It seems that your current setup has some similarities to mine - midbass/tweeter powered by small tubes amps with an inline filter @ 60hz, then bi-amped with a solid state amp/low pass active crossover @ 60hz that powers 8" woofers and active subs. I don’t have the need to play louder, but if I did I’d consider a speaker that’s similar to the single midbass/tweeter, but has an MTM configuration to retain the coherency of the 2-way, with the addition of more midbass output.
Unfortunately, I haven’t researched many modern examples, but I know they exist. (some in kit form)
Speaker choice without need for deep bass
I am slowly moving away from large full size/full range speakers and migrate to smaller 2 way.
This effect is caused by me adding a great 18" subwoofer to the system, and later playing with the 'main' speakers (and main amplifier) relieved of the 50 Hz and below heavy lifting duties (low pass to sub with own dedicated amp, high pass to main amplifier/main speakers).
So the big full range speakers were replaced with large bookshelf. Everything is fine, except that I have a HUGE (by volume and area) open main listening room. But now the 2 way speaker with one 6" woofer just CANNOT 'move enough air' to listen to high level music without starting to distort.
Therefore the next speaker design I want to try is a still small speaker but with two low/midrange drivers simply to be able to play at 'concert level' without distortion; but still no need for very low bass.
Since still in the trial and error and validation phase of my 'concept', any small 2 (if needed 3) way candiate must also fit the VERY low price (used) criteria ($1,000 or less).
What comes to mind?
Note: I had also inquired about the KEF LS50 for example, but was told they (and similar speakers) would suffer from the 'just not enough square inches' issue required for very large rooms.
Showing 4 responses by knotscott
One of my audio buddies has the GR Research X-MTM Encore (which he loves). They have larger woofers and plenty of deep bass, but it made me think of the NX-Bravo, which has smaller woofers in an MTM in a transmission line and a waveguide with what I think is an AMT tweeter. My midbass drivers dump into a transmission line, and could possibly be one of the things that gives them such a non-resonant boxless sound. Food for thought anyway... |
Perhaps true, but I think some of that lower output is achieved from the waveguide, and not just diaphragm excursion. (could be worth an inquiry to see what they have to say about your concern) There’s never a free lunch....the upside of a low tweeter crossover frequency tends to be excellent dispersion and imaging. |
Agreed....there are some variables involved including Fs, x-over slope, and power handling characteristics of the tweeter. |