SDA-1B question

wingzam
wingzam Posts: 201
edited October 2008 in Speakers
Hey,I just got these speakers and notice that the lows sound sloppy to me and seem to lack punch.I'm driving these with a Pioneer SA-9500II (circa 1979?) putting out 80 watts.I know this is underpowered so is this whats causing the muddy bass?At lower volumes will a high powered amp clean this up?Thanks
Post edited by wingzam on
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,813
    edited October 2008
    It could any number of factors, including your receiver, wires, source, room and/or how they are set up. It could also be that the speakers have a problem.

    Please provide more details.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • wingzam
    wingzam Posts: 201
    edited October 2008
    Duh,ah...well,the previous Pioneer 60 watt speakers sounded great (in their sweet spot) with the receiver so maybe we can rule that and sources out.They are in a studio apt. and 2 inches from the wall.The speaker wires are about 14 or 16 gauge....
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  • wingzam
    wingzam Posts: 201
    edited October 2008
    You'll have to excuse my lack of vocabulary,it's been a while since i've listened to good speakers.I think the proper term for their sound is boomy.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2008
    Sounds like room or placement issues. If you move them out from the wall a foot or two does the sound change? If you move your listening position forward a foot or two is it better or worse? (not suggesting anything permanent here - just a test)

    Do you know anyone with an amp that you could try with your system?

    Is the interconnect cable connected?

    Do all the drivers move when you play music?
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited October 2008
    wingzam
    Please follow what F1 and McLoki have recommended and get back to the forum with your results and or questions. You have a nice pair of speakers and will be rewarded by following the great advice you will get here. Never forget the old saying "**** in **** out"
    Drew
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  • wingzam
    wingzam Posts: 201
    edited October 2008
    All right you guys.I'll check ou the driver movement and experiment with placement.Will get back to you.
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  • wingzam
    wingzam Posts: 201
    edited October 2008
    Geeeezzzz,let me get my toes uncurled!A foot off the wall has made a difference,but there also seems to be a difference in the quality of the recordings i'm playing.Some tapes and CD's sound better than others as far as the bass reacts.I'm able to listen at higher levels without clipping,is this as a result of speaker placement or just a transient effect?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,813
    edited October 2008
    Duh,ah...well,the previous Pioneer 60 watt speakers are POS compared to what you have now. In addition, that receiver really doesn't cut it for driving the SDA's. Never rule out the source....as NJPOLKER so eloquently pointed out.
    but there also seems to be a difference in the quality of the recordings i'm playing.Some tapes and CD's sound better than others as far as the bass reacts.
    It's the result of having better speakers.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • wingzam
    wingzam Posts: 201
    edited October 2008
    It sounds like I have'nt gotten near what these thing are capable of.I'm really looking forward to this!!
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited October 2008
    Wingzam,
    I have an idea for you and will only cost in the area of $1300.
    Buy a Jolida 100a cd player for about $500.to $600.
    Find a nice integrated amp on audiogon for another $600. making sure its common ground
    A pair of Audioquest type 4 speaker cables for about $150.
    I have no problem spending others money!
    You will be extremely happy with this set-up for years or until you get the bug to upgrade again.
    Just an idea for you.
    Drew
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited October 2008
    Now that I thought about this for a few minutes, look thru the for sale section here. You will find alot of great gear at reasonable costs. I think there is a Adcom amp (baby adcom) which is for sale and will sound better than a old receiver you'll just need a pre-amp to match. Since I am on a roll here with your money alot of folks here have suggested the Adcoms which are high current/hi wpc at a reasonable cost maybe $300 for the amp and maybe you can find a nice matching pre-amp for $200-$300. You have countless options.
    Drew
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