3 way vs. 2 way

Goatwuss,

Well put. I tend to agree. Although some exceptional two ways are pretty impressive (Meyer X 10 for example) but as a generalization, "rule of thumb", I am in total agreement.

Zar,

3 way is necessary for elevated sound levels. It retains balance, clarity and dynamics over a broader range of volumes. It is however much bigger and more imposing and potentially ugly/obtrusive.

A two way is fine for "near" or "mid-field" and it is often the best compromise for the home; good quality at modest volume levels.

Single driver speakers (drivers usually with a whizzer) are used in cars, boomboxes and some high end applications where crossovers become a nuisance as they degrade the signal and absorb too much power(for example a high end tube amp with very low ouput power can still sound great with a single driver speaker).

The choice is yours and all can sound good. Why not try to move up in quality however - rather than switch. Why not give the 802D's an in home audition...this should definitely give both you and your friend something to smile about (they ain't cheap)!

let your friend guide you with the differences....those mirage's are awfully good though.....if they were some esoteric ma/pa brand, audiogon would light up singing their praises.

I agree Jaybo...Mirage are great value...I think you need to go significantly up in price to go better with B&W (imported from UKw with a strong pound right now).

Zar,

Is this in Canada? If it is then Totem's might be better balue.

Zar,

I just saw your second post on the this thread. Given your room a good two way is your best option, IMHO.

ChadnLiz, you are correct the Zu Druid's 10" driver and whizzer cone may make it an exceptionally loud playing "single driver" speaker - good point! My generalizations often have exceptions (such is the complexity of the real world) and you are very observant/knowledgeable to spot this error. Thx.

Duke,

Once again I find myself in total agreement with your comments.

Ditto Eldartford and Jaybo.

These forums can be extremely informative.

Back to the original question

I notice may of the Totems have only a tweeter and a driver. Can I get as good sound out of smoething like that as compared to a speaker with 3 or 4 in the cabinet

I would say that if you have no price restrictions and you can build the ideal sized room to suit the speakers - then the answer is generally NO - you can't get as good of a sound in a two way. If you simply look at most globally respected acoustic suspension speaker manufacurers product offerings then you will notice that their top of the line tends to be larger three way+ designs and not two ways (so I am kind of stating the obvious although I expect many will still disagree...facts tend to get ignored here)

However, practially speaking two ways are a sensible way to go in the middle price range (two way is often better than a smilar priced three way), for smaller rooms and for near field listening positions. (After all, if you can't change your room it is best to use something that works within your space...for example, a big expensive B&W three way looks overkill for your room, IMHO)

Ryder and Pubul57,

We are in total agreement.

[Shadorne ] I just saw your second post on the this thread. Given your room a good two way is your best option, IMHO.

I swear they are louder given the same juice than my La Scalas which are rated at 104 db.

You are probably correct. The majority of audiophiles assume that efficiency equates to absolute loundness...it doesn't. Some high quality speaker drivers do not compress at higher volumes whilst cheaper drivers do...it is compression that limits loudness (thermal heating of the coils and when driven past a limited Xmax). Most speaker drivers use the long coil in a short gap which is cheap and robust - however, this design severely limits their volume potential and dynamics.