How do you define "SQ" for a sub?

[SubbinNCali 10+ year member]

The bottom line is accurate musical reproduction. The parameters don't really mean shit as long as output is as close to the recorded input as possible.

This is my issue with the "sq woofer" thing. Not picking on the poster of the above quote, but I've heard this over and over again on forums. Does anyone know how the artist intended the song to sound like for it to be an accurate musical reproduction? Even if someone might think they do, are you going to listen to it the way they want, or the way your own ears want? It's like saying you always have to have your subs in a 0.707 alignment. What if my ears don't like the way 0.707 sounds like? IMO, the enclosure and amplifier settings have much more to do with how a sub responds, rather than brand alone.

 

[tcguy85 10+ year member]

also a good box and tuning can make an ok sub sound good, and a great sub can sound like poop in the wrong box with the wrong tuning.

 

[req 5,000+ posts]

This is my issue with the "sq woofer" thing. Not picking on the poster of the above quote, but I've heard this over and over again on forums. Does anyone know how the artist intended the song to sound like for it to be an accurate musical reproduction? Even if someone might think they do, are you going to listen to it the way they want, or the way your own ears want? It's like saying you always have to have your subs in a 0.707 alignment. What if my ears don't like the way 0.707 sounds like? IMO, the enclosure and amplifier settings have much more to do with how a sub responds, rather than brand alone.

its because a .707 alignment has the flattest frequency roll off with the highest spl available. this has nothing to do with opinion, but it has to do with the fact that it gives the speaker less dips or peaks in its frequency output. because the way it ended up on the CD - most people will agree - is how the artist intended it to be. and if we can not add any 'color' to the recording by not using ported boxes to gain bass, ect ect - than this is more akin to what the recording holds, rather than the fact you like more bass when listening to that song.

this is a fact.

 

[SubbinNCali 10+ year member]

its because a .707 alignment has the flattest frequency roll off with the highest spl available. this has nothing to do with opinion, but it has to do with the fact that it gives the speaker less dips or peaks in its frequency output. because the way it ended up on the CD - most people will agree - is how the artist intended it to be. and if we can not add any 'color' to the recording by not using ported boxes to gain bass, ect ect - than this is more akin to what the recording holds, rather than the fact you like more bass when listening to that song.

this is a fact.

So are you saying a .707 alignment in every vehicle will produce the flattest frequency roll off with the highest spl available? I wonder how many people who are only into "sq" run the butterworth. Back on topic.

 

[BrianChia 10+ year member]

So are you saying a .707 alignment in every vehicle will produce the flattest frequency roll off with the highest spl available? I wonder how many people who are only into "sq" run the butterworth. Back on topic.

No, not even close. I design "SQ" systems to match the transfer function of the vehicle in order to produce a flat response. There are many variables and no fixed number or alignment is best. It is application dependent. RTA sweeps and lots of fine tuning are necessary to achieve this.

To respond to your comment, I never said that it is how the artist intended it to sound. I said that it is how close it is to the recorded input. Even microphones and the recording process color the way a recording sounds and it may be completely different from how it sounds live. But if the woofer can reproduce the recording as close as possible, then the woofer is coloring the sound the least.

I never said this is what sounds best. It is rather is accurate. If it is a shitty recording, then the sub should be able to reproduce every shitty aspect of the recording instead of blurring it into a nice subbass thump in the 30-40hz range.

However you choose to listen to your music doesn't concern me or woofer manufacturers. That is solely up to you. If you like an exaggerated peak at 35hz, then do that. You can even put a great "SQ" woofer in an SPL enclosure if you want. But if the system cannot accurately reproduce a recorded signal, it should not be considered a "reference" sound system (or as many here refer to it as "SQ").

 

[sonic purity 10+ year member]

SQ = Image Dynamics - FTW

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

sq = install

 

[sonic purity 10+ year member]

sq = install

Thats true, but it helps to start with good equipment.

 

[sonic purity 10+ year member]

A bad box can make even the best driver sound like crap

I mean the wrong box, cause Ive seen some crappy boxes that sounded good.

 

[BrianChia 10+ year member]

sq = install

that is only 1/2 the equation

 

[sonic purity 10+ year member]

And Brian knows his &@%$ about enclosures and drivers

 

[7ender 10+ year member]

Thanks guys for all the responses.

I was mostly interested in what the actual sound difference is like. I know most of the stuff about how/which drivers/setups are "sq" setups.

I think im just going to stick to my spl system for now. If I dont like it, I can always sell and get something else.