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wrote:

In general, while the modern bookshelf/subwoofer combo can deliver more
bass energy than classic designs, the classic drivers with large
cones-particularly the 15" coax drivers in suitable boxes- gave a more
natural sound presentation in many cases. There are two reasons for the
modern trend, SAF-or spousal acceptance factor-and build cost.

Most of those "classic" big-driver systems exhibited huge
amounts of THD in the low-bass range, not to mention peaks
in the middle bass. The bass-quality difference between a
big Altec coaxial and something like an AR-3 or AR-3a (or
even an AR-2) was dramatic and in favor of the AR model.

Unless one is an aficionado of pipe organ music, the lowest frequency
of substantial musical interest is probably 30.87 Hz. This is the low B
string on the five string electric bass. While most of the classic
designs had little output even at 55 Hz-the frequency of the A string
of the bass-any working bass player of the era will attest to the
"kick-ass sound" of their bass lines through the old Altec green boxes
in playback.

This kind of music is not my bag, but I will say that (max
output limits being equal) one would only hear differences
between good and great subwoofers with serious pipe-organ
music. With most other classical material, as well as home
theater, the need for strong bass reach below 30 Hz is not
important. I will say that super subs do a better job of
reproducing the hall "ambiance" we find on some concert-hall
recordings. That is, they better handle the sense of
large-room space that will be accidentally transcribed to
many concert-hall recordings. With a good surround-speaker
package this can result in an enhanced sense of
you-are-there realism.

Objective measurements aside, the big high build cost drivers such as
the Altec 604 and others provide (present tense!) a listening
experience very difficult to emulate with small speakers and a sub.

Yes. The small speakers and sub will often do a far superior
job, if reproduction accuracy is what we are after.

Generally, small speakers have a pleasing midrange and lack drive in
the lower registers.

Correct. The smaller drivers disperse better, but lack the
excursion capability to generate serious low-frequency
sounds. This makes the case for three-way models with big
woofers if we are going without subwoofers and going with a
subwoofer if we are using smallish two-way models for
satellite work.

A 12-inch woofer is probably the smallest that can
be taken seriously for good baritone and upper bass performance under
any circumstances.

Go listen to the two Hsu models I mentioned before. One has
a 10 incher and the other has an 8 incher. I reviewed the
VTF-2 in issue 88 of The Sensible Sound. I reviewed the
STF-1 in issue 101. Down to 30 Hz the STF-1 sounds as clean
as either my 12-inch or 18-inch servo Velodyne models. The
VTF-2 matches them down to 25 Hz. OK, the big Velodyne can
play lots louder, but in typical, smallish listening rooms
this is a non advantage.

Howard Ferstler