Point source versus line source speakers

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Posted on October 30, 2009 at 17:41:23

ruxtonvet
Audiophile

Posts: 238
Location: maryland
Joined: September 25, 2004

Can a line source speaker be phase coherent as Vandersteens strive to be. I seem to prefer line source speakers such as Genesis and the large Nolas. I have never heard a point source speaker that I warm up to and that includes the Magico M5, Wilsons and the Focal Grand Utopia. The line sources seem able to move more air (especially in the bass frequencies), are more dynamic (at least compared to the Vandersteens). I also prefer the mid and high frequency drivers to radiate to the front and rear or at least to be an open baffle design. Others thoughts here.

RE: Point source versus line source speakers

gymwear5@hotmail.com

11:15:07 11/02/09

RE: Point source versus line source speakers, posted on November 2, 2009 at 11:15:07

gymwear5@hotmail.com
Manufacturer

Posts: 1218
Joined: April 10, 2002

No loudspeaker behaves completely like a point source and line sources also have their limitations. The radiation pattern of a loudspeaker is the initial step the designer choses in his approach - tied to that is are going to use a cabinet and how it should be tuned. Linkwitz (www.linkwitzlab.com) discusses this a bit. In general a baffled box is not a very good choice for several reasons, and is a good choice for a couple. The problems with the box is addressed by many designers and usually requires a great bit of cost to create a box that attempt to overcome it's limitations.

Loudspeaker design at any price point is an exercise in compromise.

An open baffle dipole might minimize the first side wall reflection, but requires more from it's drivers and external equalization. A line source might minimize the floor and ceiling reflections but forces a narrower sweet spot.

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Point source versus line source speakers

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