Help building my new system

[Willisdo]

In the process of building a new system 

Generally  listen to Rock and Jazz at moderate volumes

Started in audio in the 70s with Kenwood Dual and Advents

Replaced that system with Denon and Polk10s

Just bought Revel 228 driving them with Yamaha 801 streaming with Bluenode

Room is by no means perfect.. loft open on one side and double doors on the opposite wall ~20x20

My first impressions of the Revels are a bit anemic on the low end 

Suspect part of that is a function of break in?

Looking to replace the Yamaha next 

Heard the 226s with Mac 252 seemed like a good fit

Target price range new about $7000 to replace the Yamaha

Looking forward to being part of the community

thx 
Jim

 

[sir sanders zingmore]

Welcome @Willisdo

From what I've read, the Revels shouldn't be anaemic. They are however, not particularly easy speakers to drive. They need an amp with a decent amount of current.

 

They Yamaha 801 should be "ok", audioholics measure it as 105W into 8 ohms and 185 into 4ohms. Not huge power but it shouldn't disgrace itself

https://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/yamaha-a-s801-amplifier-review

 

One thing I that audioholics mention is : "There is a dreaded impedance switch on the back of the A-S801 that reduces the output power of this unit for certification purposes only. We recommend leaving it at the default 8 ohm setting and NEVER changing it. "

 

 

[Keith_W]

Anemic in the low end = probably a room issue. Solutions: 

 

1. Rearrange your system. Try to find a better listening position. 

2. Get subwoofers

 

Best way is to get a microphone, get REW, and find out what is going on. 

[sir sanders zingmore]

Also make sure you haven't accidentally wired the speakers out of phase (we've all done it!)

[Willisdo]

Thanks for the advice

I did double check phasing is correct

Changed the switch  to 8 ohms

I knew the room was an issue but unfortunately,there really is no go option.

Was hoping to overcome some of the deficiencies with equipment changes.

in light of the relative difficulty driving the 228 … and as a general question

Would increasing the power improve listening quality a low levels ?

thanks again

Jim

 

 

[Cacofonix]

Lifted from ASR website:

"Impedance dips low and with some phase angle so you better have a stout amplifier to drive the F228be:"

 

It was also noted that excess bass from the Revels excited room modes. 

 

I don't know if the Yamaha qualifies as a "stout" amplifier or not.

And Revels are more like 4-6ohm speakers.

But you really don't want to lash out on another amp just to confirm that it is indeed the room and not the Yamaha-Revel combo that's the problem.

Can you borrow a beefier amp from a friend? Or get a Revel dealer to suggest and loan you an amp in your suggested price range before purchasing?

 

[Satanica]

If you have to get a new amp, get one with at least twice the power.

 

But if you want more low end, then this is a job for room correction (e.g. Dirac Live).

 

Subwoofers can be great, but it's complicated to get them integrated well and if you don't the overall sound might be a backwards step. Adding a subwoofer or more means your overall system effectively becomes a 3.5 way or 4 way. If you do consider a subwoofer or more, than very much consider Dirac Live Bass Control to bring it all together as a 4 way like system.

[Pegasus]

Have a look around for a 2nd-hand Pass Labs pre, power combo.

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/296357183624?toolid=10001&customid=d526ff44-3d0f-11ef-b45e-323934313566

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/226210821777?toolid=10001&customid=f67262d8-3d0f-11ef-aa43-323934313566

[Willisdo]

Again a bunch of great advice ..the impedance curve was revealing 

Plan to audition a few amps and will look to go to 200 /channel after break in

thanks again

jim