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

Older bookshelf speakers ( the seventies) never sounded right to me, that’s why I switched to panel speakers. Today I have a new pair of KEF speakers and a set of panels. The KEF’s don’t sound boxy, but the panel speakers still have a better midrange.

The best way to recognize boxy sound, is to hear a speaker that doesn't have it. It's the rare "AHA" moment.

The best way to explain this is with your EARS.  Go to a high-end shop.  Listen to the same source--one you believe you know well--on any and every box or horn or whatever speaker they have.

THEN, listen to the same source on Magneplaner speakers.  If you cannot tell the difference, buy the speakers you like best.  If you can, you have learned what I did in the 1970's.  ALL box speakers change the sound of the source.  Some may like that, some may not.  Maggies deliver whatever you send them.  Once again, some may like that, some may not.  As for pure electrostatic speakers, give them about 30 minutes or so and you will understand the term "listening fatigue."

Cheers!