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Why is good, deep bass so difficult? - Myths and their Busters

This is a theme that goes round and round and round on Audiogon. While looking for good sources, I found a consultancy (Acoustic Frontiers) offering a book and links:

http://www.acousticfrontiers.com/guide-to-bass-optimization/?utm_source=CTA

Interestingly: AF is in Fairfax, CA, home to Fritz Speakers. I really have to go visit Fairfax!

And a link to two great articles over at sound and vision:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/schroeder-frequency-show-and-tell-part-1
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/schroeder-frequency-show-and-tell-part-2

Every audiophile who is dissatisfied with the bass in their room should read these free resources.

Let me state unequivocally, deep bass is difficult for the average consumer. Most audiophiles are better off with bass limited speakers, or satellite/subwoofer systems. The former limits the danger you can get into. The latter has the most chance of success IF PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED.

The idea that large drivers/subs are slow is a complete and utter myth. Same for bass reflex. The issue is not the speed of the drivers. The issue is usually that the deeper a speaker goes the more it excites room modes, which the audiophile is then loathe to address.

Anyway, please read away. I look forward to reading comments.
erik_squires

Showing 2 responses by ejr1953

ejr1953
902 posts
 
Over the years I've had multiple setups with subs.  Sometimes they are very frustrating to get integrated, so the system doesn't sound like it has sub woofers, this last time was the most frustrating, as the room had terrible acoustics in the bass region (the room added a single bass note, no matter what the bass player was playing).  It took a LOT of patience and time, a calibration microphone and the REW software to help me place 10 bass traps, but when I finally got the subs "dialed in", I'm in "bass heaven"!
Oh, I have a pair of JL Audio F113V2 subs, augmenting a pair of Focal Sopra No2's.
ejr1953
902 posts
 
I have been a sub woofer fan for a long time, until recently (my last speaker upgrade), I've used stand mounts.  I do find that integrating a sub with the side speakers and especially with the room can be a time-consuming and frustrating challenge.
My last sub purchase was the most difficult to integrate, as the room had this "single note" sound it added to the bass.  To solve that I purchased a calibration microphone and REW (Room EQ Wizard software), and one by one purchased and installed bass trap panels from ATS Acoustics, which are reasonably priced and very well made.  I currently have 10 traps installed in my 24x26' listening room, and could probably add another one or two, but don't want to deaden the higher frequencies.
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