Is the 2.5 way speaker the ideal home speaker?


Time for what I hope is another fun thread. 

One type of speaker which is actually pretty common but which gets little press / attention here on audiogon is the 2.5 way. 

A 2.5 way speaker is almost a 3-way, but it isn't. It is a speaker with 3 drivers, but instead of a tweeter, midrange and woofer (TMW) it lacks a true midrange. The "midrange" is really a mid-woofer, that shares bass duties with the woofer. Often these two drivers are identical, though in the Focal Profile 918 the midwoofer and woofer were actually different drivers with the same nominal diameter (6"). 

The Monitor Audio 200 is a current example of the concept, but I am sure there are many others. It's also quite popular in kit form. One of the most high-end kits I know of is the Ophelia based on a ScanSpeak Be tweeter and 6" Revelator mid-woofers. I haven't heard them, but I am in eternal love with those mid-woofers. I believe the original plans come from the German speaker building magazine Klan Ton. 

However many other kits are also available

But regardless of kit, or store purchased, are you a 2.5 way fan? Why or why not? 

Best,


Erik 
erik_squires
Erik, please read at the link I provided.  You might not care about size of the sweet spot,  but you asked about "ideal home speaker".
A speaker with tight dispersion can sound better in the sweet spot
Different speaker - not the same one.  It appears that you like 2.5 design and not listen anymore.
I really don't think there's any reason to be insulting. Everyone likes what they like, and one person's preference is no more valid than another's.
Post removed 
@kijanki - 

What I mean to say is, there is no 1 ideal dispersion pattern. From ESL's to open baffles, to traditional multi-way speakers, some with horns. All have very different radiating patterns, and all have ardent fans.

Beaming is not, by itself, bad. It may not be ideal for you in your listening room however.

For the record, my current speakers are traditional 2-way designs, with subwoofer for music. I still like 2.5 ways though. :) 

Best,


Erik