I have heard quite a number of big, high efficiency systems running multiple 18" drivers (e.g., Western Electric M10, G.I.P. reproductions of M10, Goodman 18" permanent magnet and fieldcoil woofers) and they deliver the speed, impact, and tonality that I think are most important in such drivers. But, I have never heard these systems deliver really low bass at a high level. I just don't care that much that they don't do subwoofer stuff and I don't really like subwoofers in these sort of high efficiency systems. There are compromises in any kind of system one assembles, and these kinds of woofers deliver what matters to me. Do they measure impressively? I don't know or care. I like Rolls Royce's specification of horsepower in the old days: "Sufficient."
What is your take on high efficient speakers vs. low efficient speakers?
Consider both designs are done right and your other equipment is well matched with the speakers. Do you have any preference when it comes to sound quality? Is it matter of economic decision when it comes to price? - power amps can become very expensive when power goes up, on the other hand large, efficient speakers are expensive as well. Is your decision based on room size? I'd love to hear from you on the subject.
- ...
- 187 posts total
It's just wrong to think that hi eff doesn't do low bass I have bass horns that can bend doors and make your eyes resonate some I designed are used in military simulators to replicate explosions and gun fire. Just because in your limited experience you haven't heard deep bass in hi eff doesn't mean it's not available. It just means you made major compromises in size. |
@johnk wrote:
Exactly, John. I expressed a similar view in my latest post on this thread page some two months ago, but it went to deaf ears/blind eyes, it seems. It must be said though people don’t need +100cf. behemoths to experience high eff. bass to 20Hz. 21"-loaded high order bandpass subs with 100dB sensitivity will do honest 25Hz from a 16-17cf. volume, and my own tapped horns are 20cf. per cab @22Hz. Even so most audiophiles are likely to bark at such sub cab sizes, and so there’s only so much one can do. @larryi wrote:
Which kinds of subs have you heard paired with high efficiency mains - low or high eff. subs (i.e.: smaller or very large subs)? I don’t find high eff. mains pair well with low eff. subs, they just don’t mesh properly. If however high eff. can be maintained across the whole range, another matter - given of course mandatory care taken with implementation. I prefer crossing fairly high to the subs, typically no lower than 80Hz, and with the mains high-passed accordingly - fully actively (mains + subs), if possible. That, to me, offers the best opportunity for a coherent, fully integrated presentation. If on the other you’re perfectly OK sans subs, all is merry, though if you have yet to experience the right high eff. subs in conjunction with your mains I would say you’re potentially missing out on an extraordinary sonic meal. Pardon, I may be presumptuous..
Haha, stated with confidence indeed :) |
- 187 posts total