willland Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1341016914&&&/2-Way-3-Way-Debate Here is one of the responses: 06-30-12: Mitch2 As Mlsstl states, "take your pick." Crossover points and components involved in the crossovers do affect the sound as do overlap between speakers. Therefore some think simplier is better. However, you will not get true full-range frequency coverage from a single driver, or from most two-ways. When a manufacturer tries to squeeze out a full-range frequency response from a two-way speaker something usually suffers when the midrange driver is asked to cover the top end of it's frequency range or when the tweeter is pressured to extend below it's comfort zone. Even the highly regarded Audio Note AN-E, a rare two-way that is said to operate essentially full range (specified from 18 Hz to 23 kHz at -6 dB; when placed in the room corners) is said to have a "slight cupped-hands coloration," according to John A with Stereophile). One benefit of small cabinet two-ways is in imaging. Most find imaging to be improved when using a smaller cabinet sized speaker. Some solve the extension problem by adding a sub to a two-way, but this is not ideal as most think two subs (or more) are better. When you start adding subs, the question becomes "wouldn't it be better to simply purchse a full-range speaker?" Regarding crossover slopes, a few very highly regarded speakers use shallow first-order crossover slopes, such as the outstanding Venture Ultimate Reference reported on in this month's Absolute Sound. However, the majority of manufacturers choose steeper slopes that allow the drivers to operate in their optimal frequency range. Personally, I would use smaller two-ways in a smaller room, and then add a sub or two since it would be easier to adjust and integrate the bass response when using adjustable subs. I choose to use larger near full-range speakers in a larger room. Like many things, there is no "right" answer. I would first think about the room size and where you will position the speakers within the room, and second about the amplification you plan to use - high or low power, SET tubes or a 500 wpc SS amp. The amplification (and matching sensitivity) significantly affects the sound of the speakers to the point where you might never hear what the speaker is capable of when powered by a mismatched amplifier. Finally, I would go out and listen (with the type of amp you will be using) since no one design feature will solely determine whether a speaker sounds good or bad. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivanhurd Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 It doesn't seem like he really said much... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark1101 Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 What about 4-way.........and subs? See MCM-4 Grand.[:|] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted June 30, 2012 Moderators Share Posted June 30, 2012 What about 4-way.........and subs? See MCM-4 Grand. [Y] I would guess it has more to do with the speakers and how they are crossed over, more than how many crossover points. And Thanks Mark for being a BIG part in me having the best speakers I have ever had. Without you and JC it may not have ever happened, and I think about that every time I hear them. And I also got a great workshop set out of it also ! [] Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted June 30, 2012 Author Share Posted June 30, 2012 It doesn't seem like he really said much... The reason for pointing this thread out is speakers, whether 1-way, 2-way, 3-way, etc., can all sound very good if they are well designed. That's it. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Good point willand, the design of the speaker is critical factor,as wll as amplication and of course the room. Certain Klipsch speaker interact with certain size rooms better than other due to there design. The quality of the componets also make a big difference in sound quality. I agree that there are excellent 2 and 3 speakers. More elaborate xo start to get very expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superedge88 Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Getting into speakers that have no crossovers is even more ideal in my opinion, which is what I did by getting active speakers (qsc kw-122's) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivanhurd Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 It doesn't seem like he really said much... The reason for pointing this thread out is speakers, whether 1-way, 2-way, 3-way, etc., can all sound very good if they are well designed. That's it. Bill I gotcha. He made it sound like it mostly comes down to preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Getting into speakers that have no crossovers is even more ideal in my opinion, which is what I did by getting active speakers (qsc kw-122's) Can you explain this a bit more? Seems a bit contradictory to me. If I'm following your words, it looks like all you did was perhaps go from a speaker with a passive crossover, to one with an active/electronic crossover, as contrasted to "no" crossover which was the implication (to me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Having a great cover band is a better sounding option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Having a great cover band is a better sounding option. Another fantastic contribution from jacksonbart!! [] I couldn't agree more though it will cost a little more than a set of three way Heresys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 As has always been the case, the perfect speaker would be one way.Since there is no perfect speaker the rest is a compromise, two three four or more, whatever does it for you.A good two way is better than a poor three way anyday, a good three way ro me is the best of all.I would prefer a really good two way though to a mediocre three way. So....as has always been the case, whatever you prefer is best..?... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Having a great cover band is a better sounding option. What kind of speakers will they be using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivanhurd Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Getting into speakers that have no crossovers is even more ideal in my opinion, which is what I did by getting active speakers (qsc kw-122's)There is still a crossover at play, it's just in a different position in the chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Getting into speakers that have no crossovers is even more ideal in my opinion, which is what I did by getting active speakers (qsc kw-122's) Can you explain this a bit more? Seems a bit contradictory to me. If I'm following your words, it looks like all you did was perhaps go from a speaker with a passive crossover, to one with an active/electronic crossover, as contrasted to "no" crossover which was the implication (to me). The active speakers could also have a passive crossover, just with a power amp with a line in on the speaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeFord Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Audio reproduction is largely an illusion, so pick the one you like, or try a bunch and never be happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaudeJ1 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 It doesn't seem like he really said much... The reason for pointing this thread out is speakers, whether 1-way, 2-way, 3-way, etc., can all sound very good if they are well designed. That's it. Bill On my short list of "must hears" is the Synergy Horns from Danley Sound labs. Passing a square wave over a decade in a critial range is pretty amazing for a 3-way that sounds like a 1 way. Plus, Danley is the king of subs. Meawhile, I will "suffer" with my 3-way with sub and a mix of active and passive Xover, 1st and 4th order, where it measures AND sounds best. Lots of microdetail, dymanics, ridiculously low distortion, all with Milliwatts of power. BTW, horns are inherently narrow band devices so the cohesiveness of the Synergy horn is a new phenomenon in horn design. So if the "midrange is where we live" then the K402 is the best horn I've ever heard and/or owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaudeJ1 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 You can do 2-way with horns but you gotta PEQ the heck out of it, which is no problem with active Xovers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JL Sargent Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 It always boils down to one word: Compromise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 or you can do 1-Way (full range) with some 901's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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