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Less is more? Where's the midrange question -help

I've been furiously wondering about this for years -
Be kind, I'm just now making the move to serious audio!

In short:
Why is it that when you move past Polk, Mirage, Klipsh, whatever upper low end, and move onto mid high end you lose the implied technology and number of drivers? Most of the lower end stuff at Tweeter or Circuit City (sorry) have a tweeter (or horn), a midrange or two, and a woofer. Moving up the scale and dollars results in speakers with only 2 drivers.... How do you get accurate midrange from a 4" or 6" driver?

To be more specific -
I have recently purchased a pair of Audio Physics Tempo III's. I have yet to find the sweet spot. They sound muddled and harsh. I have a Yamaha amp, but will be upgrading shortly to an Aragon 8008 ST.
I am listening in a somewhat small room, plan on moving the equipment into the basement shortly.

Here's the reason for the question and thanks for reading this far down!

I have two (be kind) Radio Shack Super Tweeters that I think sound incredible. They were $20.00 each 10 years ago. They seem to bring definition when hooked up in parallel with my Tempo III's... more to the point, I have Klipsch satellite speakers (in plastic boxes about 6" high) which bring out the midrange and clarity of strung instruments when hooked up in parallel or simply playing as "B" speakers while the "A" speakers (Tempo III's) are playing.

How do you get the midrange with out a driver tailored for that frequency? Do my $3,400 Audio Physics Tempo III's have a midrange deficit?

Any revelations for ideas greatly appreciated!!!
mg2am991a

Showing 1 response by joekras

joekras
60 posts
 
I heard those speakers and a few other AP models. I bet you didn't hear them before you bought them! AP's have a very specific sound. I believe a really deep soundstage is what they all have in common. Without proper placement and lots of system matching you are just going to get a recessed midrange and a muddled sound. I don't think the goal of the designer is going to be met by adding additional speakers or supertweeters. As far as my opinion- i don't like them. I prefer a more intimate sound. Nice full mids. Despite that (!) I own the VirgoII. I think they are the best of the bunch- but- I spent a lot of money on electronics to get them to sound to my liking (and they sit in the middle of my room).
You should love the sound for $3500 even if your electronics are not the best. Get rid of them. Buy some Vandersteen's and keep the change. Just want to add- I read the Stereophile review on the new VirgoIII. Velvet sound? I did not hear what he did.
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