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Tech That Flopped!

Every few months someone releases technology that seems to be revolutionary, but goes nowhere a couple of years later. Some tech gets acceptance and even imitation. Some goes wildly successful.

Ideas that are a huge success:
  • Acoustic suspension
  • Bass Reflex
  • Soft dome tweeters
Some ideas, well, it's not so clear:
  • Perfectly time aligned speakers ilke Thiel/Vandersteen
  • ESL
  • Line Arrays
  • Plasma tweeters
  • Transmission line
What tech have you seen come and go, was it worthwhile?

Best,

E
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by kosst_amojan

kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
A lot of those "not so much" technologies have drawbacks and quirks. I've always thought line arrays we're a silly idea for home installation. Although with the advent of digitally manipulated speakers like those B&O monsters and the little Kii's, I'm just waiting for someone to come out with active beam steering line arrays. 
Has anyone actually mastered the true transmission line? Great theory. Debatable application. 
And if course plasma tweeters... If only they sold inert gas at Walmart! Tubes are more hassle than I want to deal with. Speakers I need to refill? Ummm.... No. 
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