Is Speaker design evolution stagnant


Based on what I read from speaker manufacturers, many use the same drivers but apply different crossover philosophies to achieve a particular sound.

My simplistic understanding is that while limiting the range of high or low signals , the remaining signal is corrupted ( phase inversions, roll off, etc.. ).

With today’s technology, why aren’t more speaker manufacturers using active crossovers to be connected after the preamp and sending exact spectrum signals separately to be amplified to each driver.  That would Eliminate all electronics inside the speaker cabinet except the drivers. Each driver gets fed only the signal that it works best at. No out of phase, half phase, quarter phase issues, no phase angle issues. 100% of the power goes to each driver without limiters to scale it back.  I think Bryston Model T Actives is designed this way ( don’t work for them and not pushing any product). Am I looking at it too simply? Do electronic crossover play havoc on signals the way inductors and capacitors do?

Some speaker manufacturers have gone half way with built in woofer amps ( Vaughn?)

Of course you would need a 3 channel amp for each side ( based on W/M/T config) or some variable of mono amps, whatever.



jacksky

Showing 2 responses by darkstar

I agree that active crossovers are excellent. Yes you need more amp channels. But multi-channel amps are readily available. Take Erik's advice and learn more about this. 

My suggestion is to check out Linkwitz Labs website. 

Linkwitz also eliminates the box. His speakers are stunning IMHO and you can build a pair!


One more time. Here is a link to Madisound for the Linkwitz LXmini speaker kit. There are online videos from folks who have built these. 
Active DSP crossover w/ Linkwitz design genius offer great, no, GREAT sound.

Kit is about $530, You assemble and paint. 

Check it out. I have the early version and love them.
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/lxmini-linkwitz-lab-speaker-kit-pair/#tab-3