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Do Bigger Speakers Mean a Bigger Window?

I enjoy listening to small loudspeakers, in fact a lot of my listening is done via my Logitech desktop computer speakers (2 SATs + 1 small sub) or those in the car.

However ultimately there's nothing like the sense of ease of listening via a big pair of speakers such as big Harbeths, vintage JBLs or Tannoys etc.

I wouldn't say that the bigger speakers (8 inch+ cone) are more accurate, in fact the Logitech's have an uncanny way of getting voices stunningly right as  
watching home movies on the PC demonstrates. It's just that the larger loudspeakers seem to reveal more of the recording quality and bandwidth. So much so that sometimes you can easily hear the limitations of the original tapes sometimes.

So, if you are after high fidelity sound, why would you buy small speakers? 



cd318
cd318 OP
2,636 posts
 
@kosst_amojan, yes it can be a very complicated business getting good sound.

Some get lucky with their setup and room from the get-go. They seem to be easily pleased with modest equipment, whilst others suffer for years on the treadmill to audio nirvana, chasing their tails and swapping equipment on a regular basis.
I should know, I've been there. Might still be there?!

And then there are some who even enjoy being on the treadmill to audio nirvana!

@larryi as I've got to know myself better I've also come to the conclusion that I prefer larger loudspeakers for their ease of listening. I must admit though, I've no experience of using subs despite finding the idea of relegating the heavy work away from midrange units quite appealing.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
I pulled out a few of my monitors this weekend morel ziv 2 and a pair of high end dynaudios. While they do sound fine why I keep them arround they do not even get close to the natural realistic sound of my much larger loudspeakers. Even when I used my sub bass systems they still sound small thin and not real when compared to the larger designs. If I had to I could live with the morels I ran them off a few nelson pass amps and my large VIVA a PP EL34  also a NAD. I have 2 rooms designed to house audio. 
cd318 OP
2,636 posts
 
@johnk, do you feel that your experience explains why audio history is littered with mainly classic large speaker designs such as JBL L100s, the Klipschorn, various Tannoys  including Westminsters /Golds and many many others?

Yet it's hard to recall many small speakers which attained classic legendary status apart from the BBC designed LS3/5A.

I got the impression after reading about Gilbert Briggs (Wharfedale) that it was mainly a question of economics and fashion behind the trend to downsize? 


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timlub
2,041 posts
 
"Yet it's hard to recall many small speakers which attained classic legendary status apart from the BBC designed LS3/5A" 

 Spica,  Rogers BBC, Advent, EPI, ADS...  A little bigger gets you, AR11 or Dynaco A25 or Spendor SP1

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