narrow and wide baffles and imaging


According to all the "professional" audio reviews that I've read over the last several years, narrow baffles are crucial to creating that so-desired pin-point imaging.

However, over the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to audition Harbeth 40.2, Spendor Classic 100, Audio Note AN-E, and Devore O/93.  None of these had deficient imaging; indeed I would go so far as to say that it was good to very good.

So, what gives?  I'm forced to conclude that modern designs, 95% of which espouse the narrow baffle, are driven by aesthetic/cosmetic considerations, rather than acoustical ones, and the baffle~imaging canard is just an ex post facto justification.

I can understand the desire to build speakers that fit into small rooms, are relatively unobtrusive, and might pass the SAF test, but it seems a bit much to add on the idea that they're essentially the only ones that will do imaging correctly.



128x128twoleftears
So, what gives? I’m forced to conclude that modern designs, 95% of which espouse the narrow baffle, are driven by aesthetic/cosmetic considerations, rather than acoustical ones, and the baffle~imaging canard is just an ex post facto justification.
That is certainly most of it. Those who claim otherwise haven’t heard a properly setup pair of SP100s that can completely disappear, unlike numerous "high end" towers. As for time and phase alignment being critical, that’s total hogwash - it's important for decay, not imaging.
Yes but shape of the baffle is just as important - rounded smooth edges are best.

Very Narrow baffles will image second best.

Very wide baffles (like mine) will image third best.

Speakers flush mounted into a wall with essentially an infinite baffle image the very best.

 Intermediate size baffles tend to be the worst (about 1 foot to 2 foot).

Wilson triangular angler Watt puppy design is a very good example of a small effective unobtrusive baffle.

summary 

Excellent < 1 foot (think small two way and audio physic narrow designs)
1 foot < mediocre < 2 feet
very good > 3 feet
perfect > 10 feet

but remember the shape of baffle edges can be just as critical.


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@shadorne Interesting.  If I understand correctly, those parameters would put both the Harbeth and the Spendor into your "worst" category.

@kosst_amojan How wide is wide in your reckoning?  Also wondering how proper radiusing of corners mitigates other problems.