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Loudspeakers have we really made that much progress since the 1930s?

Since I have a slight grasp on the history or loudspeaker design. And what is possible with modern. I do wonder if we have really made that much progress. I have access to some of the most modern transducers and design equipment. I also have  large collection of vintage.  I tend to spend the most time listening to my 1930 Shearer horns. For they do most things a good bit better than even the most advanced loudspeakers available. And I am not the only one to think so I have had a good num of designers retailers etc give them a listen. Sure weak points of the past are audible. These designs were meant to cover frequency ranges at the time. So adding a tweeter moves them up to modern performance. To me the tweeter has shown the most advancement in transducers but not so much the rest. Sure things are smaller but they really do not sound close to the Shearer.  http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/lmco/shearer.htm
128x128johnk
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 

I just looked up the links that you provided, johnk.

I have no problem at all with people listening to speakers from the 30s and saying that they prefer that sound above all other.

I simply disagreed with what you appear to believe, that there has been little or no progress in speaker technology since the 30s and that we should all own 30s speakers. Sorry, but I still think you’re wrong.

I think that speaker technology has improved significantly since the 30s and that everyone should listen to as many speakers as they can and buy the one that works best for them. That can be homemade speakers, speakers from the 30s, huge speakers, tiny monitors made in the 90s, the most recent Wilsons or Magnepans, Bose speakers, whatever one prefers.

I don’t even have a problem with people listening to speakers they don’t really like but they have to own because they can’t afford what they really want or their significant other won’t let them bring what they really want into the house.

So johnk, Enjoy your vintage speakers and believe in your heart that they are the best speakers in the world with my blessings. But if you try to tell me that they are the best speakers for me or that there has been no real advancement in speaker technology since the 30s, I will disagree.

soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
I see a lot of companies reveling in the fact that they have really advanced drivers yet they all use mdf cabinets. No cabinet advancement whatsoever. 
johnk's avatar
johnk OP
1,975 posts
 
Tomcy6 Were did I say this-  no progress in speaker technology since the 30s and that we should all own 30s speakers.-I mention how little progress in loudspeaker design since the 30s and never once did I suggest to anyone that all people should own 1930s loudspeakers. I also never mentioned that the Shearers are the best loudspeakers in the world. I do wonder if your reading the thread and comprehending it since you jump to such wrong all encompassing personal conclusions. I really could care less what you or anyone else runs for a loudspeaker. I am just relating my hands on real world experiences not trying to sway people one way or another..
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
Johnk

 I was not responding to your comment. Not at all. Just my view on the pathetic development in speakers. Fancy metal drivers. Shiny and bright, some even zircon coated but where are the tests that these sound good, let alone better. 

My thoughts. 
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

I just happened to remember, when I built my custom speakers originally, 20 years ago, I used 6 inch Vifa for the midrange, which is a good speaker, and I was told not long ago that they had improved their 6 inch driver, so I replaced the old drivers for Vifa's new drivers, and there was a tremendous improvement across the board.

Those who make their living selling drivers, have to keep improving.


Enjoy the music.
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