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Which SPEAKER for the 21ST century?

Cones vs Electrostats vs Ribbons Can we all somewhat agree that the speaker is the most important component in our system? We are all familiar with the cone driver. Has the old tech cone(mid/high) driver reached its potential zenith? Does the electrostats have the potential to become more efficient? Size less overwhelming? As well will the prices ever become reasonable? And last will the new tech(mid/high) ribbons become the choice drivers for high fidelity music reproduction for the new century? All comments are well appreciated.Thanks
tweekerman

Showing 2 responses by herman

herman
2,280 posts
 
Sorry, I can't somewhat agree. It's called a system for a reason. Weakest link and all that stuff. I've heard mediocre speakers sound pretty good when hooked up to superior electronics and good front end. I've also heard some excellent speakers sound like crap when hooked up to mediocre electronics.

To your question about cone drivers, I am a fan of the full range driver (Lowther, et al.) and from what I can see, they continue to improve and have not even begun to approach their potential.

Superb vinyl + tube preamp + SET + Lowther = bliss

Don't knock it if you've never heard it!
herman
2,280 posts
 
Hi tweekerman. Have you heard a Lowther driver or it's equivalent? From your statement "never heard a midrange cone that produced high fidelity sound" I would have to venture a guess that you have not, or that you've heard them in highly colored boxes. Of all the things you can say bad about these drivers, midrange is not a weak point. That is the very reason most people buy them. The midrange is world class.

Have you heard the pipedreams? They use cone drivers and sound exquisite? Very expensive, but they sound great.
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