What’s the highest non localisable frequency for a subwoofer?

[VHS Gamer]

Been doing some research and according to Bob Parisous blog, 100hz is the highest crossover frequency you should be aiming for, providing speakers and subwoofers can handle it. Here’s a copy of part of the article...

(“A good Rule of Thumb is you don't want your Crossover to be higher than 100 Hz. First, this keeps the Bass safely non-localizable. But second -- and again refer to that table linked above -- this keeps the low frequency end of male dialog from being sent to the Subwoofer! Your Subwoofer may be very good, but it probably won't be AS good as your regular speakers in rendering something so precise as human speech!”)

Is 100hz the highest?

 

[Liammonty123]

I personally think it depends on the situation. Even when properly integrated I can usually tell where even low bass is coming from. Both my subs are up front so this is no issue. The only real answer is what you can hear. If you can localize your sub with a 100hz crossover you have your answer, if you can’t then you also have your answer!

 

[Ultrasonic]

How steep the crossover is has an impact. The steeper the filter is the higher you can get away with. Ultimately you can just make up your own mind as above though.

 

[VHS Gamer]

So you mean like if the receiver is crossing over at -12db per octave or 24db per octave? I’d love to find that out but doubt that spec is mention for receivers, I don’t know. I have an oldish Denon AVR 2313 at the moment.

 

[Ultrasonic]

So you mean like if the receiver is crossing over at -12db per octave or 24db per octave? I’d love to find that out but doubt that spec is mention for receivers, I don’t know. I have an oldish Denon AVR 2313 at the moment.

Yes that's what I meant. I use a 48 dB per octave crossover in part as it allows me to use a higher crossover frequency. Even if you knew what yours was you'd still be in a position of testing to see.

Sticking to 80 Hz is a perfectly sensible plan by the way if you don't have a specific reason to think of doing something else.