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Why is good, deep bass so difficult? - Myths and their Busters

This is a theme that goes round and round and round on Audiogon. While looking for good sources, I found a consultancy (Acoustic Frontiers) offering a book and links:

http://www.acousticfrontiers.com/guide-to-bass-optimization/?utm_source=CTA

Interestingly: AF is in Fairfax, CA, home to Fritz Speakers. I really have to go visit Fairfax!

And a link to two great articles over at sound and vision:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/schroeder-frequency-show-and-tell-part-1
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/schroeder-frequency-show-and-tell-part-2

Every audiophile who is dissatisfied with the bass in their room should read these free resources.

Let me state unequivocally, deep bass is difficult for the average consumer. Most audiophiles are better off with bass limited speakers, or satellite/subwoofer systems. The former limits the danger you can get into. The latter has the most chance of success IF PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED.

The idea that large drivers/subs are slow is a complete and utter myth. Same for bass reflex. The issue is not the speed of the drivers. The issue is usually that the deeper a speaker goes the more it excites room modes, which the audiophile is then loathe to address.

Anyway, please read away. I look forward to reading comments.
erik_squires
erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
I can be quite brave when I say I could not justify $12k on a subwoofer. :)

Your wallet may be less prone to pain and suffering than mine however, and I welcome you to spend as much as you'd like.

I will say that I have plenty of output and my HT has as much output at 16Hz as I want or need. My previous apartment was even better sounding than this one, but I'll survive.

Best,

E


pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,534 posts
 
Nah its not difficult - just requires some room :-)

http://pbnaudio.com/speakers/montana-speakers/master-reference-loudspeakers


Good Listening

Peter
erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
For measurements, if I'm not using OmniMic, the Android app AudioTools + the Dayton IMM6 microphone is a real godsend.

Best,

E
jon_5912
252 posts
 
For not a ton of money you can get the Behringer ultracurve and measurement mic.   Then you can put the ultracurve between a digital source and DAC.  This will give you all the digital equalization you could ever want. 

It also allows you to compare the digital signal from the source with the analog signal coming from the measurement mic.  Get a tone generator and you can see the difference at every frequency.  I did this many years back and it really helped me understand how the room, bass traps and equalization effect the sound.  

If you aren't willing to do this or similar and you are bothered by uneven bass then I agree that it's best to have a system that doesn't do deep bass.  

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-DEQ2496-BEHRINGER-ULTRACURVE-PRO/dp/B000CCN152


dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,105 posts
 
Hi Erik,

Roger on the cost. Plus having to build the chamber.

Sounds like you get a lot of low bass. Do those woofers also load the room?

Dave 
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