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40hz ratings/speaker response

Hi, as a neophyte to the technical end of this wonderful addiction, I am curious. If a speaker's frequency response capability is rated to say 40hz or above, what happens to that sound that was recorder that falls below that range? Say for instance the lower octaves on an accoustic piano, or a cello, electric bass etc? And again, what happens to a speaker, with the same rating, if the volume is "pushed" to hear and feel music that has a lower range?
Curious
joeb
ursula660e98
2 posts
 
My problem is with the speakers rated at 25HZ, but i cannot hear much under 40Hz?! Except, when i turn volume up, up high, then i can hear window panes rattling? I own Wilson Watt/Puppy 3/2 and Conrad Johnson CAV 50 integrated with very low gain. Is my amp too weak? Thanks! Ursula
clueless
763 posts
 
Ursula:
It's probably not your amp. Are you familiar with the Fletcher-Munson curve? Psycho acoustics play a big role. Our ears are more sensitive to certain frequencies than others. See www.allchurchsound.com/ACS/edart/fmelc.html or do a google search under "Fletcher-Munson." There are lots of sites that discuss this.

I remain,
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Ursula,

Maybe there isn't anything below 40HZ in the music to which you are listening!

Salut, Bob P.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Bob P. brings up a very valid point about lack of very low frequency content in most recordings. The other point that i would stress would be that your room or speaker placement may be limiting actual low frequency output. Most averaged sized rooms are "reasonably solid" down to the mid 30's or so in my experience. Sean
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ursula660e98
2 posts
 
According to Stereophile test CD, it all stops at 40, at normal listening level.! Thanks.
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