Why do you prefer single driver speakers?

[Taterworks]

Hi, everyone.

I was just wondering if someone could quickly summarize for me the reasons why they choose to design single-driver speakers instead of multi-way speakers. In other words, if you what advantages does a single driver speaker have over a multi-way speaker that might sell me on the concept?

[Godzilla]

For me it was the lack of sibilance compared to multi way designs. I also find well balanced wide range driver designs much less fatiguing over long term listening sessions.

[AdamThorne]

They're cheap!

[Scottmoose]

Tell that to someone who's just shelled out for a pair of new Supravox field-coils...

I like them for acoustic music in particular as there isn't an XO slap-bang in the middle of the vocal regions & the point-source coherence is lovely.

For rock, I still believe multi-ways win out, providing they're designed right, and keep the XO out of the critical zones. A good horn-loaded WB driver, supported by supertweeters at the top and subs for the bottom end (tapped horns, pipe-horns or TLs for preference) would make me a happy camper. Either that, or run the whole lot dipole, aside from the subs. That last would need a few more drivers, and even more power though...

[planet10]

It can't be put in words... you just have to hear a good one...

dave

[planet10]

Originally posted by Scottmoose
I still believe multi-ways win out, providing they're designed right, and keep the XO out of the critical zones.

Isn't that a FR with a pair of helper woofs?

You can even have a 3-way and people will still call it a FR if the "mid-range is a FR driver with XOs way out there... i call it a mostly FR. OA good start is to be mostly happy listening to just the midrange...

dave

[Kent Smith]

After spending alot of time trying to optimize a good 8" 2-way design, I was surprised at how a little 4" fullrange could sound better all through the midrange, with less distortion. I think keeping the crossover out of the midrange is a good idea now!

[rcdaniel]

They're cheap!

They can be - and it is cool if that is why you prefer them - tho that is not so in all cases. Also, one should consider what is involved in a build to get the most out of some drivers, eg. BLH, BVR etc. There are likely some pretty inexpensive two-ways that present music nicely...

I am looking forward to reading other's motivations, especially those that have spent a little more than the minimum on their drivers and implementations. Not being elitist; just interested in what, sonically, has people pursuing this route..

Cheers
Raymond

[Scottmoose]

Originally posted by planet10


Isn't that a FR with a pair of helper woofs?

You can even have a 3-way and people will still call it a FR if the "mid-range is a FR driver with XOs way out there... i call it a mostly FR. OA good start is to be mostly happy listening to just the midrange...

dave

I'm with you 100% on that Dave...

[OzMikeH]

Why? Vocals, acoustic, jazz, Subtle music with lots of detail, if you like that they will give you goosebumps.

When a person sings how does the sound come out?
from their mouth with perhaps some low freq from the chest and throat area, just like a good FR cabinet.

If you have typical 40 year old hearing and aren't fussed about feeling the bass, dont mind some intricate cabinet work then cheap fullrange is for you.

If you want loud music the fullranges are still good, mostly they are extremely efficient compared to most multiways. If you spend more on drivers you can go ridiculously efficient.
Check out the AER Mk1 drivers, expensive but incredible, worth every penny/euro if you have good high end hearing.

have a look at the Frugal horn, remember the rave reviews are from consumers, not salesman or magazine writers.