Why do I like the bass from my car's stock speakers?

Tech Square

Technical and speculative discussion of amps, cables and other topics.

Why do I like the bass from my car's stock speakers? This a question that has been bothering me for some time now and I thought I'd ask for feedback on the subject.
I rarely listen to music on the stock stereo in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee, but when I do, it's a local FM station. The car system is definitely cheap -- I doubt if it cost more than $30 total.
At home, I listen to mostly jazz and rock music on a decent Rotel/Sonus Faber/REL setup. My home system is relatively refined, powerful and extended (I know it could be much more so, but that's another post.)
By most measures, the bass from my home system trounces the car system.
But there is something about the bass in my car that I really like. It is not extended or refined, yet it appeals to my ears in a way that I do not understand.
It sounds like the bass is pumped up and fat without being flabby or woolly. It sounds kind of like Barry White's voice -- very even and kind of gravelly.
The only time I've heard similar bass from a home system was when I demo'd a smaller Velodyne sub with Joseph monitor speakers and a Rotel/Bryston front end.
I realize that I am probably enjoying a certain type of distortion that a smaller, slightly overdriven bass driver produces. Whatever the case, I am surprised that I prefer this sound.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

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Topic - Why do I like the bass from my car's stock speakers? - pillowfight 19:56:21 08/12/03 (11)

Re: Why do I like the bass from my car's stock speakers? - Todd Krieger 21:53:10 03/16/04 (0)

Re: Why do I like the bass from my car's stock speakers? - Curt W 14:07:03 08/23/03 (0)

Easy to produce bass inside car & no standing waves under roughly 60Hz. - Richard BassNut Greene 10:33:22 08/18/03 (0)

Mid Bass Sweet Spot - Lymp Baygul 15:06:14 08/13/03 (0)

Distortion - pburant 06:18:13 08/13/03 (1)

The bass in male voices... - Charles Hansen 07:58:54 08/13/03 (0)

Re: sound in car - geoffkait 05:36:35 08/13/03 (3)

I would agree with... - Charles Hansen 07:55:16 08/13/03 (2)

Re: I would agree with... - geoffkait 08:24:25 08/13/03 (1)

Maybe this... - Superfly 08:11:14 08/16/03 (0)

The same reason you like your singing voice in the shower... - David Spear 22:40:18 08/12/03 (0)

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