Hello Everyone,
I’ve recently returned to the Naim world having purchased a NSC 222. I’m using it with a pair of ATC SCM 40A’s and a Rega P8.
I’m finding the system a little bass light and was considering adding a subwoofer.
I was thinking about a REL Classic 99 or possibly a pair of HT 1205’s.
Has anyone done something similar?
Would be grateful for any advice.
Welcome to the forum, Phil. Have a search on @Farthings-cat ‘s posts as he has taken a similar approach with his ATCs.
Assuming you have played around with speaker positioning (what a faff but a necessary evil) then a sub (or two) made a big difference but it more supports the whole sound, if the bass isn’t there to start with then there is little to reinforce. Good subs won’t fix no bass per se.
I have a pair of rel s510’s (that’s what rel recommends with active 40s) and it really makes the sound come together.
Do you have a picture of your room? we may be able to provide some counsel on positioning.
I found using speaker isolation really helped tighten up the bass. I have some Townshend podiums but other products to suit budgets are out there (see thread on stack audio auva (they do a 60 day trial) and a reviewed favourably.
If you jump into subs then a home demo is essential…. Pesky room acoustics.
Gary
I have passive SCM40 v2 powered by ATC P2. I pulled a sub from my recording studio just for fun and I liked the result. KRK 10s sub, low cost, powered sub. Its kind of flabby and undefined compared to the 40s but does add some 35hz and lower punch. I have my eye on one of the matching ATC subs, but they are pricey.
First, if ATC 40s are lacking bass, then it’s probable that the room layout is at fault. Download REW and use the Room Simulation to investigate the problem.
If that doesn’t lead to a solution:
I use a pair of Classic 98… The 99 is bigger , S/510 is also excellent !
This topic has been discussed a lot here and reviewing past forum threads will be helpful. Here’s a helpful thread. There are 186 posts in it, so surely some helpful information in there. And welcome to the Naim Forums!
Looking at the connections on the rear I’d suggest a couple of things. Better power cords would help. if you’re a Naimie maybe try the Naim Power-Line cables. And it appears that they get Signal via XLR cables? try some better ones maybe Chord or whatever you ATC guys like.
Also I can’t tell if you’re using some type of AC Power Distribution unit??
If that doesn’t fix things then a REL Sub or a pair of Classic 99 or S/510’s will absolutely give you more bass.
Hi Phil. I have what you have and added a Rel S510, for the same reasons as you. Very happy with this arrangement
Hi Phil. I have a couple of REL Carbon Specials (I use the REL Bassline Blue cables) on either side of my Dynaudio Contour Legacies, connected to the speaker binding posts, not the nap300. My speaker cables are Chord Epic xl 6m.
The Carbon Specials are brilliant. Crossover set at 15 clicks and volume set at 8 clicks. They really do subtly magnify the sound, in all frequencies as well as opening up the soundstage and envelope me in beautiful tight powerful but controlled bass. I can only advise you to get a sub (agree the sealed box variety) but if you can, get at least a stereo pair. Your listening experience will definitely be enhanced. I can’t live without mine now despite the very nice sound that comes forth from the Legacies without them.
One problem with subs and active speakers is connecting them up, as the often preferred high level connection isn’t possible. ATC do make their own (small) range of subs, which have a pass-through facility. The idea is that you wire your preamp via balanced XLRs to the sub and then run a couple of balanced XLR cables from the sub to the active speakers.
Roger
If you’re looking for a subwoofer that fits subtly into your audiophile system, the REL Classic 99 seems like the best choice, especially with the Naim + ATC combination you have.
With the 222 you can have both XLR & RCA out at the same time.
Yes you can. You will need to select both on under outputs in settings.
You can, as with my Linn Selekt and Auralic Vega, but the ATC sub I was mentioning has only balanced XLR inputs. Very few amps have two independent balanced XLR outputs that can be used at the same time.
Roger
You seem to be watching the news in the photo - I’m not sure extra thunderous bass will be helpful with the world in its current geopolitical state!
Are you still happy with the S/510s Phil? I think it is a fantastic sub. I have one on my second system (the wonderful 80w Nova, with NACA5 connecting the truly brilliant 805 Signatures (which for stand mounts produce extraordinary bass on their own). But again can’t live without it now. Like you, I need to get another one to make a stereo pair. Transformational.
How did you connect it eventually?
