bob_reynolds,
You stated:
"
There is no approach that will produce a smooth bass response everywhere in the room and there is no need for it."
Let's investigate your sentence for truthfulness. It requires breaking down because your single sentence actually contains two statements that are false:
1. "
There is no approach that will produce a smooth bass response everywhere in the room"
Yes there is. It is called a Distributed Bass Array (DBA) system that consists of 3-4 subs strategically positioned in the room and it does exactly what you claim it does not do; it produces a smooth bass response everywhere in the room as a result of removing the vast majority of bass standing waves which are known to cause bass peaks, nulls and cancellations in typical rooms.
This was theorized and empirically tested and proven by two PHD acoustical engineers. Dr. Earl Geddes and Dr. Floyd Toole, years ago. Their theory, methodology, testing experiments and results are thoroughly documented in the White Papers they subsequently published. Their results have since been independently verified numerous times.
2. "
and there is no need for it". What there is no need for when utilizing a DBA is any mics, room analysis/room correction software, room treatments or PEQ. I think many members and audiophiles would likely disagree with your statement that there is no need for a hi-fidelity state-of the art bass system that is able to accurately and seemingly effortlessly reproduce the full spectrum of bass frequencies in any room without the need for any equipment or software assistance.
I'm surprised that you, as an admitted 'fan of Dr. Geddes and Duke's approach', apparently know so little about their DBA approach and its simplicity and effectiveness.
Sure, not everyone can accommodate 3-4 relatively small subs in their rooms that a DBA requires, but this is a separate matter.
Yes, the DBA approach may not produce smooth and accurate bass response literally everywhere throughout the entire room. But, as a user of the Audio Kinesis Debra DBA system for the past few years, I'm not aware of any position in my 23 x 16 room at which bass response is poor. There may be a spot or 2 but I'm not concerned since it's definitely not at any of my room's 6 seating positions.
The only need for parametric equalization (PEQ) in a DBA system is for bass exaggeration or attenuation based on personal preferences.
Tim
