@millercarbon --
There is no stereo information at the lowest frequencies. Even if there is, there isn’t. I’m not gonna get into a technical spat over timing either. None of that matters. The simple fact is human beings cannot even hear low frequencies at less than one full cycle. Yes that is a fact. Yeah, science! So timing information or no timing information either way it doesn’t matter because you simply cannot hear it.
Let's indeed, to some extent, leave out technicalities - as you already proposed. And yet, you're all over it, right? I'll give you this: whether there is, or how frequently stereo information below, say, 100Hz is actually in the (digital) source material, is debatable. I doubt there's a comprehensive study on this, but I'd welcome more thorough insight on the matter - should it materialize.
If stereo information is actually there down low in the source material, you're claiming it wouldn't matter because, as you write, we're not able to hear it. Ok. For stereo in general to matter, where we can aurally perceive it, it'd certainly nail the importance of placement re: timing. In regards to the lowest frequencies, however, what we hear may not be that important, and this could explain why some people fuzz about the importance of symmetrical placement of dual subs:
Stereo or not, I'd wager variations of pressurization in the lowest frequencies in regards to the distance and (possibly) direction of two bass sources, are perceivably felt. We may not be to tell exactly where they're coming from, but more importantly some of us can distinguish whether the pressurization is in unison as a combined output with the mains, i.e.: coming from equally distanced and directed sources (again, in relation to the mains) or not. The marker to me is for the integration with the mains to feel the most compelling, and to my experience this comes from placing the two subs symmetrically to the mains, preferable near them. The sonic image just falls into place here. I've tried close to endless combinations of placing my current subs non-symmetrically to my mains in my former listening room, and they never "clicked" the same way with the mains compared to the symmetrical solution. I speculated whether a diagonal placement of the subs in my current abode would make a worthwhile difference in regards to room mode cancellations, but so far I've chosen to trust my findings made earlier.
This is not about stubbornly maintaining a position, but rather questioning a categorical approach presented by you that goes contrary to the experience made by some. You say it doesn't matter, but there are those of us who says that it does. Do you think telling us how things (presumably) work suddenly inverts our experience - why the urge to speak for all?
Both the physics and the psychoacoustics of really low bass are so radically different than midrange and treble I am about ready to give up trying to explain. One in a hundred pays attention and thinks. The rest already have their closed minds made up.
Well, you certainly made up yours on this matter, supported by your beloved science. I can buy "paying attention" - indeed that's paramount when listening and evaluating. However, the thinking part comes up short when failing to take into account the "intel of listening" in forming an opinion that tries to dictate perceived impressions.
