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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

Showing 1 response by cousinbillyl

cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
I didn't read this entire thread. If this point has been made, then consider this a +1.

A long time ago I did a lot of reading. One of my favorite sites was www.humblehomemadehifi.com . Tony G said it plainly, and often; for tight impactful bass, you must use a cored low Rdc inductor. 

I use the Mundorf Zero Ohm types.

Why don't manufacturers use them? They're anywhere from $200.00 to $500.00 each (depending of size). Since we need one in each speaker, this means $400.00 to $1,000.00 just for the inductors. Are you kidding me. These dollar values constitute the entire crossover cost, if not less.

If you own a 3-way or a 4-way, take the leap. Open up the speaker, get the large inductor value, and order them. Yes the lower resistance will shift the crossover slightly, but the gains will be huge.
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