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Speaker choice without need for deep bass

I am slowly moving away from large full size/full range speakers and migrate to smaller 2 way.

This effect is caused by me adding a great 18" subwoofer to the system, and later playing with the 'main' speakers (and main amplifier) relieved of the 50 Hz and below heavy lifting duties (low pass to sub with own dedicated amp, high pass to main amplifier/main speakers). 

So the big full range speakers were replaced with large bookshelf. Everything is fine, except that I have a HUGE (by volume and area) open main listening room.  But now the 2 way speaker with one 6" woofer just CANNOT 'move enough air' to listen to high level music without starting to distort. 

Therefore the next speaker design I want to try is a still small speaker but with two low/midrange drivers simply to be able to play at 'concert level' without distortion; but still no need for very low bass. 

Since still in the trial and error and validation phase of my 'concept', any small 2 (if needed 3) way candiate must also fit the VERY low price (used) criteria ($1,000 or less). 

What comes to mind? 

Note: I had also inquired about the KEF LS50 for example, but was told they (and similar speakers) would suffer from the 'just not enough square inches' issue required for very large rooms. 

 

kraftwerkturbo
kraftwerkturbo OP
366 posts
 

Hi/low pass: in my setup, the receiver 'cuts' the main speakers if at a selected frequency (I use 50 Hz, high pass) and sends the low frequencies (under 50 Hz, low pass) to the sub out (to sub amplifier). With small Epicure 5 currently in the rotation, I actually tried even 80 Hz to further relieve the mains for 'heavy duty', but even at 80 Hz, the single 6" low/mid is getting overwhelmed when pushed. 

As proof of concept, I plan to rotate in a pair of Aviatrix with 2x 5 1/4 currently in small 2nd system: https://www.parts-express.com/SSP%20Applications/PartsExpress@SuiteCentric/SCA%202019.1/img/300-7134_HR_0.default.jpg?resizeid=104&resizeh=600&resizew=600

 

kraftwerkturbo OP
366 posts
 

@knotscott The NX Bravo crosses over to the tweeter at 950 Hz. That is an AWFUL lot of engergy going to the single tweeter at high listening levels. 

Speaker size:
Height 41.875″ (Without base)
Width: 8″
Depth: 11.5″

Sensitivity: 91dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohm
Crossover: 950Hz

https://i0.wp.com/gr-research.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/PXL_20241210_1832015802-scaled.jpg?fit=1922%2C2560&ssl=1

 

inagroove
179 posts
 

I recently heard the Acora book shelf-ish speakers (~40 lb each), sitting upon their own sub, the Bedrock.   The front end was all VAC.

It was one of the few systems that has ever impressed me.

Good hunting.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,133 posts
 

The NX Bravo crosses over to the tweeter at 950 Hz. That is an AWFUL lot of engergy going to the single tweeter at high listening levels. 

Perhaps true, but I think some of that lower output is achieved from the waveguide, and not just diaphragm excursion.  (could be worth an inquiry to see what they have to say about your concern)  There’s never a free lunch....the upside of a low tweeter crossover frequency tends to be excellent dispersion and imaging.  

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
5,051 posts
 

@knotscott My Heil amts' can be crossed between 500~1K, so 950 may not be such a stretch.  Really hinges on the woofer if just a 2way....

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