A full range speaker?


Many claim to be, but how many can handle a full orchestra’s range?

That range is from 26hz to around 12khz including harmonics, but the speakers that can go that low are few and far between. That is a shame, since the grand piano, one of the center points of many orchestral and symphonic performances, needs that lower range to produce a low A fully, however little that key is used.

I used to think it was 32hz, which would handle a Hammond B-3’s full keyboard, so cover most of the musical instruments range, but since having subs have realized how much I am missing without those going down to 25hz with no db’s down.

What would you set as the lower limit of music reproduction for a speaker to be called full range?

 I’m asking you to consider that point where that measurement is -0db’s, which is always different from published spec's.
128x128william53b
@bache , you are absolutely correct. Except for me there is no regular listening. I think you mean for background music like in the office. Then I am really not listening. But, when I am listening everything matters. I want to close my eyes and be transported to the venue real or fabricated. 
This will not happen without bass. Otherwise, you are correct. Speaker systems will not do it and really should not try. It does take large or multiple drivers. The smallest I would ever use is 10" but I greatly prefer 12". Four 12" drivers should do it in most home situations but if you have the room for larger enclosures 15" is fine. I have no trouble getting down to 10 Hz If I want to with four 12" drivers but I put a very steep digital subsonic filter at 18 Hz. Even with this filter the whole house sings. Glasses, dishes, pots and pans rattle. Mirrors shake and siding buzzes. Fortunately, you can not hear it all in front of the system. Masking is a beautiful thing.

There are several personal "don't buy under any circumstance" issues. 
 #1) Never buy a ported subwoofer. Power and digital EQ are a much better way to deal with frequency response. Port noise at very low frequencies is unavoidable.
 #2) Never by a driver with a whizzer cone. It is a sure fire way to ruin high frequency detail. The best tweeters are ribbons and ESLs. If you want a full range speaker an ESL is the only way to fly. 

  
mijostyn4,699 posts07-19-2021 11:17amMozartfan, I think you need to listen to a pair of Quads.

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WOWWW
Indeed!!!
WOWW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaAsse6INeo

problem is, are they tube amp friendly??
Do they have that narrow sweet spot, which would get on my nerves. 
But man do they sound fantastic!!!