2. speakers
  3. 1104133995

Single vs Multiple driver loudspeakers...

What are the pros and cons between Single Driver loudspeakers and multi-driver loudspeakers? The arguments with single driver loudspeakers are that their simplicity makes them easy to drive, plus the x-over-less setup improves dynamics, not to mention no phase problems. The thing I read is that no single driver can possibly produce the full range of sound, and most necessitate a subwoofer. On the other hand, multi-driver loudspeakers can offer a full range, but some say that more than one driver introduces phasing problems to some degree.

I have a multi-driver system that sounds great. How would a single driver setup improve my sound, if at all? And if single drivers are that much of an improvement, why are they harder to find(at least for me)?

I have also read that multi-driver loudspeaker more than often need to be paired with a high wattage amp because of the lower sensitivity, ranging from 89db and less, while single drivers loudspeakers are great for low powered tube amps because of their higher sensitivity.

Most of this, is what I have read, but never really heard.

Can someone educate me?
matchstikman
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Hey Gaudio_eek here's the stats.

6W into 8 ohms at 0.04% THD+N
10W into 4 ohms at 0.04% THD+N

Doesn't seem like a lot but the guys running them say it will run you out of the room with high efficient speakers.
I mean heavy metal volumes! It has been tested to run for 5 or 6 hrs before needing a charge.Which takes less than an hour.The designer quoted it may run up to 10 or 12 hrs on a single charge depending on your listening levels.
You can go to the FAQS page on the site. It will give you most of the answers your looking for.
gaudio_eek
312 posts
 
Gmood1, thanks again. I should have asked this in my earlier post. What speakers are you intending to use with the Clari-T?
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I'm going with the Omega Grande 8s. They should get down around the 40 hz threshold.Checkout this review by an AA member. Clari T Amp review
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
I have a trio of the Lowthers R L & C. It will be hard to go back to cones.--(Deaf old guy) These embarrass my 9k speakers in the midrange.Oh ya' nothing below 50 hrtz or thereabouts.
onemug
784 posts
 
I have been enjoying the single driver/SET experience for about 6 months now. I still have my Maggies and Apoggees. I'll keep them all. The single driver has a coherence that I have come to appreciate after 7 yrs with planars. As far as having to add a sub, I would rather "crossover" a woofer at 60Hz or less than what most multiple driver systems do at 200hz or more. Plus, you can place the sub in its best location. As far as the upper Freq's, I haven't felt I'm missing much. I hear the brushes on the cymbals quite clearly. If I feel like I need a little more air up there, I will add a super tweeter which would "crossover" around 12khz or so. For me it would be a system that had no crossover between 50hz and 12khz which is where alot of the music reigns. I have both push-pull tube and SS that I use on the planars but the Fostex seems to sound best on tubes especially SET.
More to discover