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I heard the Box

I never quite followed what people meant when they commented "All I heard was the box"
when listening to a speaker. 

I experienced it now twice in the past month. Once with some Dynaco A25s and then with a pair
of Electrovoice EV 4s.

My problem is now that hear the box, I can't seem to unheard it. 

These old gems were meant to be used in my office mostly for FM radio background.

So my question is- A load of both of these speakers were sold over many years so
how did people get around this issue?

I am now leaning toward an Andrew Jones dual concentric bookshelf solution.
Those I have heard in my home and sounded quite acceptable at $600 new.


chorus
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,510 posts
 
That's one reason people flipped when they first heard the Quad ESL in 1957. I wasn't old enough at that time; for me it happened when I heard the Infinity Servo-Static in 1971, followed by the Magneplanar Tympani in '72.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,755 posts
 
True, but after the initial thrill of the different sound that electrostatics and other panel speakers have, you later realize that for all of their considerable strengths, they have their limitations too. It's all about the kind of colorations that you can live with. 
mrotino
65 posts
 
Honestly I think you get used to the sound of the box listening to so many box speakers throughout your audio life.  I never thought I could hear the box until I finally purchased spatial audio x5 open baffle speakers.  Once you hear a properly designed open baffle speaker it's hard to go back to a conventional box speaker for me.  YMMV but I know I will most likely never go back to a box speaker.  
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,227 posts
 
@roxy54 , The only limitation a modern ESL has is in the very low bass. They will do it but it knocks the wind out of them. With subwoofers it is a whole different story. Not only will they go louder than most systems but they are as dynamic as any horn system. 

I think most of us who have been smitten by line source dipoles are loth to return to "box" speakers. After switching to ESLs from Allison 1's in 1978 I have never looked back. Since, I have had Tympanys, Apogee Divas, Acoustat 2+2s twice then my current Sound Labs where I plan to stay for the duration. 

I think if you start with a speaker as good as the Maggie 3.7i you will never look back. If you want more volume there is the 20.7 followed by the jump to Sound Labs. Less expensive dipoles and open baffle speakers have compromises that might make enclosed speakers preferable to some. Also, the science behind enclosures has advanced dramatically in the last 20 years. There are some very good point source speakers out there. 
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,748 posts
 
Research "Tekna Sonic" vibration control panels. These devices stick to the sides of your boxy speakers and convert vibration into heat.
Long out of production, these need to make a comeback.
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