GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Romy The Cat's new Listening Room

Post Subject: The Power and the GloryPosted by Paul S on: 5/13/2010

Maybe this warrants re-thinking what we want from (U)LF. Some people seem to think of it as a sort of ripple of air, or something, which may go to LF ambience, which I think is an important part of it. OTOH, I also think of a large orchestra, with bowed basses, big brasses and kettle drums tearing the place apart. I KNOW this represents a LOT of power, which simply cannot be faked, IMO. So, where does this power come from? Someone tell me the last time you heard "realistic" Wagner from a hi-fi. The best I've heard in a large room used 8 515s/side and BIG, biased amps. I'm not saying it can't happen, but I have never heard this sort of (U)LF POWER from a truly "efficient" system running at low power. Do I remember reading somewhere that it takes 20 dB headroom to have a shot at "ease" from repro music? Well, how often do we get 20 dB headroom from (U)LF? If this is still a goal, what would it take at 20 Hz? If there's still music at lower frequencies, then it's not enough to simply make a splat or a whoosh. We want undertones, overtones, nuance, articulation and power.

Best regards,
Paul S

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