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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
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I disagree with Larryi, The trade off is what you hear without deep bass not what you hear with deep bass. Sure, you might hear some interesting detail in the mids and highs when the system is lacking deep bass, but is it right?

HiFi means reproducing sound as near to the original sound as possible. It does not mean reproducing sound without bass.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I'm sure sound without bass would not be very enjoyable, not sure that was Larryi's recommendation - certainly a speaker that produces clean bass down to 35- 40hz (-2db) is sufficient to reproduce "sound with bass", in fact there are many world-class speakers (many British)that do just that and are rightly considered "HiFi" and ideal for most domestic-sized rooms.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Pressurization in lowest octave is what your trying to achieve. Once experienced in your system its hard to enjoy one that doesn't pressure lock. Most all do not and most subwoofers will not pressurize your listening space. One needs massive bass systems multiple subs or the best way massive bass horns. But this pressure is what brings excitement gestalt to your system can stand the hairs up on your neck. think about it like this is a stampede produces lots of infra sound as do earthquakes and trains would these sound or feel as impressive if limited to 40hz?
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Not that I'm saying he's wrong, or for that matter that he's correct, but for those that might not know, JohnK is a manufacturer of bass horns.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Could just say I'm honest. Not like folks buy giant bass horns from wee forum posts, bass horn owners have to be partly crazy but dedicated.
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