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3-4 dB dip at crossover region: what should I listen for to hear it?

I haven’t posted here for about 10 years but thought I’d jump back in to ask about my new JBL 4349s. According to measurements on ASR and even JBLs own graphs, the 4349s have a 3-4 dB dip in the crossover region at about the 1.5 kHz mark. What should I listen for to hear this? I understand that music in this range will be quieter, but I’m not hearing any suckout compared to my Omegas or other speakers Ive had in my system. I’ve played some clarinet and violin concertos, two instruments that spend a lot of time in this frequency range, but I can’t hear an obvious difference. Am I listening for the wrong thing? I’d like to be able to hear this deficiency for leaning purposes if nothing else, so any pointers are appreciated.

 

Many thanks!

rischa

Showing 1 response by waytoomuchstuff

waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,212 posts
 

A couple of comments:

Frequency response is measured with continuous signal at 1 watt of input.  This does not take into account what happens when things really get moving and music is played through them.   The linearity of a steady state output at 1 watt may be quite different  from a transient of a few microseconds at, say, 80 watts. Music played at a "normal" listening levels may exhibit little perceived (or measurable) differences in frequency response.  

At the crossover point, 2 drivers (typically) are playing the same signal at, or about, the same volume level.  These drivers may be vastly different in design: materials, cone area, motor structure, or technology thus having varied characteristics in resolution, dispersion, speed, dynamic headroom, etc.  The "weirdness" that can occur to dynamic signals in the narrow range of the crossover points can't be predicted with standard frequency response measurements.

You've got to give them a listen.  In your room.

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