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 1 response by harrylavo

I agree with audiokinesis.  I have used Thiel 3.5's for years, which with their equalizer are flat down to 16-20hz.  The ultimate bass system: 4 or 5 of these in an ITU multichannel configuration.  Virtually all room nodes are eliminated.  Two of them in stereo, because Jim Thiel designed them for optimum sound in a very room-friendly design, can generally be positioned in a room to minimize their room-node response and at the same time, excellent stereo soundstaging..

Equally important, study the basics of sound physics so you know what you are doing/looking for, and if in a general living area, use furniture, curtains, bookshelves, etc to serve as sound modifiers and even psuedo-bass traps.  Good smooth bass can be done, but not in ignorance.  It requires knowledge and experimentation and a willingness to find the proper speaker locations and then design the remainder of the room layout around that.