an old school 3-way front loaded horn system covering 50Hz and up is one usable approach without getting into high-end drivers - it may need some sort of good subwoofer - this might not be "best" but doable and would compliment some material needing good dynamic range from moderate to low power amplifiers. Old funky horns such as an Altec 511 function well enough for midrange with a phenolic 1" driver. Klipsch had it pretty much right. (I have K-horns and am not in love with the basshorn-mid - ugh - lol)
Last edited:
Hmmmm, putting caution aside, into the fray.
IMHO (H = humble), the betterrer (sic, better than better but not the best) option is an active three way.
Right, as I dodge the bullets, here are the reasons;
- a three way will invariably play more cleanly (less distortion and sibilance) than a two way (with due respect to some who make exceptional two ways, eg Dr Geddes)
- an active setup will ALWAYS (more bullets) be better than a passive setup (you will be surprised how many on this forum are running active)
- active means you DO NOT have to worry about impedance curves, if you make sure the crossover slope is adequate and the drivers can fulfil their roles
- you won't have to attempt the unenviable task of having to design, fund, and then try to work out a passive crossover.
As Steve said above, everything in audio is a compromise, so I suggest using the options that cause the les compromises.
IMHO (H = humble), the betterrer (sic, better than better but not the best) option is an active three way.
Right, as I dodge the bullets, here are the reasons;
- a three way will invariably play more cleanly (less distortion and sibilance) than a two way (with due respect to some who make exceptional two ways, eg Dr Geddes)
- an active setup will ALWAYS (more bullets) be better than a passive setup (you will be surprised how many on this forum are running active)
- active means you DO NOT have to worry about impedance curves, if you make sure the crossover slope is adequate and the drivers can fulfil their roles
- you won't have to attempt the unenviable task of having to design, fund, and then try to work out a passive crossover.
As Steve said above, everything in audio is a compromise, so I suggest using the options that cause the les compromises.
I would agree in principal with pretty much everything Bluewizard has out lined but there is one factor that seems to have gone unobserved. Its also the factor that helps me determine a particular design.
What are they going to be used for?
If you want a home theater speaker, then that's probably the design line best to follow.
However if you are like me a self confessed audiophile
then you most likely will want them for music appreciation.I recently designed and built set of two ways based on an 8 inch woofer, coupled with a titanium tweeter that crosses at 3000Khz. They sound very nice and natural and on live recordings have an airy aspect about them. The enclosure is a vented 30 litre floor stander. Rated at 90 RMS & 107dB max they will fill a large room with ease.
I also have the same drivers in a three-way that was designed for multi purpose roles, eg: Music & HT. While they two way has really nice sound characteristics, it becomes apparent quite quickly the a three-way has a much bigger soundstage and the midrange is cleaner and clearer, especially when it comes to vocals. The woofer enclosure is still 30 liters but the midrange sits in a 19 litre enclosure that is also vented. The midrange also picks up some of the upper bass frequencies thus its vented and tuned. This helps open up the midrange, making it sound less muted or congested. For me the separate controlled midrange is what I like for music appreciation, as well as good HT mains. The Two way is better suited as a pop/rock speaker and as such performs very well.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
This photo shows the Aria II's (at right) ---Aria Petittes (at left) and the Aria mains.
All have their purposes. The Petittes do duty as my HT satellites, but are equally adept at taking the place of their larger siblings should the need arise.
So it comes down to exactly what you want to use them for. If its purely for Music a well built two way would do the job, but a well built three way will do it better. This is of course a generalization as I've heard some two ways that blow the pants off a number of three ways I've heard from prominent manufactures.
If it comes down to cost the two way is where I would start.
Good Luck and welcome to the club, your doomed now
Oh and here is a sneak peek of my current endeavor...more to come on this later.
That was not unobserved, that was precisely my point.
Function leads form.
First is the job, then the device to do the job.
"The best speaker isn't a 2-way or a 3-way, it is the speaker that best serves your needs and your requirements, and comes in reasonably within your budget. Those are the critical factors."
Still, I agree completely with your central point.
Steve/bluewizard
Strictly it is. Crossing over in the bass region isn't a problem. Actually it can be done twice as well. Crossing over however several times in midrange and treble introduces lobing issues. So IMO one shouldn't cross over more then maximum once in that area. Therefore, a two-way speaker with subs is ideal. Active of course for proper signal aligment.
- Status
- This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.