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Shouldn't the Bass be felt? Duh

I am always a little surprised and disappointed when I hear a system that is missing the proper level of bass. What is wrong with these people? Why is a good bass so often overlooked? I grew up in the 60's and went to many good concerts,,, Hendrix twice, Creedence,Airplane etc.
The bass was always strong, and powerful and it didnt screw up your ears. The best past was the physical feeling of that low growl vibrating the rib cage...ahhhhh.
I am in the process of re-establishing my 2 channel system and that is really one of the goals...lots of strong, clean tight bass. To me it really makes the difference in having a satisfying realistic musical experience. I still wonder why a lot of people don't seem to get that?
128x128blueskiespbd
av2k
17 posts
 
You didn't mention your room size. If it's rather small, a good sub will help pressurize the environment. If you want to rock the house, then you'll need either the aforementioned monitors or a pair of large floor standers with a sub for each channel. The system's overall output SPL will decide the effect.

Although acoustic music doesn't go as loud as amplified rock, my large collection of organ CDs will get my Velodyne ULD-15II to rattle the kitchen windows downstairs from 32 Hz down to 16Hz. I can't hear the fundamental but I sure can feel it.

Integrating the sub with the main speakers is a chore though. It's all about balance. But, if you like, crank up the sub!
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
There's a lot of speakers I haven't heard but I have yet to hear anything that can shake the house like some of the old Infinity IRS series and later Genesis ribbon hybrids.
jim94025
57 posts
 
Go out and buy a pair of B&W 801 ser II's and drive the hell out of them with a good quality high current SS amp,ie Pass, Bryston, Krell, etc... You'll feel the bass.
Jim
240zracer
121 posts
 
Not to forget the Klipshorn corner horn. The Eton towers pictured on my system page also move air. Klipshorn with about 20 watts, Eton more like 400. Had some great parties with those speakers when I was a bit younger. My neighbors must have been very tolerant, I guess:) Seems like I read about the bass drivers in rock concerts being servo-motor driven cones. Is that true?
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Basically I agree with Shadorne that multiple large drivers (in sealed enclosures) is the way to go. I have such a SW system installed as part of my house, and therefore no huge enclosures are visible. However, I must admit that I have heard some very impressive bass from the original Klipshorns (one horn-loaded 15" driver). Maybe it doesn't do down to 20Hz, but it will flap your trouser legs.
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