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Best speaker brands for transient response

Hello all, first post / longtime lurker on here. I have really appreciated all I've learned from following threads on here -- much appreciated.

I've had three speakers in my house for a few years, and have learned that transient response is the quality I value most. I'm researching upgrade options and would appreciate recommendations on brands.

Currently I have KLH Model 3s, JBL 4305Ps, and JBL Studio 590s. The sealed KLHs are far superior in transient response / speed / attack. The 4305Ps are pretty good (I'm assuming because they're active) and the 590s, while they do a lot of things well, are relative laggards.

I am assuming that on average a sealed design at any given price point will outperform a ported speaker in this area of performance, but I'm sure there are important exceptions.

I'm also curious if more expensive ported horn speakers (Klipsch heritage line, or the JBL 4349 for example) may deliver equal or better in transient response compared to a lower cost sealed speaker because they're using better drivers, crossovers, etc.

Thank you for any feedback / ideas you have.

tommyuchicago

Showing 2 responses by toddalin

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
318 posts
 

Life is a compromise. Don’t make the mistake of giving up one desireable parameter for another.

For example, while electrostatic panels may provide the the desired transient response, you could easily give up soundstage and imaging because sound coming from their rears is bouncing all around the room creating all manner of reflection and phasing.

I made my own speakers using JBL 2241H (18"), JBL 2251J (9.75"), and modified ESS Great Heils and the transient response, as well as the soundstage and imaging, are among the best I've heard.  Of couse it's taken years of experimentation and tweaking to get to where I'm satisfied.

Here's something... This cut should have quick transients that, at volume, slap you in the chest.

https://youtu.be/aLEhh_XpJ-0

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
318 posts
 

Unless you were to match the 590s and 4367s to the same volume, your test is invalid. I doubt that both speakers have the same sensitivity, so one will be at an obvious disadvantage unless you have the means to match their volumes.

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