2-way speaker with best bass


I know all the arguments about how crossovers can screw up loudspeakers, and hence the many inherent advantages of 2-ways over multi-driver designs. But there comes a point where the laws of physics can only be bent so far...

So... what IYO is the 2-way speaker that most successfully plumbs the depths, that provides the best full, but "tight and tuneful", bass, with good pitch definition, without completely messing up the higher registers?

For the moment, let's not worry about how this achievement might affect impedance and sensitivity.
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Showing 2 responses by martykl

The Merlin VSM mentioned by Pubul uses active eq to set what is IME the standard for extention/definition from a reasonably neutral, smallish 2 way box. There certainly could be a non eq'd 2 driver, 2 way out there that can match the VSMs, but I definitely haven't heard it.

OTOH, if you want parlor tricks -and can abide more deviation from neutrality - the original Red Rose mini monitor skillfully gooses the midbass to enhance its already impressive low end output (for a tiny box) and generate a better illusion of bass than anything I've heard remotely near it's size.

The Gallo Ref3 series uses 3 drivers in a 2 way configuration (the tweeters run full range) and allow use of a 2nd amp to "co-drive" the woofers on a second pair of voice coils. These may be the champs per your specifications.

Finally, as a technical matter, you could mate a subwoofer(s) to a single driver speaker and meet your description. To give some perspective, I get flat resonse +/_ 3db (relative to 80 db) from 25hz to crossover from a pair of Velodyne SPLR 8" subs run through an SMS -1 cross/analyzer/PEQ. I use a number of different mains, but I haven't yet tried a single driver. I'm also told that the Magnepan MMG wall (which can be stand mounted) and some electrostats also operate without a crossover. This set-up will win hands down!

Marty
Actually, I think some (or all) of the M-L hybrids meet my last description.

Marty