Size of Midrange Drivers

Walsh drivers are a uniquely effective design for mid-range in particular. Modern OHM CLS design Walsh driver covers everything up to 7khz which covers most of what one hears. More exotic versions, old and new can go even higher. Walsh driver size of these varies from CD size to 10" or perhaps more. ALl cover midrange similarly. Larer drivers are needed for low frequencies in larger rooms.

Revel Salon use about 4.5 inch drivers for good reason. Look into driver size, dynamics and dispersion.

If you are after realistic dynamics, try using front-loaded horns driven by compression drivers. Perhaps Danley has something you might enjoy. They are commercial speakers and look it but they get the job done like few others. For better looks in horns, expect to pay dearly unless you are able to score a deal on the used market.

Ptss: So you're saying that most of everything emanating from a symphony orchestra can be reproduced by a five inch driver?
I think we're just brain-locked into the current paradigm and are waiting for our "Einstein" to show us the way to the next level.

08-21-14: Dweller
Ptss: So you're saying that most of everything emanating from a symphony orchestra can be reproduced by a five inch driver?
I think we're just brain-locked into the current paradigm and are waiting for our "Einstein" to show us the way to the next level.

We've been shown various paradigms concurrent with the development of the loudspeaker. Klipsch horn loaded everything starting in 1949. The electrostatic has been around since 1919 and has had a presence in high fidelity since the mid-'50s. The Magnepan has been around for 45 years, and the Heil air motion transformer has been in production for 44 years. Even within pistonic loudspeakers, there are variations such as high excursion drivers, line arrays and other arrays of multiple drivers, downfiring woofers to couple with the floor, transmission lines, etc.

Personally, I choose the planar magnetic. My humble Magneplanar 1.7s have 509 sq. in. of diaphragm area per speaker, and in my experience provides a decided advantage in preserving clarity and voice placement in larger works, such as full scale orchestra plus 100+ voice chorus.

Each of these driver designs presents strengths and weaknesses unique to each design. We're left to pick our poison.