Line Array VS Traditional Box Speakers, Why not just get the line array ?

It’s a good question.  

The acoustic science behind Line Arrays is significant.  They are designed to project high volumes a long way.  There is a reason they’re used in large facilities - because it’s very difficult to get full volume to the back of a large venue/arena without adding side fills or back fills - which then have to be on delays so the sound arrives in back from all sources somewhat evenly. Roughly speaking, line arrays are built such that the amplitude of the sound wave is multiplied because of the specific proximity of the drivers to one another.  But, this comes at a significant cost in other areas.  They’re inherently narrow dispersion (hence the ability to push sound a long way) and they have a LOT of phase cancellation issues - particularly when run in stereo.  (Most live concerts are run mono - not stereo).  If you were able to walk around a venue while a crew is doing a sound check, you would hear the sound materially change moving just a few seats.  Of course, you could tune your array for the sweet spot in your living room.

And, as @russ69 points out, pro speakers are built to play loudly - not accurately. There’s an adage: you can have loud, full range, accurate, or reasonably priced. Pick two.

The cabinets are designed to take the beatings of load in/load out on a daily basis. But, they have to be moveable too.  So, the cabinets are simple felt covered plywood boxes which vibrate (and therefore speak) like crazy. 

But, there is a way to get what you want for home use. Look at JBLs, Klipsch or any number of companies that make speakers for both uses (pro and consumer) as there is some commonality to their house sound, dynamic range, etc.  They’ll give you that “jump” factor.

Best,

@hilde45

Ditto!

Thanks for the chatter.   

here are some responses.  I have probably been to over 1000 live shows not counting bar and bar bands.  Thats thousands more.  Jazz,  Blues, reggae, New Wave, Punk, Fusion, Classic Rock, Singer Songwriter stuff, Zydeco and more.  I typically sit in first 10 rows but have sat all over arenas, stadiums , clubs, amphitheaters etc... I know the sound is different throughout the venue.  I will never sit under an overhang in the back of a theater for that reason.  Last night I saw Samantha Fish, Devon Allman and Dirty Dozen Brass band.  Samanthas mix was horrible from the 5th row but soften out back towards the middle.  Bass was overpowering vocals no matter where you were though.   This is why I posed this question today.  I was like man i need a line array at home ! Again!

Klipsch answer, I already own Forte IVs a few tube amps a Marantz SS and a pair of Tektons plus a bunch of other speakers .  Some classic NHTs that kill in my home theater set up.  So  I know that well.

I do not actually like blaring midrange so the description of loudness and jacked MIds do not fit what I hear live.  I have seen acoustic shows, and jazz shows etc... not at loud volumes even Acapella groups and still I say home speakers do not get there. 

Why not build a small  array for the home to get some of that live sound?  I guess there is a reason no one has.  

Maybe in the end since I have seen so many live performances and played myself for many years iI cannot hear anyway.  HAHA!  

Thanks for the feedback looking forward to others

Why not build a small  array for the home to get some of that live sound?  I guess there is a reason no one has.  

They are available and you could build a short array for not too much money. I'm going to guess that you won't get the sound you want. There is no way to duplicate a giant open air venue in your home. I was going to recommend some Tekton loudspeakers, that might be as close as you can get, maybe buy one of their big models?