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Is the 2.5 way speaker the ideal home speaker?

Time for what I hope is another fun thread. 

One type of speaker which is actually pretty common but which gets little press / attention here on audiogon is the 2.5 way. 

A 2.5 way speaker is almost a 3-way, but it isn't. It is a speaker with 3 drivers, but instead of a tweeter, midrange and woofer (TMW) it lacks a true midrange. The "midrange" is really a mid-woofer, that shares bass duties with the woofer. Often these two drivers are identical, though in the Focal Profile 918 the midwoofer and woofer were actually different drivers with the same nominal diameter (6"). 

The Monitor Audio 200 is a current example of the concept, but I am sure there are many others. It's also quite popular in kit form. One of the most high-end kits I know of is the Ophelia based on a ScanSpeak Be tweeter and 6" Revelator mid-woofers. I haven't heard them, but I am in eternal love with those mid-woofers. I believe the original plans come from the German speaker building magazine Klan Ton. 

However many other kits are also available

But regardless of kit, or store purchased, are you a 2.5 way fan? Why or why not? 

Best,


Erik 
erik_squires

Showing 2 responses by linnie01

linnie01
8 posts
 
Although I own 30 year old, 3 way Thiel 3 way speakers (CS2) and still enjoy them very much, when friends have asked me what speakers to buy in recent years, I recommended Spendor...the A5 (now discontinued) and the D7 (current).  Both are 2.5 way speakers and both owners love them.  I do too.  What’s not to love?

At the end of the day, it’s about what sounds good to you, regardless  of speaker design or price (assuming you can afford it?)
linnie01
8 posts
 
The Spendor’s also pair quite well with Linn and Naim gear, which my friends and I all own.  It’s a classic combination, which certainly make a difference, along with the room.
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