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Dynamic compression in speakers themselves?

The primary audio characteristics I want to achieve in my system is an open, uncompressed, unstrained, and highly dynamic presentation.  What I don't know much about is how much speakers can or do contribute to loss of dynamics and impact.  I have a very powerful amp, but it seems that when I increase the volume, yes, the speakers get louder, but perhaps not commensurate with the increase in the volume control.  I do think I understand that this type of presentation is more easily achieved with larger scale speakers, but even with my large speakers, I feel something is wanting. 

I guess my question is, what factors contribute to any compression occurring in the speakers themselves?  Also, can the age of a speaker cause a loss of dynamics?  Mine are ~20 years old.  I'm thinking to get new speakers in the foreseeable future, so I'd like to understand more about this.  This question is in regard to traditional dynamic speakers.
mtrot
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
@phusis 

We agree. My point is mainly about the woofers - big motors and large diameter voice coils tend to stay cool and run more linearly.

I agree horns can be great for mid range dynamics. Both horns and dynamic speakers will likely have dynamic woofers especially big studio type monitors.
alkaloid
50 posts
 

I'll put my 2 cents in. Get an amp that has super high current. Ignores the varience in impedance. Has mega wattage. Then if you can't afford the amp go with horn loaded speakers. Transients are what you are looking for. Super start up and stop of the cone. Only a fine amp will do this. Mega power and damping factor. My amp is stable down to a short circuit. Mega current and 350 watts. My speakers are ruler flat BUT ineffecient. Impeadance varies as low as 2 ohms.  89 db at 1 watt. If you really want the total control get as much power as you can afford. The peaks can be 1000 watts and have to rise quick and no stress on current.

I am using an Anthem P5 Statement. It is 5 channel but my preamp can do 2 channel as well. Stable down to a short circuit and beefy.

Good luck in your search. Get more power!!!!!!!!!!!!

mtrot OP
804 posts
 
@ alkaloid

Makes sense.  Here is the info on my amp, which is Krell FPB 400cx.  Specifications are on page 22 of the document.  I think I'm good for most any speaker, which is why I'm now moving on to researching speakers and what factors of speaker design have an effect on great dynamics.

http://www.krellonline.com/assets/support/0162_020_MAN.pdf


alkaloid
50 posts
 

Enter your text ...Yes you have the amplification covered quite well.

 Just get busy auditioning different brand speakers and that's it. Yes 20 yrs does make a difference. Especially if driven hard. I did a lot of research a while back and bumped int a company that makes a machine to measure cone breakup using laser dopplar. I also bumped into a company called Accuton. They make the kind of quality I think you are looking for. I didn't look any further because the speakers are out of my league. Your amp has the power, now you have to get a no compromise speaker that can handle the signal. Get the checkbook ready.Can't wait to see what you end up with.


mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Thanks.  Lol, my wife and I took in the Doobie Brothers concert here tonight.  It was great, but.....  well, as soon as they started playing, I immediately developed a severe inferiority complex with regard to my speakers!  The power and immediacy of the guitars and drums shots was amazing.  Yeah, I understand that a home system is not going to match that, and I wouldn't want to listen for much time at those levels.  But, it sort of informs you of what "good" is, with respect to dynamic sound.
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