2. speakers
  3. 148251-20042

Why the fascination with subwoofers?

I have noticed many posts with questions about adding subwoofers to an audio system. Why the fascination with subwoofers? I guess I understand why any audiophile would want to hear more tight bass in their audio system, but why add a subwoofer to an existing audio system when they don’t always perform well, are costly, and are difficult to integrate with the many varied speakers offered. Additionally, why wouldn’t any audiophile first choose a speaker with a well designed bass driver designed, engineered and BUILT INTO that same cabinet? If anyone’s speakers were not giving enough tight bass, why wouldn’t that person sell those speakers and buy a pair that does have tight bass?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2x2psyop
clio09
3,346 posts
 
I am out listening to live music once or twice a week. Living in the SF Bay Area there are no shortage of events, from local spots to well known venues. I've also been fortunate to record or obtain recordings of many of the events I attend.

I believe in many of the attributes used in the definition of "tight bass" that have been posted. It's the term itself I don't agree with. That was the reason I asked and why I felt Ralph's response was notable.

Post removed 
rodman99999
6,035 posts
 
@clio09-  That’s why I mentioned, "semantics". I’m envious of your location. Currently; I’m stuck in a culturally-challenged hick-town, after living the major portion of my life, between Cleveland and Orlando. No dearth in either local(unlike here), regardless of music genre desired. Happy Listening!
ebm
9,311 posts
 
No fascination here dude!!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,880 posts
 
Dear @clio09 : Here a definition of the word artifact:

""" ar·ti·fact/ˈärdəfakt/noun
  1. 1.an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest."gold and silver artifacts"
  2. 2.something observed in a scientific investigation or experiment that is not naturally present but occurs as a result of the preparative or investigative procedure."widespread tissue infection may be a technical artifact"


    do you think that what you listen at near field position ( this near field position is very important for the subject we are analizing. ) in live music experiences in different venues and with different kind of MUSIC is an " artifact " ?

    because at least for me is the very first time in my life that I read that word in reference to bass management and I think rodman9 too.

    What noble100 posted: " when you hear it you will know , has nothing to do with artifact " but gin if that’s what you understand after those several nearfield live MUSIC experiences it’s ok with me but think a little about.

    Anyway, can we go on on the bass management whole subject?

    R.
More to discover