OP
- Thread Starter
- #181
Yeah working backwards is not a bad idea if only because I really don’t want to have to deal with the logistics of moving around 250lb subwoofer(s).Or you could just work backwards. Determine which sub(s) you want, and just make sure they give you a reasonable response. Perhaps 3 realistically-specified subs for smoother bass? I would guess that smoother response is more important than any 115 db transient peak.
Just my 2 cents, of course.
But on the topic of compromises ... I still don’t get why it’s a better to compromise reference level SPL peaks at 30-40hz in favor of flat extension down to 10-20hz, when most of that is diminishingly audible anyway (if audible at all). For example, we know that a 20hz tone requires MASSIVE gain to sound as loud as a 40hz tone, to perfectly healthy human ears! (I suspect this is why THX reference requires LFE channel is required to reach 115db, whereas all the other channels are required to reach 105db.)
So, trying to achieve deep extension for movie playback is the opposite of cost-effective in almost every way.
So if I’m going for a reasonably cost effective solution here (and I kind of am, to some definition of “cost effective” that would be seen as absurdly expensive to most, I realize), best results will be yielded (as far as I can tell) by ensuring 120db capability down to 30hz/35hz, even if 20db is down by a one or two dozen decibels!
Let me put it this way. I have watched movies with capable towers a plus dual Rythmik F18 subs at near reference levels. For some reason, the JBL SRX835P’s on their own with no subs seemed to create a better experience with more impactful explosions etc. I suspect this is the same reason as others have said: it is better to achieve reference level at 30hz (for those explosive bass peaks etc.), than compromise to reference peak SPL capability — because reaching down to 10/15hz (as my above mentioned Rythmik system does) is mostly just not audible! For enjoying music as completely and accurately as possible, it’s great. But for home theater where the impact (e.g. peak SPL) of those explosions matters a great deal, a great deal of energy and subwoofer cost is being “wasted” on diminishing returns.
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