Diagnosing inadequate bass in an audio system.

@wlutke all fair advice and it should help narrow down the space within which the problem is likely occurring.

@erik_squires Erik, I wouldn't say my question is too broad. I would say that my problem could be occurring due to innumerable issues. So, in such a case, how do I narrow down the possibilities to a finite number of sources, so that it is easier to then pinpoint the source or sources of the problem? 

@carlsbad Jerry, indeed what you say may be my problem. At least I am suspicious of it. I've mostly lived with poor audio systems, and maybe my ears have gotten used to exaggerated bass, so that I think my current system is providing inadequate bass? How do I educate myself to realize that point at which bass heft is correct?

@mitch2 , @twoleftears , @ghdprentice , @fuzztone thanks! I will read up and follow your suggestions.

Amit

@amitb I don't have the answer.  I guess it is subjective and if you prefer more base, you should tweek your system to get it.

I sometimes play songs with good bass tracks and see what I think of them.  Red Shoes by Chris Rea or Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics.  

Jerry

I use a frequency sweep such as this one from Audiocheck.net to check bass response by ear.

Erik, I wouldn't say my question is too broad. I would say that my problem could be occurring due to innumerable issues. So, in such a case, how do I narrow down the possibilities to a finite number of sources, so that it is easier to then pinpoint the source or sources of the problem?

Is the audio version of:

My car is making a sound, how do I figure out what's wrong with it? 

And impossible to answer well without a class in auto repair.  Giving specific information about your gear, your experience, and room however helps those who want to help you target their energy.  It's considerate when asking for help. :)

@amitb - seems to me that the best educating as to what the best bass should be for you should be done by your ears and your brain. Nobody else can tell you what sounds best to you, and if it doesn't sound best to you, who cares what somebody else thinks? What is not enough bass for one person could be waaaay too much bass for somebody else.