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
I don't think your 15" sub will keep up with your 6.5" midrange. Not much cohesiveness. To each his own.
Imagine how much trouble his 6.5" midrange has keeping up with his 2" tweeter :)

"the woofers in his Rythmik subs are servo-feedback controlled"

Exactly, because to maintain accuracy and to stay in pace with the "lighter" drivers in the mains, you need a near realtime (servo) feedback mechanism to modulate the movement of the heavier driver.

The servo-controlled woofers in Rythmik subs are described as "stopping on a dime". I liken them to a high-torque engine---very responsive. They "track" the signal very closely; no overhang/overshoot, no bloat or plumpness. Lean and clean!
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@soundsrealaudio 

So you obviously could not find any (not one) high end professional studio facility using 6 inch woofers for their main monitors!!!

I hope you learned something. 6 inch woofers being fast is a myth. As far as bass is concerned 6 inch woofers are woefully inadequate except in near field setups where a compromise in bass response, accuracy and dynamic range is acceptable for convenience and cost benefits.