Loudspeakers have we really made that much progress since the 1930s?


Since I have a slight grasp on the history or loudspeaker design. And what is possible with modern. I do wonder if we have really made that much progress. I have access to some of the most modern transducers and design equipment. I also have  large collection of vintage.  I tend to spend the most time listening to my 1930 Shearer horns. For they do most things a good bit better than even the most advanced loudspeakers available. And I am not the only one to think so I have had a good num of designers retailers etc give them a listen. Sure weak points of the past are audible. These designs were meant to cover frequency ranges at the time. So adding a tweeter moves them up to modern performance. To me the tweeter has shown the most advancement in transducers but not so much the rest. Sure things are smaller but they really do not sound close to the Shearer.  http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/lmco/shearer.htm
johnk

Showing 3 responses by audioman58

Speaking of old School and builds the Cabinet is at least 1/2 responsible  for the Loudspeakers fidelity . I found a great cabinet builder in TN that uses what myself and many the finest Birch ply made in Apple ply they use only1/16 th thick  laminate sheets  up to 1 inch and the best plays are from cold climate Ruseia and east Poland the grain is tighter and more dense but $$ . 
I am using a never advertised but very Good Audio Nirvana 15 inch Alnico driver 
with Whizzer. In the 5.6 cubic ft driver a Bass reflex with 6 inch port 
where the 13 Cubic foot is their top. At least Audio Nirvana will provide you with 
cabinet building plans when you buy from them.i have owned a audio store for years in the UK and many others . I now have a SE pass labs F6 clone amp 
and Masterpiece 300b preamp Schiit Audio Gungnir Multibit 
and this system is truly engaging and puts realism in the room .
what many people donot realize is that most recordings are lucky yo get under 
40 HZ. My speakers will cleanly go to under a True 35 HZ not on paper 
like most speakers and for only one short burst tuneful articulste standup 
Double Bass or Tympany . For $3k delivered I wasted years avoiding 
single dtiver done right ,Driver,and proper built cabinet  work in synergy .
give it a shot  and if you don't build ask Dave for a quality cabinet builder .
the 5.6 CI  cabinet was $1350'stained and sealed with magnetic grill s for $1500
plus shipping the 15 inch Alnico drivers $1100 a pr.  Don't knock it unless you 
have heard them  using the exact loudspeaker geometry for size driver
and Driver that best suits your room .
This is for  Salectric here is the excellent cabinet Akers address 
http://crsacoustics.com/ P s Chris sells the Drivers also  research the Apple ply Baltic birch top stuff 3/4 thick. Good luck
Hello Salectric, here is the information you asked for regarding 
The  very good Loudspeaker builder. 

http://crsacoustics.com/