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May 9, 2010 - 10:35am
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What are your experiences with speakers with multiple, smaller diameter driver designs
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There are so many variables that it's hard to generalize but smaller drivers have the potential to be faster with superior pitch definition. The output of a smaller driver can be increased to be closer to that of a larger driver by increasing it's excursion (maximum front to back movement) in addition to the number of base drivers. The only limitation that really can't be overcome practically (without major trade off) is the ultra low bass but rock music doesn't usually have ultra low bass. It's usually lots of mid bass. Smaller drivers also allow for a smaller front baffle which can result in less cabinet resonance allowing the speaker to acoustically disappear more easily.
Interesting info about the smaller front baffle helping the speaker disappear easier.
I know cabinet design has allot to do with a given speakers abilities to play bass notes more efficiently and would like to think that a resonantly dead cabinet design like those found on the Wilson line could get away with a smaller driver or fewer drivers doing the job.
I guess the real answer lies in knowing what the excursion capabilities are of these different types of drivers. I can't say that I have ever seen this kind of detailed information listed on any of the higher end loudspeakers.
I suspect the reason being fear of giving away design secrets to the competition.
In August of 2007 I auditioned several speaker systems in the $2000 to $4000 range with the configuration you mention, among them Paradigm, B&W, and Dynaudio. In every case I found the bass response to be less than satisfying. I bought the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature II, which, among other virtues, had greater impact and weight in the bass.