Subwoofer in the corner? Forget about it

Stan, I don't think so...If one has a pair of speakers that are beautiful and accurate top to bottom, adding a sub can still improve the sound even though the sub is not handling any deeper Hz the main can't. A recording, say, with the lowest Hz level being at around 35Hz, can be produced beautifully and accurately by a pair of speakers: you're saying a sub is not needed then? A sub, particulary a large one, (I'm assuming a quality sub, of course)will move more air than 6 or 10 inch woofer in the main speakers. Comparable subs (same manufacturer) will produce the same effects, as well. A 15" will move more air than a 10. Two more than one. Same Hz, but different feeling. There is more to a sub than simply reproduction of frequencies that the mains cannot handle. "Nothing more or less." warren :)

No Warrenh, I'm saying a sub IS needed and useful for any full range speaker system. Sorry I was not clear.
S

gotcha..

The boomy bass problem can exist because of: 1) Poor sub design; 2) room related problems (sound field and standing waves); 3) struture problems.
1)Most sub use large excursion cones, wich are more dificult to control, facing to speaker cone towards the floor loads the cone with an air load (increases the mechanical impedance of the load), wich will enhace the damping properties of the system (the cone will move in a more controled way). Facing the sub to the floor will extend the sub lower frequency range by use boundary reinforcement.
Sub design dont stop here, there are more parameters to account.
2)A uneven bass response can be a result of the sweet spot position in the sound field. Try change your sweet spot or the subs position.
Standing waves is a room geometric issue.If you excite some of the room modes, you will have uneven frequency response. You can deal with this problem by using tube traps or a judiciously use of furniture. Try using the sub with a lower level in order no to overexcite some of the room standing waves modes.
3)Struture-borne sound is created by the motion of the struture surface (wall). The sub excites the wall, the wall vibrates and excites the air. In this particular case putting the sub in the corner is a good option because of the increase of rigidity and damping created by the various wall intersections (do a nuckle test in the midwall and in the corner). This problem could be the most difficult to resolve, it could lead to wall work.

Redwoodgarden - "A good sub in the corner will allow a recording of a 64 foot organ pipe bring out a sensation of an external heart massage. Nice!" - Not in your room, because of room dimension limitations. The notes lower than the lowest room mode will only be perceived in a nearfield audition (close to the speakers).

In the end this issue can be challenging or frustrating. Adopt the challeging view. Try a scientific approach: do some reading, make your calculations, do the necessary changes, do some music test and then report here.

Seurat,

***In the end this issue can be challenging or frustrating. Adopt the challeging view. Try a scientific approach: do some reading, make your calculations, do the necessary changes, do some music test and then report here.***

Yes! There are many variables, many not easily adjusted (like room dimensions and wall construction) leading me to say in an earlier post that obtaining great bass at home requires both knowledge and effort, as well as a little good luck. I prefer the path of knowledge and effort, but as in all life, some good luck is welcome.

I picked up the Rives CD last week to begin with some primative response measurements (Rat Shack SPL meter). It's a start, for an objective benchmark. Will "report here".

Scott