DIY Dayton Observation - 3 ways

[chadg]

Provided Link: http://chadgray.info/


It seems the 3 way is dead if you look at the mix of projects brought to DIY Dayton.

Of course dead is an exaggeration, but out of all the projects there was only one three way. I think it was Paul's speakers. Of course i missed listening to them because i was taking in Jim Griffins array.

Is the sub-woofer with satellites replacing the three way?
Are three ways too hard to build?
Are they too expensive?
Are the mid-woofer drivers getting good enough that we don't need a three way?
Are there not enough mids to pick from?

[dlr]

> It seems the 3 way is dead if you look at
> the mix of projects brought to DIY Dayton.

This won't be the case at DIY NE. I'll have two 3-ways (still in mdf), one (maybe both) will be used to demonstrate the DE/DF functions in SoundEasy. One will have my passive crossover as well, since it's my main system.

John K is bringing a new 3-way of his. I don't know what others may bring for a 3-way, if any.

I would personally not use a 2-way or a sub-sat as my main system.

I'm sure that cost and complexity play a big part in the choices made, not to mention WAF in many cases.

dlr

[Paul K.]

Yes, the only true 3-way at Dayton was mine. I've built a total of about 7 full-range systems over the last 7-8 years and only two of them were 2-ways (my very first system was a 3-way). One of the 2-ways I just threw together from misc drivers for use as "workshop" speakers. 2-ways are definitely easier, less complex and less expensive, and they tend to be smaller so they can be placed easier and have better SAF. But, with rare exception, 2-ways really don't cover the bass end well enough without compromises elsewhere, IMO.
Paul K.

> It seems the 3 way is dead if you look at
> the mix of projects brought to DIY Dayton.

> Of course dead is an exaggeration, but out
> of all the projects there was only one three
> way. I think it was Paul's speakers. Of
> course i missed listening to them because i
> was taking in Jim Griffins array.

> Is the sub-woofer with satellites replacing
> the three way?
> Are three ways too hard to build?
> Are they too expensive?
> Are the mid-woofer drivers getting good
> enough that we don't need a three way?
> Are there not enough mids to pick from?

[cjd]

> It seems the 3 way is dead if you look at
> the mix of projects brought to DIY Dayton.

If I could transport them, I would be bringing my big 3-ways to the Chicago AudioFest this weekend. I'm pretty sure some other folks will be bringing their 3-ways.

I don't know how many people are limited by their ability to transport their speakers, but it may play some small role.

Besides that, they're a headache to build by comparison. Too much for most folks? :P

[curt_c]

3 ways allow more driver options, provide more design latitude, impart fewer compromises overall, afford better optimization, and are just more challenging (Read as: “Just more fun!”) to design. -The last is my opinion, of course.

Unless the levels of expectations of the audiophile community as a whole drop, (Heaven forbid!) or until some new breakthrough technology arrives that replaces conventional drivers, I suspect 3 ways in some iteration will be around for a long time, and will be the topology of choice for many higher end designs.

And of course, the advent of HT has driven the whole sat/sub concept. IMO, this is an acceptable solution when faced with the challenge of placement of five or six speakers, as opposed to 2. -But for those of us still firmly entrenched into stereo, 3 ways still perhaps offer the more elegant solution.

C

[martin]

Questions restated :

Is the sub-woofer with full range driver replacing the two way?
Are two ways too hard to build?
Are they too expensive?
Are the full range drivers getting good enough that we don't need a two way?
Are there not enough mid bass drivers to pick from?

You guys are almost there! Just thought I'd show you the next step in this evolution.

Martin

[dB]

> Questions restated :

> Is the three-way with subwoofer replacing the three way?
> Are three-ways with subwoofer too hard to build?
> Are they too expensive?
> Are the subwoofer drivers getting good
> enough that we can get more bass with a sub than a normal 3-way with ~10" woofer can provide?
> Are there not enough woofers to
> pick from?

> Just thought I'd show you the opposite step in this evolution : )

> Dave