Tech That Flopped!


Every few months someone releases technology that seems to be revolutionary, but goes nowhere a couple of years later. Some tech gets acceptance and even imitation. Some goes wildly successful.

Ideas that are a huge success:
  • Acoustic suspension
  • Bass Reflex
  • Soft dome tweeters
Some ideas, well, it's not so clear:
  • Perfectly time aligned speakers ilke Thiel/Vandersteen
  • ESL
  • Line Arrays
  • Plasma tweeters
  • Transmission line
What tech have you seen come and go, was it worthwhile?

Best,

E
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by asvjerry

"What was old is new again.."  Over and over....

ESLs' are great when done properly.  Same for TLs' and pretty much any cabinet design and execution when the drivers are selected for the application.  

Line source has their adherents....you either love 'em or hate them.  They 'go loud' Beautifully.  Accurately?  Well, debate away....

Plasmas are beyond 'niche'.  Nowhere near 'practical', but interesting to hear....then go outside for awhile....take some deep breaths.

Time aligning....seems to matter most to the equipment used to measure such.  Some can hear its' effects, most don't.  Not applied to the majority of offerings, and is only noted by those that apply it.

As usual, cost and execution will drive what you pay for what you desire and consider important or necessary.  From the front equipment to the drivers you hear.  'Twas always thus, and no end in sight.

Yup...Capt. Obvious strikes again. *G*  Enjoy what you've got, lust for what you desire. ;)