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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
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,909 posts
 
Getting a small driver to do bass is hard. Its a matter of excursion.

Getting it to do the highs is an entirely different problem! You get cancellation in the cone, which is why many single-driver speakers have a device called a phase plug the helps prevent cancellation.

Then you often get comb-filtering effects in the cabinet, which is why the midrange can get harsh (and also why many people prefer open back setups, or else really expensive cabinetry that solves the comb filtering issue...).

So you are right. Not an easy simple answer.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,396 posts
 
One of teh reasons I like the OHM Walsh CLS speakers so much is that the driver is above the cabinet firing vertically for the low end and wave bending to emit sound horizontally at the higher frequencies. The Walsh operating principle seem to distribute the work along the cone better. I have never heard any OHM CLS driver speaker exhibit any signs of stress or breakup EVER, even operating at high volume outdoors (off a suitable amp). And the sound is always most coherent, as advertised.

Cabinets only come in to play to provide volume needed for bass response and can be easily refurbed and refitted as needed to avoid expensive new cabinets unless desired.

Its a fantastic design with minimal tradeoffs. It does take some getting used to though, more like listening to live music than speakers.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,248 posts
 
Audience makes a range of single driver based loudspeakers that solve most of the problems mentioned in this thread. Their downsize is that they are not high sensitivity.
audiodistinction's avatar
audiodistinction
30 posts
 
I apologize for coming into this discussion late. IMO there are a very few good single-driver speakers on the market, although not many that are well known. Limitations? Yes, but different and no more than with most "conventional" speaker designs.

One speaker manufacturer that offers an interesting product is EARO, made in Sweden. These are single driver ACTIVE speakers featuring a rear-loaded horn. There are two models, one with an 8" driver and the other using a 5" driver. Frankly, I think that these are among the finest sounding speakers I have ever heard.

*Disclaimer* I am the U.S. dealer for the EARO speaker line. I actually purchased a pair for myself before I decided to sell the line.
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Rebbi,

Having owned the Tekton Pendragons, and auditioning the Zu Soul Supreme, I am more than happy to retain my Grand Veenas. That said, I would take the Pendragon over the Zu any day.

Shakey
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