Why the obsession with the lowest octave

"Imagine the impact of the tympani had you been sitting closer."

I can only imagine, but I would propose that it is possible the impact could be less sitting closer if sitting on a more rigid floor or foundation. Its possible that being higher up and further away yet in an elevated balcony transmitted some of that bass energy through the structure, ie "the place was literally rocking" maybe.

Also, the balcony was elevated with the tympani in direct line of sight so I suspect it took a direct hit from the soundwaves, whereas the floor is closer but below the stage, so the sound waves transmitted might be lesser as well.

YEs, Tvad, we audio kooks are an anal bunch indeed....

I will never forget the visceral sound of that particualr tympani in that particular setting though. It was almost an "out of body" experience that seemed to defy physics. I was left disoriented for a moment and trying to figure out how what I just heard actually happened?

ISn't that the kind of thrills we misguided audio head cases seek,afterall?

"My idea of really bad low frequency is driving, then hearing some morons' thumping crap subs from five cars away at a stoplight, and being stuck till' the light turns green. "

Yes, I agree. That IS the worst!!!!

Some of the things I have heard in Best Buy and other stores that target the masses are close behind.

I used to sell car stereos at Radio Shack years ago. I am proud to say I managed to always resist the urge to sell car stereos and make commissions by cranking up distorted bass. I did OK though despite by just trying to keep focused on quality, not quantity.

BTW, despite all appearances otherwise, let me make it clear that I am NOT obsessed with the lower octave.

I prefer to call it "enamored"........

As a card-carrying male I agree with Elizabeth, I'm happy to be considered a stereotype:

Football, fast cars, big tits, curvy ass babes, big stereos

Amen!!

Sub sonic bass? Not my thing, I'm all about an accurate/holographic mid-range for the most part. Get the vocals right and most other things fall into place.