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Single driver speakers without the pitfalls?

In researching SET amps, I have learned a lot more about the sort of high efficiency speakers that they are typically paired with, including single driver models like Omega, Blumenstein, Teresonic, etc.
The advantages of these designs are well acknowledged: coherence, imaging, high-efficiency and so forth.
At the same time, there seem to be equally well acknowledged drawbacks to these designs: Limited bass response, rolled off highs, and a harshness or "shout" in the upper midrange.
Some designers, like Tekton and Zu, seem to take the approach of getting the best of all worlds by joining a wide range driver to a tweeter of some sort. (To some extent, my Reference 3AM De Capo monitors take this approach.)
What I'm curious to learn is whether you think there are any single driver, full range systems that transcend the above limitations.
Eager to hear your thoughts.
rebbi
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I have gone part way down the single driver path w a pair of DIY open baffle speakers that I bought from a member here, and I like them very much. They use the Feastrex 5" field coil driver w a whizzer cone, running full range, no x-over. The low bass is provided by 2, 12" subs driven by a 500w plate amp. The mids are to die for and the bass is pretty darn impressive, as well. Of course, I can dial in the bass balance as I please w the attenuators and low pass filter in the sub amps. And you get true stereo subs, to boot.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,598 posts
 
Its pretty apparent that while single driver speakers do many things very well, that they do **all** things poorly. Put another way, if you want to get the best out of them, consider setting them up with a good subwoofer at the very least.

Getting the bass excursion off of the cone will reduce the distortion of the driver and improve the presentation.

The appeal of having no crossover and the driver do everything you need is like a siren call. -but-
Bottom Line: There are no single driver speakers without the pitfalls.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Atmasphere,
Well put, thank you!
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,854 posts
 
When in doubt powered subs done well are almost always the great equalizer.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,973 posts
 
Fostex fe208e sigma can make for a wonderful sound if used in massive BLH but will need a super tweeter. The Fostex f200a has advanced cone and extreme quality build it can produce massive bass FS is 30hz but again needs large cabinets. The SEAS X-1 again very high quality works well in very large monitor. I've used most available FR Lowther AER Festrex etc etc. I found the drivers I mentioned to be quite stellar performers if used properly. Many FR designs use small thin cabinets or filter away the perceived offenses. But if design is proper full ranges or wideband with tweeters exist that can do great service but you're not going to hear what's possible out of small cheap transducers in overly small cabinets. A full range driver loudspeaker needs as much if not more care in construction over conventional after all you're expecting a heck of alot out of 1 transducer.
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