Ellen and Spiker,

Let me again start by saying that what I am about to say is a generality - which is always open to exceptions.

All else being equal, a large speaker with extended bass response should sound no different in the other (upper bass, mid, high) frequencies than a small speaker. One way to prove it might be to take two or three models from the same line of speaker company (Paradigm, Energy, psb, etc.) and compare them side-by-side with the same relatively high crossover point (80 Hz or what have you.) I suspect that they will all have just about the same sound and impact - especially if they share the same mid and high drivers, crossover design philosophy, etc.

What I meant by my earlier comment regarding "impact" is at the lower frequencies where they are present in large, and by my definition, not present in small speakers.

I agree that nothing much below 80 Hz is localizable (if that's a word) - and do know that this has been the subject of debate in other threads regarding "stereo subs" - however having multiple full-range speakers PLUS subs (handling mostly the LFE's) impacting on you, is simply a completely different experience than with small speakers and the same subs. I can prove it by simply by dialing up the crossover point on my full-range front and centre front speaker arrays and redirecting that bass to my three subs. It's just not the same.

(One sidebar comment: a single subwoofer will be more noticeable than multiple subs. Not necessarily localized. However it's more likely to set up all sorts of room response variations which you will notice. Multiple (mono) subs, properly positionned, will tame the peaks and troughs - and does, in my opinion, contribute, incorrectly, to the argument that stereo subs are the way to go. My own listening experience is that multiple mono subs are more effective, Again it's open to debate - but I would refer you to the excellent white paper on the subject on the Harmon International web site.)

But as I said before space and budget (economics) will almost always cause us to compromise. I personally believe that the THX standard is a compromise - even though it's a darn good one.

Regards.

Jeff Mackwood