music frequency

My spectrum analyser indicates that the high end of most recorded music rolls off around 12-14 KHz most of the time. Sometimes (not often) there is significant signal up to 20 KHz. The low end varies greatly. Usually nothing below about 40 Hz, but again there are times when the 20 Hz third octave is as high as any other.

My observations include the total music waveform, harmonics and all. We could debate whether a harmonic that is 40 dB down is important, but it is 40 dB down.

Zargon...My point is that those seven lowest piano keys rarely get played. A speaker that doesn't try for the lowest frequencies may reproduce higher ones better (not worse as you suggest) because it can use a smaller lighter cone driver, which is not being driven in and out to the ends of its excursion range. If one must compromise, skipping low end extension is a reasonable choice. It depends also on the quality of the bass that is present...is the response smooth or lumpy. The Magnepanar MG1.6 speaker (which I use) quits at 40 Hz, but for most music the bass sounds OK because the response is unusually smooth.

I am not saying that very low frequency capability is worthless: rather I am suggesting that a separate LF driver (called a subwoofer) is better. (That's what I use).

The recording that I have with the most extensive very low frequency signal is a Wurlitzer theatre organ CD from Organ Stop Pizza (in Mesa Arizona...great place to visit). There is a continuous background at uniform level down to the 20 Hz 1/3 octave band of my spectrum analyser. Is this good? Well maybe yes, and maybe no. It is the real sound of the wind generation machinery of the organ, and if it were not there the reproduced sound would not match a live performance. But maybe this sound is a distraction, and some folk might prefer to have it gone.

Donbellphd...I too have many classical organ recordings. Theatre organs are a whole different animal.

The Wurlitzer in the Organ Stop Pizza is,they say, the largest in the world. Others have claimed this, so I don't know, but it is a big one, beautifully restored. The building was specially designed and constructed to hold the instrument. The wind generation machinery and all the air ducting is on display behind a glass wall.

And the Pizza and wine is good too.