Bass response. Better through headphones?

[catman]

G'day all, one of things that I've noticed with my recent rediscovery of stereo headphone listening is the improved lower bass response, at least when compared with my old Richter bookshelves. 

 

Although my old Richters are pretty good down to around 70 Hz, listening on headphones I am aware of a lot of satisfying bass that sounds rather muted on my speakers. 

 

In fact listening to records via my DIY ESP P06 phono stage on headphones, the well documented 'enhanced' lower bass is very apparent and appreciated on stereo headphones, yet not at all apparent on my speakers. 

 

Maybe I should think about new speakers in here after all or are all bookshelf type of speakers 'cursed' with the same bass limitations?  By the way I trust everybody had an enjoyable Christmas.  Regards, Felix. 

Edited December 26, 2014 by catman

[davewantsmoore]

improved lower bass response

 

The room effects completely dominate the bass response from speakers.   Avoided via headphones.   

Edited December 26, 2014 by davewantsmoore

[a.dent]

The room effects completely dominate the bass response from speakers.   Avoided via headphones.   

Exactly.

But Felix, that is no reason for you not to get on the upgrade treadmill like the rest of us and aim to upgrade to some $30,000 speakers that reach down to 25hz.

[catman]

G'day mate, difficult to do when you're a pensioner!  Regards, Felix. 

[henry218]

G'day mate, difficult to do when you're a pensioner! Regards, Felix.

DIY [emoji4]

[Telecine]

 

Maybe I should think about new speakers in here after all or are all bookshelf type of speakers 'cursed' with the same bass limitations?

The answer is, usually.

You could try a subwoofer with your existing speakers.

[catman]

G'day mate, well for me assembling electronics are relatively easy, but building loudspeakers are hard!  Regards, Felix. 

 

Telecine:  Yes I do have an active subwoofer on another system but for space (and financial) reasons, it is not an option in here sadly.   

Edited December 26, 2014 by catman

[henry218]

G'day mate, well for me assembling electronics are relatively easy, but building loudspeakers are hard! Regards, Felix.

The woodworking part? There are ready made boxes and flatpacks available [emoji4]

[betty boop]

The answer is, usually.

You could try a subwoofer with your existing speakers.

 

talking about richters...yep even a 15 year old richter thor mk1 subwoofer…that probably pick up for 100s of dollars will out do the bass capability of any headphone regardless of price.

 

headphones are about a micro in your head experience…...speakers are about a whole room experience…and with bass its a performance that you will not only feel but feel and experience…something that headphones cannot match...

[catman]

G'day all, the very notion of woodworking scares me as I have absolutely no talent/ability in that respect.  In fact, I failed 'manual arts' at school!  Regards, Felix. 

[andyr]

talking about richters...yep even a 15 year old richter thor mk1 subwoofer…that probably pick up for 100s of dollars will out do the bass capability of any headphone regardless of price.

 

headphones are about a micro in your head experience…...speakers are about a whole room experience…and with bass its a performance that you will not only feel but feel and experience…something that headphones cannot match...

 

Nah, mate ... you're deluded.  Davewantsmoore says "The room effects completely dominate the bass response from speakers."  Which can be avoided via headphones ... so headphones must be the non plus ultra of listening!

 

Andy

[betty boop]

Nah, mate ... you're deluded.  Davewantsmoore says "The room effects completely dominate the bass response from speakers."  Which can be avoided via headphones ... so headphones must be the non plus ultra of listening!

 

Andy

 

:lol: 

[TP1]

Headphones DO avoid room issues  but if you want realistic, life like bass, full range floor stander types of  loud speakers are the way to go.