Stereophile spec measurement baffling(pun?)


What is and why is it important, anechoic -6dB point?

horn13

I'm trying to get an idea of where to begin the setup of a B&W ASW800 with a pair of B&W 805 matrices.

@OP, the 805 matrix has a bit of a bump between 100 and 120Hz and falls off fairly rapidly below 80Hz so you probably want to cross it over somewhere around or below 80Hz. Ideally, use a set of bass test tones and an spl meter to check the frequency response of the speakers in your room first though, as the above is only a guide based on the room averaged response that Stereophile measured.

The anechoic -6dB point is useful to know when considering what LF the speaker will offer in your room when the effect of room gain is added.  Sometimes, companies will offer low end response in a "typical" room but without stating the room dimensions.  

See: https://www.svsound.com/blogs/subwoofer-setup-and-tuning/what-is-subwoofer-room-gain?