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 kalali

"...go-cart must be faster than a Honda Civic because it’s lighter..."

It would be if it had the same engine.... Weight is only one of many parameters that affects "performance". It strikes me that folks are talking past each other through this (pointless) thread. Like everything else, there are multiple variables that determine the relative performance of woofers. I think that's probably the only statement that makes sense.

"the woofers in his Rythmik subs are servo-feedback controlled"

Exactly, because to maintain accuracy and to stay in pace with the "lighter" drivers in the mains, you need a near realtime (servo) feedback mechanism to modulate the movement of the heavier driver.