How much LF info on LPs?


Hi.

I would like to ask how much audible Low-frequency information do you get from your speakers when spinning vinyl? I know that vinyl definitely doesn't go as low as CDs. That being the case, then wouldn't speakers with good bass extension be irrelevant and a waste of money in a vinyl-only system? I've noticed that big bass=big money, in general. What are your experiences?

I didn't find this anywhere in the archives. If it is there, please direct me.

Thanks!
nismo
My Linn LP12 SME 309 and Shure V15 transmit lots of bass ! Its actually quite unbelievable how much bass and its clear and well defined too. I like to get the Led out. If Lps didn't rock I would not be spending every waking moment searching for more LPs !(Just kidding about the last comment, just don't ask my wife)
I have yet to own a CDP with bass that even begins to approach the bass produced by vinyl. I have an SACD player too and it's still not even close. I'm not sure where some of these comments about the merit of digital bass originate?!? Everything about the design is flawed. It's undersampled, under-clocked, and poorly transfered.
Nismo:

Try listing you complete system.

If you are experiencing a lack of bass from your TT (with a variety of source material) then something is probably mis-matched or a poor performer.

Even with small monitors (granted that they do not have a steep roll off in the LF's) you should "on a whole" be getting better bass response from your LP's.

I use old Thorens TT's (also have a TD165 -w- the stock arm that is not listed with my system) and they perform quite well in the LF's when set up properly with the right cartridge. The best bass comes from a 20 year old Ortofon cartridge (F15-EII), not the Grado Silver.

Considering that I am getting good results from cheap/cheap/cheap battery powered phono preamps and budget TT's/cartridges I think that you need to take a closer look @ your setup.

You could first try shimming up your TT mat which will affect vertical tracking angle (VTA). Cut a round (or rounds) of felt (you can usually pick up squares of it for $1 @ most fabric shops) and place it on top of your existing mat. This will lower the tail end of the cartridge and increase bass response. I only have three cartridges on hand, but all of them perform better when the tail end drags a bit lower than what the manufacturer specifies, so this may be a common occurance.

If this works then look to see if your tonearm has a VTA adjustment. I set my arm's VTA for the thickest LP's that I have and then use a shim mat when playing thinner stock.

Hopefully it will be something as simple as this.
Nismo:

Forgot to mention that I also use record weights on my TT's (they improve/define bass).

I made them myself by Blue Tacking a Mapleshade brass cone (point up) to the top of a 45 rpm adapter (any symetrical non-magnetic weight should do in place of the cone, just don't go too heavy). This is then placed on top of the LP @ the spindle.

Suppose that I will try some commercial weights eventually as I have found them to be effective on my TT's (don't think that they work on all TT's though, so it's better to experiment, on the cheap, as I have).
Euh, boy. Don't let facts get in the way of a good story. The analog LP is a perfect source. Nothing can touch it. Every recording available is a flat, clean, noise-free pressing, does not deteriorate with age and does faithfully reproduce 7hz (to 25Khz, an upper range tested by human ears no doubt) or, as someone else put it, an unbelievable amount of bass. The other way of reproducing music is a conspiracy from hateful, deaf, nasty, large corporations only thinking of themselves and out to rid the world of the only natural source of high definition sound reproduction: the non-compromised analog lp. There is not one aspect of the other way of doing things that is remotely close to the vinyl lp. You name it: bass, treble, mid-range, definition, resolution, noise, dynamic range etc. And if one number should ever be tested properly (which is an impossibility, as you know) and come out better, well it simply is too high (or low, depends) and anything more (or less, depends) you don't need and detracts from a musical presentation. Now if anyone hss actually believable data on this, let's hear it. The fear induced by the original poster is that he is trying to find fault with the analog lp and the bass thing is just the thin edge of the wedge. Better stop this dead in its tracks and come out with answers that have no relationship with the real world. When is the last time you heard 7Hz through your speakers from an lp, or anything else for that matter?