perception of bass speed

[ding]

Just wondering what everyones opinion is of Lynn Olsens stance on transient response Vs. IM distortion.

When it comes to bass, the perception of "speed" has only moderate correlation with overall transient response, and a great deal to do with low IM distortion and freedom from stored energy in the cone or cabinet. This is perceived as resolution, tactility, or "slam," and is the hallmark sound of electrostatic and full-range horn systems.

Taken from http://www.aloha-audio.com/ME2txt.html (good read)

If this is true then Vented enclosures for the lower frequencies always win over sealed as they allow less cone movement (read less IM distortion) for a given volume level. This would also mean that Siegfried linkwitz's open baffle subs would be worse again.

Any thoughts?

Dan

 

[sfdoddsy]

On the other hand, open baffle dipoles have much less stored energy from the cabinet and the room. Also, the areas we ascribe speed to are really mid bass rather than deep bass, so the excursion demands aren't too severe.

Steve

 

[ding]

stored energy

Thanks for the reply, that makes perfect sense, I was obviously overlooking the stored energy factor. Can you list in order the best to worst cabinets for stored energy. It seems open baffle is king but what after that?

I am not sure I agree with you that the lower frequencies don't require "speed". But I'm willing to be convinced.

Dan