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Bass distortion before tweeter distortion with a monitor at high volume?

I am looking at getting a set of monitors for a second system in a small room (12' x 10') , but I would also like the flexibility to play them in my main system in a room that is larger (13' x 25') with cathedral ceilings.

Let's assume that the small speaker I end up with won't be able to produce enough volume without distorting in the larger room.  Most of what I have read indicates that a subwoofer would solve the problem.  My understanding is that I would want to high-pass the bass on the speaker before it reaches the point of distortion, solving that issue.

If that is true, that leads me to believe that generally the tweeter would not be distorting unless the volume is at a higher level.  Is this normally the case?  If not, it seems there would be no point to using the sub. 

To restate the question:  With a high quality monitor, is it safe to say that the tweeter can play at higher volume without distorting compared to the woofer?  I am speaking in general terms here - I am sure there are exceptions.  Thanks.
abnerjack
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I disagree with all.  Distortion usually comes from the amp, not the speakers.  By adding a sub, you are putting less stress on the amp which allows for more headroom in the monitors.  Bass is the most demanding and therefor uses the most power.
The tweeter will have its limits regardless of the sub since the crossover is limiting the signal to the tweeter.  You are only alleviating the stress on the woofer.  
I have seen plenty of small speakers that can "crank" if given the right amp.  Adding a sub will help regardless.
sboje
38 posts
 
I don't agree with you, elevick. 

Distortion goes up significantly beyond 90db for almost all speakers. One of the online magazines does a signal-noise sweep using both 90db and 95db volumes. So with small speakers you're approaching the cliff with only 2 watts of power (assuming 87W sensitivity). 32W and your speaker distortion will be pretty bad.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
+1 sbjoe

Bass is very power hungry and may cause an amp to clip. A clipping amp will very quickly burn out the tweeter even at levels the tweeter could normally handle.

Active speakers with separate amps for each driver will handle high SPL better.

Many tweeters are power limited also. Soundstage publishes tests at 95 SPL and most speakers show compression distortion (non linearities) at even those modest levels.

If you want something small that plays loud try ATC or Dynaudio



dragon_vibe
430 posts
 
Active Speaker is highly recommended.

I would look into Quested Speakers first before ATC or PMC. The Quested Sound and its pricing is more competitive then ATC Or PMC.

The V2108 Quested Speaker are the ones Hans Zimmer uses.
abnerjack OP
152 posts
 
Thanks for all the interesting answers and differing points of view.  I don't have the knowledge of many of the experienced posters here and it is nice to be able to take advantage of it.   It seems it might be a good idea to look for a speaker/tweeter that has a lower THD?  Are there any graphs or measurements available to show this and it be worthwhile?
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