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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
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
So with my two Torus Infrasonic Generators I don't use any room treatments. My theory on why that is goes like this: The bass they produce is not doubling at 40 hz causing 80hz room resonating frequencies. There is extremely low cabinet resonance which again gets the room excited. 
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
In addition with the Torus, the 18" carbon fiber diaphragm operates like an electrostatic. In push pull. It is bi-wired so there is no stiff suspension to slow it down. I is its own servo. 

This is the promise of technology and good engineering, not just100 lb magnets and 8" of travel. 
basilandco's avatar
basilandco
2 posts
 
When we added the Naim Statement S1 pre-amp to our main demo room system we were surprised at the leap in bass performance, power control and depth. That’s without changing amps, speakers, sources or speaker position - far greater than swapping speakers or power amps. We needed to add a very large bass trap to accommodate this change, otherwise we would have needed to reposition the speakers to compromise the bass. Usually we find the biggest disappointment with audio systems is close to the source or the source itself and I think good bass is no exception.
Jeremy Bicknell
Basil Inc. Audio Systems
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Really?
ejr1953
914 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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