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2-way design vs. 3-way design means ?

Just curious as to the sound difference between two-way and three-way, obviously a missing element on the two-way of the mid range. I own a three-way Cornwall and I’m thinking of going to one of these heavier and more substantial, build, quality, thicker walled bookshelf speakers.

I guess every speaker sounds different to every different human ear that listens …and it may be difficult to explain in terms of the sound. Obviously, a two-way speaker only has two drivers and possibly different interior components?

Like… what is the difference between a Fritz and a JBL century L 100?

128x128moose89
grislybutter
3,052 posts
 

@yogiboy smart people told me this who knew about speaker design. I believe them :P

richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
159 posts
 

@grislybutter 

I am with you!  The corollary is that if a two-way speaker and a three-way speaker are the same price, it is London to a brick that the two-way will sound better.

It is equally disturbing that given the choice, most buyers will go for the 3-way as they seem to be getting more for the money.

A case of less really being more!

erik_squires
16,100 posts
 

Wow.  East vs. West coast sound is the answer to JBL ve Fritz.  2 or 3 way have nothing to do with it.

A 3 way, properly executed, may have better off axis and dynamic range. 

The problems all 2 ways suffer from include having to stress the tweeter by attempting too low a crossover point

  At the same time the mid woofer starts to beam at the top of the range.

I just built a 3 way center and the dynamic range and off axis response is outstanding. 

Having said all that, there are many good 2 way speakers and for my money Fritz is among the very best.  Would you like it more or less than a JBL classic?  You should listen.

grislybutter
3,052 posts
 

I am with Erik. And Richard. 

And I added crossover values to my list

https://speakerchoices.com/

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