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
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.
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?
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.
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.
It is commonly said that a large driver, say 15", is "slow" because its cone is so heavy. Nonsense! My 15" drivers have huge magnets and 4" voice coils, and the strength of that "motor" greatly exceeds the effect of increased cone mass.