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Why the obsession with the lowest octave

From what is written in these forums and elsewhere see the following for instance.

Scroll down to the chart showing the even lowest instruments in this example recording rolling off very steeply at 40 Hz.

http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/news.php?action=view_story&id=154

It would appear that there is really very little to be heard between 20 and 40 Hz. Yet having true "full range" speakers is often the test of a great speaker. Does anyone beside me think that there is little to be gained by stretching the speakers bass performance below 30-40 cycles?
My own speakers make no apologies for going down to only 28 Hz and they are big floor standers JM Lab Electra 936s.
mechans

Showing 3 responses by mceljo

mceljo
1,351 posts
 
Lithojoe - Seeing the word "bloviate" reminded me of the excellent comic series:

Non Sequitur Political Zoology Field Guide

http://lawwreview.blogspot.com/2010/12/political-zoology-field-guide-tone-deaf.html

I think this link will get you to the bloviate one, but there is an entire series if you do a little looking, it's worth your time.
mceljo
1,351 posts
 
My Focal 836v speakers are rated for 40Hz to 28kHz +/- 3dB with the low frequency cut off at 33Hz. I have a test tone CD and verified that they would produce an audible tone at 28Hz with my Integra receiver, but would only do 30Hz with my Onkyo. Having them up against the wall provides bass supported (some might call it bloated), but it works for me the majority of the time. The subwoofer stays off for most critical listening.
mceljo
1,351 posts
 
Another thought with a full range speaker is that if the speaker is capable of reproducing extrememly low tones (the same goes for the extreme high tones as well) then the vast majority of music doesn't require the speakers to work at the max capacity. I think this is applicable to just about all audio equipment. You wouldn't want an amplifier to be driven maxed out. This would only apply to a subwoofer in the sense that it can reduce the low frequency requirements on the mains. Having a tweeter than goes well above the audible frequency range just allows a better reproduction in the range that you can hear.
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