single driver,two way or three way

[sentinel]

For DIY speaker what is the best way to go forward.

Single driver: Doesn't cover the top end and bottom end too well. No crossover needed. One point of sound emission.

Two way: Doesnt cover the bottom end. Use of crossover introduces phase variations and other distortion.

Three way: Covers the entire audible band. Each driver is good at what is is doing in its own band.
But more phase distortions and colourations due to three way crossover.

These are just few things. Please add to this regarding their effect for soundstage, imaging etc.

Each of the types has their own strengths and weaknesses.
So whats the best compromise for a DIY.
What is the best way to go forward when expensive drivers are not used in DIY .

 

[doors666]

For DIY speaker what is the best way to go forward.

Single driver: Doesn't cover the top end and bottom end too well. No crossover needed. One point of sound emission.

Two way: Doesnt cover the bottom end. Use of crossover introduces phase variations and other distortion.

Three way: Covers the entire audible band. Each driver is good at what is is doing in its own band.
But more phase distortions and colourations due to three way crossover.

These are just few things. Please add to this regarding their effect for soundstage, imaging etc.

Each of the types has their own strengths and weaknesses.
So whats the best compromise for a DIY.
What is the best way to go forward when expensive drivers are not used in DIY .

some single drivers (4-4.5") can cover most of the range. e.g. from 80hz-25khz.
you can go for a larger single driver + a tweeter. the tweeter can cover from 8k-20k. just put a cap for protection on the tweeter.
you can go for FAST. full range with a sub driver.
you can go for full range with a separate subwoofer.

 

[kaushik]

Full range in 3k pair with Mark audio CHR 70
Creative Sound - Product Details

Various designs in that page .
people happy with full rangers here
Why oh why did I ever use tweeters and mids? - DIYMA.com

personally i felt very good lows and high and mids very natural with some Fostex pairs , design is important for good lows

 

[GeorgeO]

This is like saying a large sedan will cover all the possible needs of all families.

The truth about single drivers, two ways and three ways, unfortunately is not as simple as the opening post. A good powered sub will easily outperform a mediocre woofer in a 3 way. A top notch mid woofer will also do the same.

The point about crossovers is also highly oversimplified,IMHO. You need to listen to different configurations and decide what you personally like.

 

[spirovious]

Did you read this?
http://www.hifivision.com/speakers/4552-best-loudspeakers-two-way-three-way-multiple-way.html

 

[drphil]

Best way for a first timer should be 2Way. Quite forgiving if done right.

 

[Hari Iyer]

For DIY speaker what is the best way to go forward.

Single driver: Doesn't cover the top end and bottom end too well. No crossover needed. One point of sound emission.

Two way: Doesnt cover the bottom end. Use of crossover introduces phase variations and other distortion.

Three way: Covers the entire audible band. Each driver is good at what is is doing in its own band.
But more phase distortions and colourations due to three way crossover.

These are just few things. Please add to this regarding their effect for soundstage, imaging etc.

Each of the types has their own strengths and weaknesses.
So whats the best compromise for a DIY.
What is the best way to go forward when expensive drivers are not used in DIY .

There are some very good single driver transmission line speakers which cover the entire frequency spectrum and some very horrible 3-way speakers where there are notches at the cross-over points. Hence the whole crux lies in how good you design the cross-over and the enclsoure. 2-way will do more justice to the overall sound stage as there is only one cross-over point to tackle and when designed well are good at handling the lower and mid-spectrum of the sound stage quite well.