Why so few high end line arrays?

Darkmoebius,

For the sake of brevity I did not go into as much detail. Yes it is true that a line array of woofers operating below 300 Hz is generally no problem due to the wavelengths of low frequencies. As you go up in frequency the problems start, unfortunately right in the mid range is where it can begin to be a problem.

It is much the same reason that some people argue that center channels are more trouble than they are worth....

After hearing some outstanding line arrays, I totally understand why people like them. I am about to get a just released line array from a manufacturer for an audition. I was worried about combing as well, but the drivers are small and quite close together, so I suspect at normal (not nearfield) listening distances this should not be a problem.

I'll post back in a few weeks with some initial thoughts, but at 16 ohms, (perfect for my OTL's) and no crossover, I'm thinking this might be an ideal speaker, (for me anyway).

Emailists,

I use Atma MA-1s with mine and the arrays are custom wired to yield 13 ohms nominal, 10 ohms minimum. I wasn't prepared for the difference that proper impedance matching makes with OTLs. You are likely in for a treat.

As for comb filtering, diffraction effects manifest in all manner of speakers - even single driver/baffle interactions occur. Not unlike our listening rooms themselves.

It is what we perceive that matters. I hear the bass nodes/nulls in my room quite well, ameliorated as best as possible with traps and PARC. Comb filtering in the "line array physics" sense is imperceptible in my setup. FWIW, I sit 10-11 feet back.

There is another approach that is worth considering - The Genesis Horn from Danley Sound Labs. In essence Danley's interpretation of a line array http://www.danleysoundlabs.com/pdf/GenesisHorn-anewbeginning.pdf
As for all line arrays, you are going to need a large room. It is pro audio so it needs a face lift if in the home environment and on display.

Comb filtering is a problem