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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
11,936 posts
 
What's striking to me about this thread is that most people who have converted to single driver systems say it's the "distortion" of multiple drivers and crossovers etc... that they are free from that provide them a clarity and magic that multiple drivers can't match. However,the pro-multi driver guys say that the "distortions" of a single driver trying to produce ALL frequencies is like nails on a chalkboard to them. OK, so where does the truth lay?

IMO/IME it has everything to do with how hard you push the speaker. If not hard, the single driver speakers will totally deliver! I've heard them sound amazing- especially in smaller (American) rooms (in Europe and other regions where smaller rooms are common, single driver speakers can excel!). But if you like to play at serious volume levels in a bigger room, and especially if you want the bottom octave or two, then you will find single-driver speakers to fall short.

I don't think it has anything to do with how we hear. It has everything to do with setup!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,408 posts
 
There is one room in my house without sound that a smaller pair of single driver full range speakers would fit into nicely along with a small tube amp. I would only use them for applications involving lower listening volume for sure.
psag
518 posts
 
I second Atmasphere regarding volume limitations. I've also noticed that they excel with certain music types: small group jazz, chamber, vocal, small acoustic ensemble music. I would not recommend single driver for loud rock, electronica, or symphonic music.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
Full range drivers exist that do not restrict SPL but its not going to be under 8in and its not going to be a budget transducer and its cabinet isn't going to be small cheap or easy to construct. I say this as I prepare a BLH of 160lbs each that will be replacing some massive costly electrostatics.
veroman's avatar
veroman
299 posts
 
interesting remarks. i built 2 sets with audio nirvana drivers. an 8 in and a 12 inch. in my humble opinion the laCK bass below 38hz on the 12's is hardly an issue as the mids and, yes!, the highs are incredible. even the 8's did well into the mid 40's. those of you who see rolloff specs dowm 3 db. at almost 15 khz as being clipped in any way are apparently much better at hearing all that detailed sizzle on crash symbols than me. most men only hear to that point anyway as we age. and yes, you need big ported cabinets to get all the bass but i built smaller cabs and they still sound fine in the low end. detail is more important than thump im my listening world. i am runing a 3.5 wpc tube amp and at 97 db eficiency they play plenty loud.
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