single versus multiple driver?


I have for years been thinking over the idea of a single driver easy load speaker with low powered set amps. I would love to take the plunge but am a little weary about the performance and risk. I listen to mostly classical,opera,jazz,older pop recordings and the like. I am presently using a pair of sounddynamics three way 300ti speaker and driving them B&K M200 amps. also bass is supported with the use of a Rel StrataIII sub. I am asking the question have any gone to single and been very disapointed and gone back to multiple drivers? I mean it really seems like a no brainer single speaker with no crossover should account to better sound? Thank you all and happy holiday.
schipo

Showing 3 responses by larryi

I've heard a number of modern single driver speakers as well as modern designs using ancient Altec/Western Electric drivers. They make most conventional speakers sound lifeless and drab in terms of dynamics. But, the lack of bass/midbass and the midrange coloration is quite pronounced. Personally, while I might tolerate the coloration if I listened only to instrumental jazz and female vocals, I find it particularly hard to listen to such systems with orchestral classical music and opera.
Hi Gmood1,

I am curious, what driver do you use and what kind of enclosure is it in? I am amazed at the variety of successful ways single drivers are used -- bass reflex, front-loaded horn, back-loaded horn, transmission line, etc.
Gmood1,

I heard a Fostex driver (don't recall the model), in a tall, very shallow and slim transmission line enclosure (resembled a "RoomTune" acoustic treatment device). Aside from a lack of very deep bass, this was a terrific sounding speaker. It had less of the kind of coloration I expected to hear from from single driver speakers (less than speakers I heard with Altec 555 and certain Lowther speakers I have heard).

I liked the speaker I heard a lot.