Single driver point source speakers vs. the world?


Okay, I've been a 'stat guy the majority of my audio life.

Recently I acquired a humble speaker that has me rethinking my entire approach to audio, i.e., big power amp requirements driving mass amounts of current to 'stats.

The speaker I'm referring to is the Cain & Cain Abby. 8 watts of 300b SET amplification into these speakers is as good as I've heard. No, they don't do bass but they excel at everything else. So the ? for those with point source design experience is does the lack of a crossover in designs equate to these types of results in other point source or single driver designs?
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Showing 2 responses by texas42

I guess I am just one of the ones who "don't get it". At least with what I have heard so far in the single driver camp. I listened to a pair of Rethms at length and had a pair of big Cardersound (Madisons) and wanted to like both but didn't. To be objective, I'll have to conclude it must have been my room (large, open) or my electronics at the time (tube but not SET). There just wasn't enough 'there' for me to like. On the other hand, I do currently have a pair of Martin Logan CLS (which are 'single driver' although a completely different design than the horn loaded high efficiency designs being extolled) and I love them. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Hopefully, the RMAF next week will have a few single driver designs and perhaps my perceptions will change. I do love the idea of them (no crossovers, point source, etc...).
I'm not saying I will rule single driver speakers out forever; just waiting for one that will knock my socks off. Just haven't heard it yet. I've almost purchased a pair of Hornshoppe Horns a few times but for whatever reason the deal didn't work out. None were local so never got to hear them but they look nice for the price. I'm hoping I can listen to a few different designs at this years RMAF.