by Greg Hughart

Created on: April 03, 2009

Nothing like a vague question to fuel a debate.

The word "bass" refers to frequency of sound not volume. The word "lot" could refer to extended frequency response or ear splitting volume. For the purposes of this article I will define the question as asking whether a car stereo system should reproduce the entire bass spectrum of frequencies at any volume level.

Of course the musical experience is dependent on hearing all frequencies the artist wants us to hear. Obviously this means that a "lot" of bass reproduction is a good thing as all musical material incorporates bass frequencies. In order to accurately reproduce all bass frequencies, an audio system needs quite a bit of power. One grand piano requires 250 watts per channel to accurately produce the sound of an unamplified performance. In other words, you would have to play a recording of one grand piano through a 250 watt per channel system in order to make it sound the same as if you were standing next to it. Not an over-the-top-make-your-rear-view-mirror-shake kind of listening experience, just some classical music playing on your system.

All music benefits from being played on systems that are capable of reproducing the material with ease. Your music just sounds worse on systems that try to reproduce frequencies they can't handle. We have a far better musical experience playing our tunes on systems that are powerful and cover the whole musical spectrum than listening to music on a substandard collection of equipment. Many people buy 20 watt systems and crank them up until it's uncomfortable. Those same people stand in disbelief when they listen to a high end audio system cranking out 300 watts per channel and it doesn't sound as loud or as uncomfortable. The more broad the frequency response of your system, the more wattage you will require to reach the same volume levels.

Can you imagine the 1812 overture with just a "hint" of cannon? Bob Marley would roll over in his grave if he ever thought we were listening to his music sans bass.Synth music is replete with low frequency material that sets the mood for the whole experience. Tympani anyone? I can't imagine my entire musical experience becoming the equivalent of an AM clock radio.

In the end, we need to distinguish between accurate musical reproduction and the bad taste of those who drive around in 4 wheeled boom boxes.

Bass is what moves the soul. We need bass. Bass=good

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