“Real” bass vs. “Boom” — how do you know which?


Hi,

I'm working on positioning a new pair of Ohm Walsh 100's in my listening room. I think I'm getting close to an optimal positioning with regard to soundstaging and imaging, but I'm less sure when it comes to tonal balance.

How can you tell if the bass you're hearing is “real bass” vs. ”boom“ from room interactions?

Oddly shaped room, around 12' x 15', wood floors, speakers placed asymmetrically (out of necessity) along long wall: both speakers are 20 inches from rear wall. Right speaker is 16 inches from right wall, left speaker is around 5 feet from left wall. Two pieces of soft furniture: day bed (listening position) opposite speakers, and lounge chair to left of left speaker. Windows on three of four walls, with soft blinds on them, although I've generally been more pleased with the sound with the shades up.

Thanks in advance!!
rebbi

Showing 1 response by almarg

Consider purchasing "The Sheffield Drum and Track Disc," available from Acoustic Sounds and others. It is a reissue on cd of two noted direct-to-disk recordings from the early 1980's, containing extremely powerful, yet taut and accurate, drum set and electric bass passages. I have the original Track Record on vinyl (I haven't heard the Drum Record, which is also included on the cd), and I would say it is the best music-based bass evaluation and demo tool I have ever encountered.

The notes on my 1982 Track Record album feature a quote from Harry Pearson of "The Absolute Sound": "Absolutely the best sounding rock record ever made."

Regards,
-- Al