noob question - what is bass extension?

[red45]

i got an old solid state Yamaha rx-300u and was wondering what exactly the bass extension button does and if i even need to use it with headphones (panasonic htf-600).

thanks!

 

[jimreeves]

Probably a bass enhancing circuit, sorta like a loudness button but without any high frequency enhancement. If it is, it probably boosts bass around 50Hz. Intended for low volume listening.

Should work with headphones or speakers, try it and see.

 

[jimreeves]

You can download the owners manual for free here...
http://www.hifiengine.com/library/yamaha/rx-300.shtml

You'll have to register first to download, that's free too.

 

[red45]

thanks! here's what the manual says:

"boosts bass response while maintaining overall tonal balance. this is useful to compensate for speakers with weak bass or a listening environment that deadens the bass."

it didn't seem to muddy up the bass while using it with my 'phones. i'll have to test it out a bit more, though.