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Single vs Multiple driver loudspeakers...

What are the pros and cons between Single Driver loudspeakers and multi-driver loudspeakers? The arguments with single driver loudspeakers are that their simplicity makes them easy to drive, plus the x-over-less setup improves dynamics, not to mention no phase problems. The thing I read is that no single driver can possibly produce the full range of sound, and most necessitate a subwoofer. On the other hand, multi-driver loudspeakers can offer a full range, but some say that more than one driver introduces phasing problems to some degree.

I have a multi-driver system that sounds great. How would a single driver setup improve my sound, if at all? And if single drivers are that much of an improvement, why are they harder to find(at least for me)?

I have also read that multi-driver loudspeaker more than often need to be paired with a high wattage amp because of the lower sensitivity, ranging from 89db and less, while single drivers loudspeakers are great for low powered tube amps because of their higher sensitivity.

Most of this, is what I have read, but never really heard.

Can someone educate me?
matchstikman
gaudio_eek
312 posts
 
Gmood1, just look at the possibilities of using the Clari-T's. Get a killer Universal Player that can do distance adjustments and hook up several of these with single-driver-high-efficiency speakers!
Matchstikman, sorry for hi-jacking your thread.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Hey Gaudio_eek, that is a good idea! That would be something special!
matchstikman OP
205 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses and the advice.
larryi
3,721 posts
 
I've heard numerous Lowther designs and some single driver or multiple driver speakers using full-range Western Electric 755 and 756 drivers. These are interesting speakers that have an immediacy and liveliness that are almost unmatchable.

Still, the only single driver speakers that I would even consider owning would be a Soundlab U-1.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Initial impressions after a couple of hrs of listening to the Omegas. Man these speakers are excellent! They still have plenty of break in left. But the transparency and coherency of these speakers are unmatched by any speaker I have owned! This includes GMA Europas and my Magnepans. They have useable bass down to around 30 hz in my room. It's not an in your face bass. But you know it's there and it doesn't get in the way of the bass plucks or the drums.

The highs seem to have all the air I will ever need. These speakers aren't rolled off in any way.They project a huge sound field in front of you that wraps around the sides. I see why people like these speakers.No crossover sounds like a winner to me. They play at high volumes as well. Some of the negative things I've read are certainly myths. The midrange is going to be hard to embarass in this type of speaker.There's plenty of multi driver loudspeakers with more bass but not always better bass. I can't wait to hear these when they completely break in!
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