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What exactly is a speaker box sound?

In another thread the comment was made that all speakers with baffles cause them to have edge diffraction effects which makes it easy to hear the speaker itself, instead of the music.

Maybe I'm spoiled but it's been a very long time since I have heard this effect in real life.  What speakers have you heard lately which sound exactly like speakers instead of music?

erik_squires

Showing 4 responses by roxy54

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,180 posts
 

 

@boomerbillone 

"If you don't hear a better version of you music, stick to what you have and be happy you saved a bunch of money."

That is by no means necessarily true as many "box" speakers cost far more than Maggies or most Martin Logans.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,180 posts
 

"ALL of them distort the source material."

@richopp 

Make that ALL speakers, not just all box speakers. 

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,180 posts
 

@richopp 

Magneplanars, as good as they are, have their own "sound" too. I recall oversized instruments and voices as a result of the large radiating surface. We each choose the distortions that we find easiest to live with.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,180 posts
 

I haven't heard the effects of edge diffraction, except maybe slightly diminished imaging capability. I say that having owned Spendor SP100s twice, and they have a raised frame around the baffle.

Where I have perceived a boxy sound is in some large, older speakers that resonate at some bass notes, and give away their box volume in the process, as well as their location which spoils the stereo soundstage when it happens.

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