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Direct or Reflect ... What's your flavor

Was thinking about this from another thread. When we think of a basic speaker we usually think of monopoles. That is, speakers with a single baffle or plane from which sound emanates out of to the room, but as long as I can remember there are examples at all price ranges of speakers designed specifically to reflect, or whose basic construction forced rear or side reflections. Among the "forced to reflect" categories:

  • Electro static speakers (Martin Logan, Sanders, etc.)
  • Open Baffle / di-pole
Then we have ambient reflectors, which I include:
  • Bose 901 and smaller direct/reflecting models
  • Snell with their rear tweets
  • Wilson 
  • Probably numerous others
Let be clear though, NONE of these ambient reflectors are accurate. None of these latter elements can be called a way of credibly and accurately increasing the transmission of information from the recording to our ears. To my mind these are all in the land of bass shakers. They add some pizzazz and excitement, and perhaps an illusionary venue.

So, still, for your music and tastes, who has gone with di-poles or ambient reflecting speakers and never looked back?
erik_squires
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I never look back. Someone might be gaining on me. But if you ever do, remember Meatloaf: speakers in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Erik, I have been using dipole line sources exclusively since 1979 including ESLs, ribbons and planar magnetics. I have come to the conclusion that ESLs are the best. My next and probably last set of speakers is going to be Sound Labs Ultimate 845s. I have absolutely no interest in dynamic speakers other than the Sonos units I use for background music and the old Mirage speakers I use in my workshop.
I find horn speakers intriguing but I have yet to hear a set that really wow me out. It is difficult if not impossible for a dynamic loudspeaker to match the accuracy of an ESL. But, the cheapest full range ESL is $14K and they are big things that will totally dominate the environment. It is a shame Acoustat went under as they produced ESLs at a price most of us could afford. Having said that the most expensive Sound Labs are about 50K. Given that there is no loudspeaker at any price that a good number of us would prefer makes them an extreme value. Why anyone would spend $250K on Wilson's or Magico's is totally beyond me. 
millercarbon, there is a great white about to bite you in the a--. 
mrdecibel
3,063 posts
 
Eric......If I may......Bose 901s are not ambient reflectors, as 89% of their output was purposely sent to the back wall. Then you have speakers designed by Stewart Hegeman, and all of the manufacturers who use his design ( s ), ( look them up ). Tweeters on the rear of a box, yes. And talk about ambient retrieval ? This can be done electronically, or, with other speakers placed about the room. It is my contention ( however, no arguments, please ), that recordings have ambience, and I want to hear all of it, before any additional reflections of the room. This is my preference, and feel, there is no right or wrong, as long as the listener is happy. Panels, omnis, box, horns, whatever, is no different, than ice cream flavors. Same with analog vs digital, tubes vs solid state. Most folks know what I like, but, the important thing, and this should be with every one, that when you find what you like, good for you, and no one can say different. Enjoy ! MrD.
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