Single driver speakers - opinions

If you haven't done so already I suggest checking audiocircle. Single driver speakers are discussed regularly by many devotees over there.

Mrtennis,

I agree that no end speaker design is best.

However I would arguably of course assert that a single Walsh driver or perhaps it's descendant, the DDD driver, invented by Lincoln Walsh back in the 60's and tweaked by companies like Ohm and German Physiks over the years, is capable of doing more things that make for good sound reproduction well and has the fewest inherent physical limitations of any single driver design that one might design a (comparable sized) speaker system around.

Mrtennis, Timrhu & Viridian

Full range electrostatic speakers, definitely qualify as the "SD" design. The only reservation IMO (nothing is perfect) is:
*Size - full range electrostats requires large panels
*Require power - most (not all) will need some serious power to make them sound their best. SET, low power tube amps or SS Class A (in most cases) are unfortunately , incomparable with power hungry Stats or Planers.
* room size - I think that we all agree......they need some room to breath.
*Placement - well that is a given with any design, but they might need a little more attention then other designs (not a big deal if you have the space).
* If I had the necessary space....no brainer. (SoundLabs, Quads or new ML would be on my short list.......oh yea, also custom Sanders-all stats, no sub. I am sure that Roger would not disappoint and do his best to please his customers).

Mapman , Kijanki

AC is great source for OB and SD reading.
However for newbie DIY guy like my self it is not enough.
I like to explore every possible angle of design (not this site though) , opinions, plans etc.

It wasn't my intention when starting this thread.

Getting DIY-ers, users, anty-SD design guys to share and maybe educate the rest of AgoN members & visitors - is the main purpose for this thread.

There are pros and cons to every design.
Single Driver speakers are no different.
However, it should not be overlooked while searching for the pair of speakers. It is almost impossible for most audiophiles (or those starting getting their feet wet in this hobby) to audition SD speakers.
By starting this topic, I am hoping that it will at least touch the bases and qualities of this speaker design.
We all learn something new everyday.......and I will be happy to absorb as much info, tips and personal experiences of others to draw my own conclusions that will help me to better understand the art of SD design and possibly become a better listener.

Enjoying DIY projects, SD seems like the perfect "long Winter nights" shop time.

One more thing:

for those on the small budget - if you are seeking the close to state of the art audio on the cheap....look no farther. Even if you can not build your own boxes, plans are widely available. Any cabinet shop will be able to help you with this project. The results may shock you.

Enjoy the music

Mariusz

Mariusz - every design has some positives and negatives. Electrostatic panels are often problems in places with very high humidity and a lot of insects (high voltage attracts them). I don't mean to criticize electrostatic speakers - just to show that every design has some negatives.

Single driver design for DIY might be not the best choice - it is difficult and drivers are not available. Fujitsu Eclipse I mentioned contains just one 4.7" driver and costs $7000.

I'm expecting someone to challenge my assertion regarding the Walsh driver?

For example, typically, they are not an easy load to drive. For the most demanding applications, tube amps need not apply.