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Do Bigger Speakers Mean a Bigger Window?

I enjoy listening to small loudspeakers, in fact a lot of my listening is done via my Logitech desktop computer speakers (2 SATs + 1 small sub) or those in the car.

However ultimately there's nothing like the sense of ease of listening via a big pair of speakers such as big Harbeths, vintage JBLs or Tannoys etc.

I wouldn't say that the bigger speakers (8 inch+ cone) are more accurate, in fact the Logitech's have an uncanny way of getting voices stunningly right as  
watching home movies on the PC demonstrates. It's just that the larger loudspeakers seem to reveal more of the recording quality and bandwidth. So much so that sometimes you can easily hear the limitations of the original tapes sometimes.

So, if you are after high fidelity sound, why would you buy small speakers? 



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Showing 1 response by phusis

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phusis
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So, if you are after high fidelity sound, why would you buy small speakers?

I never would, never again. Moreover, the "small(er) listening room small(er) speakers" mantra has no real bearing or justification - to me, at least. Smaller rooms mayn't need speakers as large, but there are benefits to be had not converging to this tendency, that I'll get back to. Some larger speakers, certainly horn variants, need space, not least listening distance, and so naturally requires a larger listening environment, but otherwise I wouldn't shy from implementing speakers with an imposing physical stature w/large drive units/horns into more moderately sized rooms. 

It's not only about big speakers/air displacement area, but about (high) sensitivity/efficiency as well - all to add up for one important feature: headroom. Some may find it ludicrous to ask for 20dB's or even more headroom on top of the loudest SPL you'd normally be able to muster with your playback system, but to others it's the ingredient that makes it all come together; when a stereo setup with large, very efficient speakers that operates within the confines of +20dB's to spare at the highest output levels you would typically require, there's an ease, sense of scale and capacity to handle complex musical material that's very beguiling and animating for one's listening pleasure. Music simply happens differently and more convincingly, unrestrained, and it's a vital element in letting go of music as something that is re-produced. Larger speakers of that kind, all things being equal, also tend to more readily succeed in eliciting an emotional response through sheer girth and force, often understated, that has smaller and less efficient speakers sounding malnourished and strained by comparison.

Also important here is bandwidth, preferably to 20Hz with full output, but that's an aspect too late at this local hour to begin unwinding. 

All this being said: small speakers may have qualities to be floored by in some areas, but on the whole and to my needs simply don't cut it.  

Just my $0.02. 
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