Do most people prefer tight bass or non tight bass?


Today I compared a McIntosh 462 to a Moon audio 761 amp. Both sounded really good. I noticed the bass was tight on the Moon Audio 761 while it was not tight on the McIntosh 462. Both on Dynaudio towers (do not know the model but they go for about 14k).

It is hard for me to know which type of bass I would like better in the long run. The tight bass sounded awesome and the non tight bass sounded more fuller.  Curious, do most people prefer the tight bass or the non tight bass?

dman777

Showing 1 response by fleschler

Quote - Bass intensity and detail are more accurate.

I want the bass to represent the fundamental tone of an instrument and voice.  Bass frequencies range from 20 to 250 Hz with sub-bass from 20 to 60 Hz generally.  For 60 to 250 Hz is should be detailed and represent the recorded sounds, hopefully correct and balanced with the upper frequency spectrum.  As to sub-bass, there’s detail and bloat.  Depends on the taste of the listener which is preferable.  I prefer detail without bloat, intense as the recording dictates (a mastering decision).  I guess I’m spoiled as I have tunable sub-bass with my Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2, easy to place speakers (just adjust for the upper frequencies) with very wide dispersion,, tight/fast and very deep bass (15" Rel powered sub built-in).  My other speaker also has deep and tight/punchy bass, the Legacy Signature III with 3 10" woofers.  I sold my Legacy Focus speakers as it had 3 12" woofers with very deep and sloppy/slow bass relatively speaking.