Speaker Design: Merits of the 2.5 way design?

[Ricky64]

Hi All;

I see a common design theme. In a speaker line, frequently the middle weights will be a 2.5 way design, using a tweeter and two 6 inch or so drivers. What are the relative merits and limitations of this design?

Thanks...

 

[a.wayne]

THD is halved for every doubling of driver area ...


Regards

 

[Ricky64]

THD is halved for every doubling of driver area ...


Regards

Thanks. I'm intrigued by phase coherency, crossover frequency, low frequency extension, and choice of driver sizes with this configuration. Why is this design selected vs a three way, for example?

 

[dznutz]

Thanks. I'm intrigued by phase coherency, crossover frequency, low frequency extension, and choice of driver sizes with this configuration. Why is this design selected vs a three way, for example?

Less complicated and costly to both design and build? Much easier to make, in essence, 2 drivers blend seamlessly than 3.

 

[ArnoP]

Compromises, the 6" is a perfect size to cover the mids but is a bit to small in a lot of cases to add significant bass, having a second 6" blending in only for the lows it does not disturb the mids and being the same 6", blending in with the mid 6" (and a good cross-over) is the better choice. For the size of the largest units, it will also be to restrict the total loudspeaker dimensions.

As started, all compromises...IF there is room to design without any restrictions...there are also many options and compromises again...too long subject for this topic ;-)