"Slam"--what is it, is it really accurate?


I put this question under speakers because I assume "slam" is mostly a function of the speakers, but perhaps a certain level of amplification is required. The only places I have experienced slam is listening to certain demos at audio shops, and some live music. Most speaker demos I have heard over the years did not produce slam.

So, what mostly accounts for a system producing that "slam" you can feel in your chest? Is it that certain speakers are "voiced" with a mid-bass hump that causes it? Do they EQ the signal to produce it? Do they employ super powerful amps?

Secondly, how accurate is slam? How much of a goal in speaker selection should the ability to produce slam be?

The reason for the questions is that I am getting close to being in the market for new main speakers. My current amp is a McCormack DNA 1, BTW. Thanks for any info!


mtrot
@ Mapman,

Yes, while I was at it, I re-tightened the high frequency cable connections. My high frequency cables are Morrow SP2 with the nude termination. My amp terminals have a hexagonal segment, so this time I used a wrench to tighten down the connections at the amp tighter than I previously had done by hand. I also tried to really tighten down the connections on the speaker as well. I do believe this significantly improved my highs and mids.
slam is amp power + speaker effecience and it must be on the recording. when its right, you feel it viscerally.
Mtrot-

I have never liked the term 'slam'. I always equate it to SPL (a better term). It all relates to the size of speakers in a given room. One would not want under-sized speakers in a large, ex-large, listening space.

I concur that the power amp plays it part as well.
Happy Listening!

If one likes slam, I would encore anyone to listen to the products of the late, great Arnie Nudelle’s products such as infinity IRS, RSB (I-III series) speakers.  Adequately powered, the speakers do all of this.  Arnie was a genius.  God rest his soul.