I have been through a lot of systems, heard a lot of systems, and currently have 3 systems set up in my home. Having decent bass is important to me, I can't deny that. But I have found it is the midrange and high frequencies that keep me captivated and drawn into the music. I find poor high-frequency reproduction is especially irritating.
I have recently bought a pair of Magnepan 1.6QR speakers for my smaller-room system and believe it will be a "keeper." It has a wonderful midrange, but especially smooth, shimmering, and detailed treble, not to mention a broad soundstage that is unmatched by many other speakers I've tried.
Then I added a modest 12-inch active sub and viola!... now it has appropriate bass wallop too (and not the "one-note" type by any means). I love this system.
Getting back to the original topic, I enjoy great bass, but if it comes with less-than-great midrange -- and especially treble, then it's of no use to me.
I have recently bought a pair of Magnepan 1.6QR speakers for my smaller-room system and believe it will be a "keeper." It has a wonderful midrange, but especially smooth, shimmering, and detailed treble, not to mention a broad soundstage that is unmatched by many other speakers I've tried.
Then I added a modest 12-inch active sub and viola!... now it has appropriate bass wallop too (and not the "one-note" type by any means). I love this system.
Getting back to the original topic, I enjoy great bass, but if it comes with less-than-great midrange -- and especially treble, then it's of no use to me.