Why so obsessed with bass?

What hz ranges are normally sent to a sub?  Do subs generally do an inferior quality vs a high end main?

i like my 12 inch sub for rumbling effects during a movie but as far as quality, my mains may do better.

This topic comes up so many times a week I wrote a blog post about it:

https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-to-not-buy-subwoofer.html

Best,
Erik

very very few mains will put out full volume 20 hz bass at the listening position..they are rated -3 db at a few inches away at low volume...I cross my subs over at about 38-40 hz...

Meghan Trainor started  it.   I blame her. 

very very few mains will put out full volume 20 hz bass at the listening position

Well, depends what you mean, but room gain is quite powerful. Take a look at what my two-way speakers with a 6.5" woofer can do:

https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-snr-1-room-response-and-roon.html


I’m not saying my speakers’ are exceptional, I’m using them as an example that most audoiphiles don’t know how much bass they have, which then leads them down several paths to disappointment.

The -3db point of any speaker is a very poor indicator of how deep bass will go, or how it will be perceived in any given room.



Best,
Erik