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Why is good, deep bass so difficult? - Myths and their Busters

This is a theme that goes round and round and round on Audiogon. While looking for good sources, I found a consultancy (Acoustic Frontiers) offering a book and links:

http://www.acousticfrontiers.com/guide-to-bass-optimization/?utm_source=CTA

Interestingly: AF is in Fairfax, CA, home to Fritz Speakers. I really have to go visit Fairfax!

And a link to two great articles over at sound and vision:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/schroeder-frequency-show-and-tell-part-1
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/schroeder-frequency-show-and-tell-part-2

Every audiophile who is dissatisfied with the bass in their room should read these free resources.

Let me state unequivocally, deep bass is difficult for the average consumer. Most audiophiles are better off with bass limited speakers, or satellite/subwoofer systems. The former limits the danger you can get into. The latter has the most chance of success IF PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED.

The idea that large drivers/subs are slow is a complete and utter myth. Same for bass reflex. The issue is not the speed of the drivers. The issue is usually that the deeper a speaker goes the more it excites room modes, which the audiophile is then loathe to address.

Anyway, please read away. I look forward to reading comments.
erik_squires
gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
154 posts
 
I have always found that a very important part of good bass response is the damping factor of the amp, the ability of the amp to control the excursion of the bass driver.  I've had some pretty expensive equipment over time where the mids and highs were fantastic but the bottom end was lacking.  In most all cases the damping factor was low.  I also learned that I more enjoy a smaller sub in a sealed box (as opposed to ported), especially since I gravitate toward planars and other very fast response speakers.
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wspohn's avatar
wspohn
609 posts
 

i actually know what 16 HZ sounds and feels like....on Sundays

My video system goes down to 16 Hz - but really you don't hear as much as feel at that frequency!

My main audio system is 3 dB down at 20 Hz - adequate for just about any music.  You can be happy with speakers that have not much below 30 Hz, but once you know what is there, it is hard not to miss it.
erik_squires OP
16,299 posts
 
Hi @cousinbillyl

Slightly different topic. That is about perceived impact and multi-way speaker design with passive filters. Impact is not actually deep bass. That’s just regular bass. :)

A powered subwoofer would skip the inductor/filter issue altogether.

Not the first time I have read this statement, so there may be some truth to that, but there are a couple of myths too. Good cored inductors with very low DC start rather inexpensively. The issue with designing a low pass filter is more complicated than merely reducing the DCR. No one should start replacing coils willy-nilly. There are a number of issues that can be introduced by doing so.

Best,

E
erik_squires OP
16,299 posts
 
gkr:

The amps and speaker matching are certainly a factor. I remember the first time I really heard a difference in amps was watching the dealer swap in a Tandberg to play Snell A/IIIs.

Remarkable power, smoothness and extension. I was quite enamored. The "trick" to the Snell's bass was woofers with significant amounts of added mass however, so it is unlikely these drivers have survived up until now.

I recently owned a Tandberg amp again, though, and have to concur with the original reviews which called them grainy on the mid/treble. << sigh >>

harry:

Very few speaker designers really appreciate the value of designing speakers for a room / location instead of quasi-anechoic. That's how I design mine and it's a huge help.

Best,

E
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