting this I don't get in trouble with the folks that say that amps should not make a difference.
Good luck and keep us posted with your findings please.

[leonski]

Speakers OUT OF PHASE will produce the SAME effect. No bass.
Even IF they are wired OK, you should check by SWAPPING the +/- on ONE speaker. It is POSSIBLE for a speaker to be mis-wired internally, or you have simply made an OOOPS!
Paradigm's specs for this speaker are not bad. 93db? '8 ohm compatible'? Neither are a red flag. How do you run them @4ohms? Is there a back panel connection or jumpers?
If there are 4 binding posts, which tells me biamp or biwire, than make sure the jumpers are installed.