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 3 responses by mapman

klh yes room acoustics but more specifically, speaker interactions with floors. Especially suspended plywood floors but most any with any give. Floors often ring like a bell at bass frequencies and speakers transmit a lot of energy to them directly via physical contact if not isolated. If flooring is not solid concrete foundation, isolate your speakers from them first and go from there if still needed.

Whart yes all recordings are different but room acoustics in general will greatly affect most still even when the "proper" bass is not there.   I say proper with reservations because its up to the recording producers to determine what goes into each recording.   So you want to reproduce what is or is not there accurately.   Trying to make recordings sound like something they are not is public enemy #1 in regards to staying on the hifi merry go round forever.
I’ve found out by far what public enemy #1 is in most cases when it comes to hi fi bass performance in most home systems and have cited it in various past posts.

Guesses?
1) the lower the frequency the more work to be done to reproduce (exponentially).
2) room acoustics are a big factor

Double whammy. Bass is hardest and most costly to do well usually. Also poor muddy bass obscures higher midrange frequencies. Triple whammy.