Thanks, very interesting!
Dynamic compression in speakers themselves?
The primary audio characteristics I want to achieve in my system is an open, uncompressed, unstrained, and highly dynamic presentation. What I don't know much about is how much speakers can or do contribute to loss of dynamics and impact. I have a very powerful amp, but it seems that when I increase the volume, yes, the speakers get louder, but perhaps not commensurate with the increase in the volume control. I do think I understand that this type of presentation is more easily achieved with larger scale speakers, but even with my large speakers, I feel something is wanting.
I guess my question is, what factors contribute to any compression occurring in the speakers themselves? Also, can the age of a speaker cause a loss of dynamics? Mine are ~20 years old. I'm thinking to get new speakers in the foreseeable future, so I'd like to understand more about this. This question is in regard to traditional dynamic speakers.
I guess my question is, what factors contribute to any compression occurring in the speakers themselves? Also, can the age of a speaker cause a loss of dynamics? Mine are ~20 years old. I'm thinking to get new speakers in the foreseeable future, so I'd like to understand more about this. This question is in regard to traditional dynamic speakers.
Showing 10 responses by mtrot
@johnk Interesting. I generally am drawn to big speakers with big woofers, for the same reasons you articulate, lol. My current, quite large, Legacy Audio Signature II speakers are from the 1990's, but still sound decent at moderate levels. It's just that I wonder how good the capacitors and other components still are, or ever were in the first place, and how much limitation in dynamics these speakers may have. I feel that understanding more about this issue will be of use to me when considering future speaker purchases. |
Well, then this brings up the question as to which speaker manufacturers are known for employing the best quality electronic components such as capacitors, resisters, etc.? Only interested in big, floor standing speakers here. Yes, I want the big, open, dynamic sound, but I also want great vocal tonality and timbre of instruments. |
"Unless this is just a technical discussion about how loudspeaker drivers operate under stress." Well, yes, that is mostly what this thread is about. And not just with regard to the drivers themselves, but how they work in concert with the other components and from whence any dynamic compression might arise. And to what degree the age of components within a speaker contributes to compression. As I posted above, "I feel that understanding more about this issue will be of use to me when considering future speaker purchases." Also, you might refer to my original post. Thanks to all for sharing their technical knowledge and expertise. |
I guess I should clarify that I'm not looking for high SPL playback. I'm just looking for that big, relaxed, open, uncompressed sound. I want dynamic crescendos in classical music to get my attention, but with a sense of ease, if that makes any sense. Should I gather that I should be looking for high quality floor standing speakers with ~12 inch woofers and at least 96dB sensitivity? |
@ alkaloid Makes sense. Here is the info on my amp, which is Krell FPB 400cx. Specifications are on page 22 of the document. I think I'm good for most any speaker, which is why I'm now moving on to researching speakers and what factors of speaker design have an effect on great dynamics. http://www.krellonline.com/assets/support/0162_020_MAN.pdf |
Thanks. Lol, my wife and I took in the Doobie Brothers concert here tonight. It was great, but..... well, as soon as they started playing, I immediately developed a severe inferiority complex with regard to my speakers! The power and immediacy of the guitars and drums shots was amazing. Yeah, I understand that a home system is not going to match that, and I wouldn't want to listen for much time at those levels. But, it sort of informs you of what "good" is, with respect to dynamic sound. |
Thanks much for all the great input here! I think, partly because of the expense and partly from an aesthetic standpoint, I'll probably not seek to acquire the speakers mentioned here along the lines of ATC, PMC, Westlake, JBL, etc. The system for which I am investigating speakers is in our family room. So, among more conventional dynamic floor standing speaker brands, any suggestions as to which of them might use the best quality components that would allow for the best dynamics of this "genre" of speakers? Which of them come closest to achieving my desired performance parameters? You know, just for starters, I'll throw out names such as Sonus Faber, Paradigm, PSB, Monitor Audio, B&W, Legacy Audio, Daedalus Audio, Vandersteen, Goldenear, Revel, KEF, Dynaudio, Canton, etc. |
kosst Yes, thanks, to clarify, I’d be looking up to the $10,000/pair range. So, I guess that eliminates a number of the great options out there which could produce the sort of sound we’re discussing. MAYBE up to $15K. I’m not looking for the ultimate in the parameters we’re discussing, but what brands/models can approach this performance. I just wanted to understand what components of speakers contribute to the type of audio characteristics under discussion, so as to better inform me as I get closer to a purchase. |