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Why the obsession with the lowest octave

From what is written in these forums and elsewhere see the following for instance.

Scroll down to the chart showing the even lowest instruments in this example recording rolling off very steeply at 40 Hz.

http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/news.php?action=view_story&id=154

It would appear that there is really very little to be heard between 20 and 40 Hz. Yet having true "full range" speakers is often the test of a great speaker. Does anyone beside me think that there is little to be gained by stretching the speakers bass performance below 30-40 cycles?
My own speakers make no apologies for going down to only 28 Hz and they are big floor standers JM Lab Electra 936s.
mechans
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,588 posts
 
"Sit mid hall or balcony and you won't experience the visceral impact of low bass."

Often but not always true.

Sitting at Dress Circle balcony level in Carnegie Hall, I felt the visceral impact of the tympanis when struck to the greatest degree I recall at recent live concert events.

If I go back there or elsewhere and do not hear and feel it, I will now know for sure I am missing something.

BTW, this is a good thread!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,588 posts
 
"When you hear the rumble, T-Rex may be near, and that is exciting, know?"

Or if not, maybe just Tweety bird.....
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,588 posts
 
"Electronica artists have the freedom to create music without the limitations of traditional instruments. They can be creative in any octave they want and I don't want to miss out."

Very good point!

Those that shun anything electronically produced will likely be less affected by missing the lowest octave.

Those that care about sound quality and listen to electronically produced music will care more if it is not there.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,588 posts
 
"some like low bass and others do not"

I'll go out on a limb and propose that many that like good sound and do not like low bass need to hear it done well and not like it is done most of the time.
dcrugby
96 posts
 
remind me never to post a picture of my gallo reference avs with dual spherical subs...
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