The test setup
Contents
We tested the PSI AVAA C214 in our reference system
The test setup
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- TAD Evolution 2 loudspeakers
- Pass Labs XP-12
- Pass Labs X150.8
- Mutec MC3+ reclocker with AAI pucks
- Alpha Audio PC with Jcat USB and Ethernet cards
- Grimm TPM cabling
- Isotek Titan
- Yeti Reference filter (sources)
- YETI Power cables
- Van den Hul Nova speaker cable
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The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel
Improving lows with the PSI AVAA C214 active bass trap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYIgoUnr8ME
Interesting, as I use stacked ASC tube traps in one corner and singles directly adjacent to and on the outside of my main (ATC) speakers, all for about 2/3 the cost of the PSI. Not the best design for company. With the PSI, it’s not clear from text or photos where they ended up. It’s hard to imagine that placement in the middle of the room, as two of the photos show, will sell well.
Those AVAA’s are placed to the side, out of sight. The image is, well, to photograph the AVAA’s.
How many did you test and how big was your room?
How many? At least two Psi AVAA C214? -> $$$
Interesting product especially if you do not or cannot use room treatment devices. Thank you for this review, but may I make a suggestion that your readers might find useful. After decades of experimenting in getting rid of the annoying lows (and applying all sorts of passive and active devices) I ended up with an effective but very affordable combined set up. After measuring the room I stacked Big and Small Blocks in the corners. I placed single SiRRAH ‘cushions’ on the first reflection points on the walls and behind the Voxativ Field Coil full range units. The speakers are open baffle PAP Quintet 15 with four 15″ bass drivers per side. After this treatment there’s still a bit of a peak in the ‘famous’ 60-65 Hz region veiling the lower and mid frequencies. For that I used Roon which is in my Grimm Mu1. I created a quite steep filter around 60 Hz thereby removing a larger part of the peak, which gives you this ‘veil removing’ affect. At the same time I boosted the 20-35Hz band with a gradual slope effectively filling out the low end of the bass. My amp can easily pump out the boost when speaker resistance drops beyond 4 Ohm. This DSP solution is effective and very pleasant and for free as it is a part of Roon anyway. AND you can play with it to your hearts content or even create multiple ‘solutions’. It will not replace proper speaker placement and basic room treatment for the bass, but it is the icing on the cake and for free. It will enhance perceived resolution and stereo image big time. The trick is, and I cannot emphasize this enough, not to try to correct ‘everything’. Small steps go a long way. I keep saying you need to take care of the room FIRST instead of constantly swapping gear, tubes, cables et cetera. Enjoy!
Dear D.L. Whitton, I use an Auralic Aries G1 with which I can also influence the frequency. I was already experimenting. With your additional information I will try to take a step forward. Thank you. I’ll let you know.