Is bass the most important frequency band?


One thing I’ve noticed when upgrading my audio system is that when I have really good bass, I’m happy. If the bass is top notch, I can overlook less-than-stellar treble or so-so midrange. The opposite does not seem to be true. Sure, I can get tremendous enjoyment out of a high-fidelity playback of a flute or other instrument that doesn’t have much bass impact, but when I switch to a track that has some slam, if my sub/woofers don’t perform, I’m left wanting, and I am inclined to change the track. When my subwoofer game is top notch, there is something extremely pleasing about tight, powerful, and accurate bass response that easily puts a smile on my face and lifts my mood in a matter of seconds. Maybe it all boils down to the fact that bass frequencies are heard AND felt and the inclusion of another sense (touch/feeling) gives bass a competitive edge over midrange and treble. I am not talking about loud bass (although that can be really fun and has its place), but the type of bass that gives you a sense of a kick drum’s size or allows for the double bass to reach out and vibrate the room and your body. I propose to you that bass and sub-bass should be optimized first and foremost, followed by treble and midrange in order to maximize enjoyment. Thoughts?
mkgus

Showing 1 response by daledeee1

My friend made me some subwoofers 20 years ago.  They are still sitting in approximately the same spot.  I added some bass traps but could use a couple more.  I bought sorbothane hemispheres and now realize that's not good enough.  I have nice bass but it could be better, not much.  I dread the day when I have to replace these subs.  The price will be about 10X what it cost me the first time. 

As far as being the most important, I love bass but I love mids and highs that are not fatiguing so I can listen longer and enjoy that bass.  The last thing I want is a system that is tiring.