Lower Bass Question

[Docks]

During shopping for a set of speakers, I ended up comparing Paradigm s8's to revel f52.
In the end i picked paradigms s8 for several reasons. But one thing i just couldnt wrap my head around is that the F52 appear to go a bit lower in comparisons. The revel has 3 6.5 inch drivers wheras the paradigm s8's have 4 7inch drivers. But somehow the revels have more low end extension. Can someone explain why?

Revel
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/506revel/index2.html
Paradigm
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1004paradigm/index2.html

 

[Matt34]

During shopping for a set of speakers, I ended up comparing Paradigm s8's to revel f52.
In the end i picked paradigms s8 for several reasons. But one thing i just couldnt wrap my head around is that the F52 appear to go a bit lower in comparisons. The revel has 3 6.5 inch drivers wheras the paradigm s8's have 4 7inch drivers. But somehow the revels have more low end extension. Can someone explain why?

Revel
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/506revel/index2.html
Paradigm
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1004paradigm/index2.html

It's not so much the sum of the drivers used but at what frequency the drivers, port and enclosure are tuned for.

Edit: Add in any LP filters and such from the crossover as well.

 

[MatthewB.]

According to the specs the +/- 3db is at 41Hz for the Revels and +/-3db at 42Hz for the Paradigms but with a difference of less than 1 ohm. You also have to take into account the cabinet (the Revel is sealed, while the Paradigm is ported) all contribute to varying differences in bass extension. But no matter what they both can eaisly achieve a 40Hz crossover setting, so you would need an outboard sub to get real low depth (like Organ music tones) so adding the sub will help either way.

Best way is to let your ears decide what sounds better to you with demo music you know very well. because both speakers perform very well as far as frequency graphs go, but I would not use this as a basis for buying a speaker, but what sounds more pleasant to your ears. Since most users will combine the speakers with an outboard sub, I would worry more about the sound above 40Hz than which one can go lower.

 

[Matt34]

According to the specs the +/- 3db is at 41Hz for the Revels and +/-3db at 42Hz for the Paradigms but with a difference of less than 1 ohm. You also have to take into account the cabinet (the Revel is sealed, while the Paradigm is ported) all contribute to varying differences in bass extension. But no matter what they both can eaisly achieve a 40Hz crossover setting, so you would need an outboard sub to get real low depth (like Organ music tones) so adding the sub will help either way.

Best way is to let your ears decide what sounds better to you with demo music you know very well. because both speakers perform very well as far as frequency graphs go, but I would not use this as a basis for buying a speaker, but what sounds more pleasant to your ears. Since most users will combine the speakers with an outboard sub, I would worry more about the sound above 40Hz than which one can go lower.

He already ordered the Sig 8's.

 

[MatthewB.]

I know, but if he per chance has doubts, he still has 30 days to exchange them, I just didnt want his purchase to be based solely on how deep the speakers can go (cause dem Digms sure is purdy)

 

[Docks]

Ya, I really like the s8s, but i was just confused why the revels offer more bass with less and smaller drivers.

 

[AJinFLA]

Edit: Add in any LP filters and such from the crossover as well.

A Low Pass?? You probably mean a High Pass..and no, passive networks like these won't have them to limit subsonic frequencies, as they would be inordinately expensive.

According to the specs the +/- 3db is at 41Hz for the Revels and +/-3db at 42Hz for the Paradigms but with a difference of less than 1 ohm.

You also have to take into account the cabinet (the Revel is sealed..

No. I can't find it in the description or specs, but that LF roll off shape is clearly an EBS (Extended bass shelf)...ported.

But one thing i just couldnt wrap my head around is that the F52 appear to go a bit lower in comparisons. The revel has 3 6.5 inch drivers wheras the paradigm s8's have 4 7inch drivers. But somehow the revels have more low end extension. Can someone explain why?
Revel
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/506revel/index2.html
Paradigm
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1004paradigm/index2.html

The Revel simply uses a different type of ported alignment, utilizing a lower tuning frequency. Some would consider that (LF) shape to couple better to typical room gain (myself included) and yield a less booming, droning response (often highly desired but loathsomely admitted).
An electronic (active) high pass filter (receiver/amp) is recommended for both vented systems if run full range and at high levels.

cheers,

AJ

 

[fredk]

Driver design would also make a difference, though at one Hz difference I would hardly consider one speaker as reaching lower than the other.