Crossoverless Speakers - Ultimate Solution ?

Clipsal: I would say that in theory the best crossover is no crossover, but as you are discovering a design like you are using is highly limited, due mostly to driver technology.

Detail is a function of many things. The drivers, cabinet construction and material, internal wiring, etc. The answer to your question is yes, it is possible for a conventional loudspeaker with crossovers to have as much detail and air as you are finding. The type of crossover and the parts used will certainly influence the transparency and sense of space or air. In our loudspeaker, The Evolution Acoustics, for the most part we are using high purity wire straight from the binding posts to the drivers. It is a true purist crossover. With this being said, there are many different ways to implement a crossover and most designers have their own preference. Of course although I am talking from personal listening experiences, I probably have not heard your speakers.

Integrating a sub-woofer will almost certainly kill the purity and cohesiveness you are hearing. I would call the designer of your speakers and asked if he has had any luck combining a sub with your speakers.

Good Luck!

Jonathan Tinn
Evolution Acoustics

Crossovers are easily both the most important, yet least understood are of loudspeaker design. In my opinion, this is the reason there are so few truly good sounding loudspeakers on the market.

My opinion of crossoverless loudspeakers (apart from drivers that are meant to be used as such - Lowther, AER, Fostex, etc.) is that there is a tremendous amount of energy and extension missing in the presentation. This experience comes from both DIY and commercially available designs. Normally, this implementation uses a capacitor on the tweeter leg - necessary to protect this driver.

The addition of an inductor on the woofer leg solves the problem in restoring the energy, power, and drive. From the perspective of my feeble mind, and in probably not giving it enough thought, it's counterintuitive. But, you can't argue with tangible results.

I will say that I agree with the designer's removal of the resistor in his crossover. Even the very BEST resistors really damage the sound, and those that are less than the best (which most of the best speakers use) are even far, far worse. Of course, you have to balance this decision with the fact that most tweeters are more sensitive than most woofers, but one can make it a point to pair two drivers of similar sensitivity (easier said than done).

Small 6-7 inch woofers roll off somewhere near 2000 Hz, so why bother with an inductor. Just use a capacitor to pick up the tweeter where the woofer dies.

Lousy idea, except for real cheap speakers. The woofer doesn't die peacefully at 2000 Hz. At this frequency and above it exhibits wild peaks and valleys as the cone breakup happens. The purpose of the inductor is to shut the woofer up before it starts misbehaving,
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