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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
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Duke,
Thanks for coming back to me. That sounds like a nice flat response, but it is of course room specific, and not always achievable. You are right that since multiple subs give a flatter response over a far larger area, the potential for equalization is even greater. So I guess the right answer is to get the basics right by using more than one sub, and not shy away from some smart equalization either, particularly now that units like the Antimode 8033 are so easy to set up, and so cheap.
gregorybraun's avatar
gregorybraun
24 posts
 

After reading Vade Forrester's equipment review of the Syzygy 870 Subwoofer with Equalization in this September's issue of TAS I ordered one from Amazon.

It has worked out great. EQ cannot be overstated. It makes all the difference. I've tried other subs over the years, but could never get one that didn't sound like a jukebox.

The Syzygy approach is brilliant; and affordable. At only $999 you can't go wrong; and if you buy it from Amazon and don't like just return it, no questions asked, although I bet you'll keep it. It's that good.

   -gb-

gaal
64 posts
 
Room acoustic treatment is the real key for getting deep and clean bass. My system was drastically upgraded through the use of less than $500 of materials. A good reference is http://arqen.com/acoustics-101/room-setup-acoustic-treatment/ Again, it is very cost effective to build your own panels.
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
So with my two Torus Infrasonic Generators I don't use any room treatments. My theory on why that is goes like this: The bass they produce is not doubling at 40 hz causing 80hz room resonating frequencies. There is extremely low cabinet resonance which again gets the room excited. 
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
In addition with the Torus, the 18" carbon fiber diaphragm operates like an electrostatic. In push pull. It is bi-wired so there is no stiff suspension to slow it down. I is its own servo. 

This is the promise of technology and good engineering, not just100 lb magnets and 8" of travel. 
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