Is Speaker design evolution stagnant


Based on what I read from speaker manufacturers, many use the same drivers but apply different crossover philosophies to achieve a particular sound.

My simplistic understanding is that while limiting the range of high or low signals , the remaining signal is corrupted ( phase inversions, roll off, etc.. ).

With today’s technology, why aren’t more speaker manufacturers using active crossovers to be connected after the preamp and sending exact spectrum signals separately to be amplified to each driver.  That would Eliminate all electronics inside the speaker cabinet except the drivers. Each driver gets fed only the signal that it works best at. No out of phase, half phase, quarter phase issues, no phase angle issues. 100% of the power goes to each driver without limiters to scale it back.  I think Bryston Model T Actives is designed this way ( don’t work for them and not pushing any product). Am I looking at it too simply? Do electronic crossover play havoc on signals the way inductors and capacitors do?

Some speaker manufacturers have gone half way with built in woofer amps ( Vaughn?)

Of course you would need a 3 channel amp for each side ( based on W/M/T config) or some variable of mono amps, whatever.



jacksky

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

@jacksky -

Build a pre-designed kit. Start there. Something inexpensive. After you have built it, you can tweak it to your hearts content.

Building a 2-way kit would answer most of your questions, and leave you more expert than most people. 

Best,

Erik
OP:

You need to go away. Seriously. You need to go away from this forum and go build your own active speakers. :)

Join us over in DIYAudio or the Parts Express forums. You'd learn a huge amount, build just what you like for pennies on the dollar and be much better informed than you'll gain from hanging out in open forums.

Good luck,

Erik