Transmission line speakers!


Hi group,

I just pulled the trigger on a mint pair of Falcon speakers. They are a transmission line design. I don’t see many speakers using transmission line. Does anyone here have any experience pro or con with this type of design? BTW, I have always liked sealed type speakers over ported speakers!

Thanks much!

128x128yogiboy

bkeske,

I don't think that Vandersteen ever called any of his speakers transmission lines, and having a slot vent doesn't make them one.

mrdecibel,

The Khorns were nothing like a transmission line, they were just a horn loaded bass driver.

I started designing Transmission line speakers in the mid '70's. They can be real good for the money. These days I use a ported cabinet design because you can get a better final performance curve.

I own T+A Criterion 2100 TL speakers.  I believe all the T+A Criterion speakers are transmission line.    Very deep, natural and linear sounding bass for midsized floorstanding speakers.  Never boomy, even in my room with hardwood floors. 

If they are in your price range, I'd take a listen.  I think they have one of the best transmission line designs. 

 

@roxy54

 

bkeske,

I don’t think that Vandersteen ever called any of his speakers transmission lines, and having a slot vent doesn’t make them one.

Sure they have. It’s right on their web site, and in many reviews of the 1C’s over the years as well.

From Vandersteen’s web site regarding the current 1C’s (the basic design has not changed), and also include a ‘cut-thru’ photo as well, albeit not very detailed :

The Model 1Ci’s transmission-line port extends bass response while operating much closer to the ideal than any of the more conventional ported or passive designs.