[mathcrew]

Hi, I'm building a middling system, not high end, for the second time around.  I'm currently using a base level Planar 1 and Proac Super Tablettes from around 1987. Amp is an old but functional Sony STR-AV570 receiver.

Once upon a time, I had a nicely tweaked Thorens TD160 through a Quad 33/405 and these very speakers, and I feel like the sound was kind of bigger, more nicely enveloping then.  Bass seems a bit muddy with my current setup.

So I'm wondering what more knowledgeable people might suggest for system improvement, and whether amplification is my weak link at the moment. I'm looking at cxa81 and at AVA stuff, or Rotel A14 Mkii... budget probably $1000-2000, but I'm totally open to other suggestions... integrated, separate, phono preamp... could slightly increase the budget if there's good reason.

Down the road, I will add a good cd player and internet radio source, but I have stuff that will do that for now; recommendations gratefully received though!  Thanks, Greg

Thanks, Greg

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome, your weak point are the crossovers IMO. This Will limit the benefits you may get from a new great amp.

[Phil A]

Welcome!

[WGH]

Welcome to AC.

The muddy bass is probably speaker/room interaction. I'm not familiar with the Proac Super Tablets so don't know where they sound best. Pulling them away from the wall and 2'-3' into the room would probably eliminate the muddy bass but since the speakers are so small it would eliminate all bass.

If you want to experiment with amps on a budget, try the used Van Alstine Mos-Fet CA-50 for $795.00. And at 120 watts per channel the amp would put a vise grip on those little woofers to control the bass.
https://avahifi.com/collections/used-demo-and-quick-ship/products/used-mos-fet-ca-50

But first call Frank Van Alstine, he is usually the first one to answer the phone. Frank has heard everything and can advise whether a new amp would solve your problem.
(651) 330-9871

The money you save can be put towards speakers.

[JLM]

35 year old drivers probably have worn woofer surrounds and caps in the crossovers.

[FullRangeMan]

With low sensitivity 84dB its normal have a anemic bass with most amps IMO.

[opnly bafld]

With low sensitivity 84dB its normal have a anemic bass with most amps IMO.

      nonsense

[FullRangeMan]

    nonsense

Any proof?
This speaker ''woofer'' are a small 4 inches, bass specified reach only 70Hz along with 84dB it will need at least 200W amp to awake, in my experience.
Crossover frequency: 5kHz. Frequency response: 70Hz–20kHz, ±3dB. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms. Sensitivity: 84dB/2.83V/m. Power capacity: 80W.
Stereophile agree:
https://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/0484proac/index.html
Not only do the Tablettes have no deep bass, but their entire frequency response sounds slightly tilted upward toward the high end. The sound is a bit forward, bright, and thin, tending to emphasize sibilants and other high-frequency transients. Associated components that tend toward a bit of brightness become unbearable on the Tablettes; if anything, a somewhat rolled-off amplifier or cartridge would be in order, with perhaps a bit of lower midrange warmth thrown in.

Another problem area is the reproduction of musical timbres from instruments whose lower range extends below 100Hz, where the Tablette's low end droops. The resonance of piano bass is noticeably diminished and cellos sound emasculated, possessing less body and heft than the live instrument. This should be read as an indictment, not of the Tablettes alone, but of the entire breed of mini-monitors.

[opnly bafld]

That explains it, no wonder I can't find 4 inch subwoofers that are actually sub woofers. 

IME speakers lacking bass have anything but muddy bass, it's harder for the room to mess up something that's missing.

In your opinion crossovers limit the advantages of a better amplifier, so everyone should just be happy their system doesn't sound like total rubbish. 

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Greg