Great post and comments. I also wondered about this too. Having access to a Grand and a choir (church) playing weekly, I get to listen to the Grand. I believe based on my hearing, i can get close BUT not the same, no matter what format i use.. Yes the lower registers and overhangs is where there is a noticeable difference.
Why not the piano as a reference for bass
I see a lot of commentary/reviews on a systems bass response that all seem to hinge on the 41 hz double bass and such range. At 27.5 the A0 note on a piano seems a better point to judge. Lots of piano in normal music vs say an organ note. I know when I feel that deep chord played it is one of things I enjoy about listening the most! Was listening to Wish you were here live and the piano was sublime.
So is it more of how much musical energy is perceived in the 40 hz range or what that makes this more of a reproduction benchmark?
I welcome your input!
New Joe Bonamassa out BTW!