Why so few high end line arrays?

I've heard several line arrays. Like any design they seem to do some things wonderfully, but also seem to have issues of their own to contend with and overcome. It's always a trade off for what you consider important.

In my experience and on the ones I've heard, they seem to have:
- very good dynamics, both micro and macro
- very good imaging and soundstaging
- however the image can tend to be overly large, like a 6 foot tall saxophone or a 3 foot wide nose on the singer

From what I understand the overly large image can be compensated for in the design of the crossover and speaker connections. I'm sure newer designs have done this.

It's also important to have proper amp matching, but this is true of any speaker.

Hi Ptmconsulting,

My arrays stand 5.5 feet tall, shorter than the really big 'uns. Image height is not noticeably exaggerated where I sit (the back of the "nearfield zone").

As well, the image "forwardness" at high volumes in my system goes away below 80 Hz, and is nicely centered/deep at my listening volume sweet spot (about 75 dB average).

In fact, one trait of my arrays is exquisite expression of low level detail and tight, (relatively) impactful bass at such modest spls. It's a benefit that perfectly suits how I prefer to listen. Most array discussions seem to focus on the clarity and dynamics at very high spls - yet at low/modest levels these characteristics transcend any other loudspeakers (lots) I've had in my systems.

I agree with those micro dynamics at low SPL's. Line arrays tend to sound louder than the volume knob would seem to show. Maybe it's all those speakers (duh)?

I think the one design issue with line arrays is the number of speakers themselves. They do sound good even with low quality drivers. But to get the true best out of them you need better drivers, and that gets expensive. Most of the ones I've heard have been the former, and that could account for my bias against their soundstaging size.

If you ever look at the frequency response of line arrays, you will see what looks like a comb. Each driver interferes with the others at a regular interval throughout the frequency range. I do love how quick they are, however.

09-11-09: Tbg
If you ever look at the frequency response of line arrays, you will see what looks like a comb. Each driver interferes with the others at a regular interval throughout the frequency range.

Selah Audio Alexandrite - on-access Freq Response(200hz-20K), on-access Freq Response(10-200hz)

Selah Audio Symmetrica - on-access Freq Response(200hz-20K), on-access Freq Response(10-200hz)