# of drivers vs. quality

[EddieG]

While browsing the internet for various speaker reviews/prices I notice some very expensive speakers with just 2 drivers and sub-$1k speakers with 3 or 4 drivers, both reputable companies, or even 2 models from the same mfg. So in layman's terms what is the difference? How can less drivers sound better or perform better than more drivers?

What is it that makes an inexpensive Wherfadale vs. an expensive Wherfadale (or any other mfg's high-end vs. low/middle end...is there a middle end??)?

I am new to the world of speakers so forgive my ignorance. I've had a pair of sub $100 Panasonic speakers for 15 years that sound good to my inexperienced ears.

Thanks!

Eddie

 

[markw]

Pretty much the same reason that ...

...a 4 banger Mercedes CLK costs more than an 8 cylinder Mercury Grand Marquis. Quality and engineering, but personal preference reigns supreme.

Some people prefer the bloated handling and tourqe of the Mercury V8 while others prefer the quick handling and zippy speed of the 4 banger with the Kompressor.

Or even wines. Some people will pay obscene prices for a wine whilr others might not even like their taste.

Before totally dismissing these seemingly over-priced speakers, you should listen to a few and then make up your own mind. Big, cheaply made and poorly engineered speakers are a dime a dozen but a well made smaller speaker can cost more and sound "better" when used within it's design spec.

Of course, this all boils down to whatever sound one prefers.

This post is not a dig, but an attempt to answer your question.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

My Onix Ref 1 bookshelf speakers retail for >$1k and use higher end drivers and crossover components. When used with a sub, they are great for music and HT. In my case bookshelf speakers also have a higher WAF then large floorstanding speakers.

Some people prefer a 2 channel system with full range speakers without a sub. Others require speakers with higher sensitivity to play louder in a large room. Floorstanders with multiple drivers are a good option for these application.

If you are happy with the performance of your current speakers then keep them. If you are ready for an upgrade then establish a budget and try to listen to several options in your price range.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

The # of drivers is not nearly as important as how well the design as a whole is implemented. Both excellent systems with a single driver and mediocre systems with multiple drivers exist. The same holds for any specific design feature.

 

[j_garcia]

More drivers can give you more sensitivity in particular frequency ranges. Does that guarantee you better performance vs another speaker? Not necessarily, since as Joe Schmoe notes, it is the overall design of the system that matters. The speakers I own, in my bedroom they are the 2 way version of the MTM design I have in the living room. The main difference between the two is that I get more midrange out of the MTMs, but the overall sound of the two is still basically identical in timbre. My living room is much larger than the bedroom so the additional sensitivity is a plus.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

While browsing the internet for various speaker reviews/prices I notice some very expensive speakers with just 2 drivers and sub-$1k speakers with 3 or 4 drivers, both reputable companies, or even 2 models from the same mfg. So in layman's terms what is the difference? How can less drivers sound better or perform better than more drivers?

What is it that makes an inexpensive Wherfadale vs. an expensive Wherfadale (or any other mfg's high-end vs. low/middle end...is there a middle end??)?

I am new to the world of speakers so forgive my ignorance. I've had a pair of sub $100 Panasonic speakers for 15 years that sound good to my inexperienced ears.

Thanks!

Eddie

Hi Eddie,

Drivers are only part of a speaker. The crossover and the cabinet and even the binding posts as well as the drivers can all be cheap or expensive to make/purchase.

A "dead" (ie very solid and will resonate very little) cabinet can be very expensive to produce.

So if a company makes a low end speaker with three cheap drivers and a cheap simplistic crossover in a vinyl covered cabinet that is 1/2" with no bracing it will cost less then the same companies high end speaker with two expensive drivers complicated crossover and a 3/4" heavily braced cabinet veneered with exotic real wood.

Hope that helps,
SBF1