2. speakers
  3. 1236040880

“Real” bass vs. “Boom” — how do you know which?

Hi,

I'm working on positioning a new pair of Ohm Walsh 100's in my listening room. I think I'm getting close to an optimal positioning with regard to soundstaging and imaging, but I'm less sure when it comes to tonal balance.

How can you tell if the bass you're hearing is “real bass” vs. ”boom“ from room interactions?

Oddly shaped room, around 12' x 15', wood floors, speakers placed asymmetrically (out of necessity) along long wall: both speakers are 20 inches from rear wall. Right speaker is 16 inches from right wall, left speaker is around 5 feet from left wall. Two pieces of soft furniture: day bed (listening position) opposite speakers, and lounge chair to left of left speaker. Windows on three of four walls, with soft blinds on them, although I've generally been more pleased with the sound with the shades up.

Thanks in advance!!
rebbi
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,465 posts
 
Reb,

Wood floors can be tricky with the ports on the 100s located on the bottom. I've had Walsh 2s (older driver, same size) in rooms very similar in size and layout to yours in prior residences.

Try loosely plugging the ports on the bottom by rolling up a thin sheet of foam if you have it or even a pair of old socks (no-body will see them down there). This can help lighten things up a bit with the room acoustics if needed. You might try it with only the right speaker that is closer to the wall as well in that proximity to the wall could cause a relative boost on that side.

Also play with toe-out to point the tweet more towards your listening position perhaps to tilt up the timbre overall if needed. Try a little more toeout on the right speak that is close to the wall as well (similar to the big f-5 Ohms in the pic in my system).
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Unless you are trained you probably need a Ratshack meter with some test tones and/or a program like EQ Room Wizard and a microphone + PC. The temptation is always to go for more bass than you should. However, you will hear more of the music if you get the bass right (even if it is not as impressive) because too much bass will mask higher frequencies such as the lower midrange and prevent you from maximizing the musical enjoyment.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
SPL meter from R/S and Stereophile test disc with test tones will at least let you "see" what's happening with the bass, and give you an idea how "close" you are to ideal.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Consider purchasing "The Sheffield Drum and Track Disc," available from Acoustic Sounds and others. It is a reissue on cd of two noted direct-to-disk recordings from the early 1980's, containing extremely powerful, yet taut and accurate, drum set and electric bass passages. I have the original Track Record on vinyl (I haven't heard the Drum Record, which is also included on the cd), and I would say it is the best music-based bass evaluation and demo tool I have ever encountered.

The notes on my 1982 Track Record album feature a quote from Harry Pearson of "The Absolute Sound": "Absolutely the best sounding rock record ever made."

Regards,
-- Al
mingles
799 posts
 
you will hear more of the music if you get the bass right (even if it is not as impressive) because too much bass will mask higher frequencies such as the lower midrange and prevent you from maximizing the musical enjoyment.
Shadorne (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)
Shadorne makes an excellent point. Boom always mucks up the midbass and midrange. When you get the bass right, you'll be amazed how realistic the midrange sounds. It should be balanced, natural and enjoyable. Are you doing any room treatment other than your furniture and drapes? If you aren't, I recommend searching the forums for suggestions. There's a lot of good info in there.

By the way, a great way to get a reference for how things should sound is to use headphones. Every audiophile should have a pair for this purpose. Best of luck on your quest! Mark
More to discover