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Single driver speakers without the pitfalls?

In researching SET amps, I have learned a lot more about the sort of high efficiency speakers that they are typically paired with, including single driver models like Omega, Blumenstein, Teresonic, etc.
The advantages of these designs are well acknowledged: coherence, imaging, high-efficiency and so forth.
At the same time, there seem to be equally well acknowledged drawbacks to these designs: Limited bass response, rolled off highs, and a harshness or "shout" in the upper midrange.
Some designers, like Tekton and Zu, seem to take the approach of getting the best of all worlds by joining a wide range driver to a tweeter of some sort. (To some extent, my Reference 3AM De Capo monitors take this approach.)
What I'm curious to learn is whether you think there are any single driver, full range systems that transcend the above limitations.
Eager to hear your thoughts.
rebbi

Showing 3 responses by kiddman

kiddman
341 posts
 
The original poster's question is akin to asking for a unicycle without the pitfalls of a unicycle; like asking for a unicycle for the balance of a bicycle; a bicycle with the stability of a 4 wheeler.

The physics just does not allow a driver to span a full frequency range without a lot of distortion. When I listen to "the best" single driver speakers I am amazed that folks can live with that distortion on a regular basis just to get some "directness" of sound. The only way I can make sense of that is that the technical challenge of using only one driver and no crossover is as important to them as the sound. In other words, they see the endeavor as a "fun thing" and a challenge as much as a "musical thing".
kiddman
341 posts
 
Well, saying what audiophiles prefer is not necessarily a great point of credibility, based on what sells in the audiophile market! How about what music lovers prefer?
kiddman
341 posts
 
They do buzz. That's how they "attempt" to get high frequencies. Resonance, not signal.

AM radio is a great comparison.

Most of those threads are right on.

I thought the Voxactiv might have something after I read about them. How did they overcome the problems, I wondered, after reading. They I heard them. Then again in another setup. Then another setup.

I hear lots of distortion above 2k. Buzzing. Like a "humazoo". Or a kazoo. I can't see anyone how knows the sound of real music not noticing the bad things these do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqTd3zcU--Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oau9gtG5Om8
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