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Harbottle Audio

The Quest for the Best Subwoofer: Efficiency = The Ultimate Bass Experience

Updated: Mar 31

Amidst the quest for the perfect bass, there exists a peculiar truth:

Volcano erupting

Bass being everywhere is not just a matter of cosmic coincidence but a delightful dance of efficiency. Yes, you heard it right. That ground-shaking, making it hard to breathe, then kicking you in the chest bass isn't just a matter of blasting decibels, it's a symphony of physics at play.


Picture this: you're at a concert, the speakers are pumping, the crowd is pulsating, and suddenly you feel it. That thump in your chest, that rumble in your bones – that’s the Holy Grail. But have you ever stopped to wonder what a bass waveform looks like? It's not just some squiggly line on an oscilloscope; it's a majestic wave, so omnidirectional it's practically giving out hugs in all directions.


Building being demolished

Now, if your bass isn't enveloping you like a warm blanket on a cold night, something's amiss. And that something, my dear bass enthusiasts, is inefficiency lurking within the depths of your audio equipment. Oh yes, it's a sneaky little culprit, hiding in the shadows of magnetic flux, electrical roadblocks, and geometry losses. You name it, inefficiency can slither its way into any nook and cranny of your sound system.



But fear not, for we shall unmask these efficiency thieves one by one. From magnetic flux playing hide and seek to electrical woes causing thermal and magnetic tantrums, there's no shortage of suspects in this sonic whodunit. 


Apache gunship
  1. magnetic flux,

  2. electrical which looks like both thermal and magnetic but comes from the electrical side,

  3. geometry losses in the gap,

  4. suspension,

  5. thermal via bandwidth,

  6. thermal via suspension,

  7. thermal via stroke/power applied,

  8. thermal via any combination/ratio of anything,

  9. inductance non linearity over amplitude,

  10. impedance,

  11. voltage drop,

  12. amperage rise,

  13. any combination of anything in this list in any percentage,

  14. and amplifier reactance.

  15. anything else I missed or forgot.



Now, you might be wondering, how do we spot these efficiency bandits in action? Well, keep your ears peeled for the telltale signs: intermodulation effects, thermal tantrums, and dB losses creeping in like unwanted party crashers. It's a cacophony of chaos only subdued by physics that would make Thales blush.


So, if you want your bass to transcend mere mortal realms and achieve a state of omnipresent supergalactic oneness, heed these words: efficiency is key. Forget about dB per watt – that's child's play, only the best subwoofers can get down in efficiency.


In conclusion, next time you find yourself lost in the throes of a bass-induced trance, remember the sacred mantra: efficiency equals omnipresence. Embrace it, cherish it, and let the bass be your guide on this epic journey through the sonic universe. And who knows, maybe one day, you too will achieve bass enlightenment.


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