single driver speakers

I think some of this is mythology, and much of it is personal taste. In the past integrating multiple drivers was really difficult. Multi-way speakers pre-date the electronic spreadsheet, PC’s and of course crossover simulation tools by decades. A lot of trial and error and wasted time IMHO. This is why some of the Genesis speaker crossovers are so utterly wonky.

Some of this has to do with where we hear individually. My suggestion, rather than going on argument, is build a pair for yourself. Some kits start at $150 per pair:

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/full-range-speaker-kits/

Some advantages are time co-incident, and point source behavior. That is, going off axis there are no possible lobing or interference patterns (depending on the actual driver design). In this way they act like the old thiel, and modern co-axial TAD or Kef designs. 

And let's face it, they appeal to the purists. Multi-way speakers, on the other hand, are complicated. Lots of capacitors, coils, resistors, etc. are all participating in the final result. It is fair to question whether any of this detracts from 

If you want a multi-way with an absolute minimalist crossover, consider the A26 kit:

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/seas-a26-10-2-way-kit-pair-based-on-the-cla...




Best,

E

Voxativ used like with  Pure Audio Project use woofers  just formidbass,low bass the purity of the single driver can shine 
But No 1 driver can do it all.  I havd iwned,No names these 15 inch 
Full range drivers ,in s proper large ,cabinet, they too have peaks 
At certain midrange frequencies that can be stringent .
I now have a excellent monitor- monitor sudio New Studio coupled to their engineered stands.
Flanked by good Subwoofers. And sounds Excellent- don't let the price throw you off it is more accurate then any speaker under $10k
A Mega best buy,for under $2k buy at least 1 very good subwoofer
I have their Silver W12selling st 45% off ,older model.,there are several very good Brands of Subwoofers

As pointed out by some of the replies above, single drivers have wonderful midrange, speed, tone, timbre and clarity that is hard for mutiway drivers to match. For example, a piano covers a wide frequency range. The bass will be covered by a woofer, mids by either a smaller cone driver or a dome mid of different material, impedance, sensitivity, dispersion,  compared to the woofer. And the high frequencies of the piano will be covered by a tweeter, again of different size, structure, performance, measurements etc compated to the mid and woofer.
In a single driver, the entire piano’s frequency range is covered by the same driver acting as a point source, which is the ideal. Consistency, coherence, no phase changes, smmoth imoedance curve etc.
Another key point of single drivers is the high sensitivy. They don’t need a lot of power. You can use direct heated single ended power amps. And that's another argument between solid state snd tube amps.
Note that most owners of single drivers started with multiway systems.
Keep an open mind, go listen to a well made single driver, anything from a Zu, Rethm, Voxactiv etc.
Tell us your findings. You might end up joining the club.

If your in the NJ, NY, Eastern PA area or you want to fly to Newark Liberty make an appointment with Brian of Charney Audio. He builds full range single driver rear loaded horns based on the Tractrix theory.
I have had the pleasure of listening to Zu, Rethm, Beauhorn, Lamhorn, Horning, Cardersound, Cain&Cain, Voxativ and Carfrae. None of them can deliver the full spectrum of sound quality like the Charney Audio offerings! About a year ago I had the privilege of listening to the Charney Companion Lowther DX65 ($6500.00) next to the Voxativ Ampeggio Signature ($33,000.00) at a dealer. There was no compaison! Companion Lowther DX65 was superior to Ampeggio Signature in all areas! Imaging, soundstage, tonal balance, depth of field, and deep articulate bass. Yes I said deep articulate bass from a 5.5" driver, no sub needed! This from a speaker that is 1/5th the cost! Charney also offers the Companion with a Voxativ AR 2.6 driver ($8900.00) that slightly betters the DX65, but at a much higher cost.

Find out for yourself with a visit to Charney Audio.
http://charneyaudio.com/

Another vote for Charney if you want single driver. Of course all designs have there pluses and minuses so always something to keep in mind. You might gain in one area and give up in another. Lots of fun to try different designs though.