In Reply to: RE: Omni-directional speakers better for problematic rooms? posted by Robert C. Lang on January 11, 2009 at 21:24:58:
Perhaps an explanation is in order.I have heard a number of omni speakers, a friend was a salesman for Ohm and another less well known brand of omni’s. I have heard several models in my room and others and some as set up by the factory.
I have also heard them when setup outdoors where there is no room to help out and this reveals what the speaker alone can do and how much the room contributes.
If you have never done this, when weather permits, set your stereo up outdoors and listen to what the speakers alone can do (true for any type of speaker).
What you hear without the room is a thinner representation, less bass BUT preservation of the stereo image is vastly better without the reflections. Do try it if your skeptical.In my job function, I design loudspeakers often used in larger rooms with poor acoustics, often wide dispersion speakers are what is being removed when ours go in. My comment on directivity is an accepted fact in architectural acoustics, if you want to preserve the signal, directivity is your friend, omni’s are the worst choice in that use. Lastly, keep in mind that the typical shoebox with cones and domes has only slightly more directivity than an omni speaker and the room still plays a very strong roll on what you hear.
“Of course, *all* speakers, regardless of design type or expense, will impart its sonic signature, good and bad, on all recordings.â€
True but typical hifi speakers in a room are still pretty far from what can be achieved, the designs ignore most of the problems which make the speakers have a sonic identity.
FWIW, Here are some comments from a home hifi person using our commercial speakers in a home.
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hug/messages/13/139739.html
Best,
Tom Danley
Edits: 01/12/09
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Follow Ups
- RE: Omni-directional speakers better for problematic rooms? - tomservo 06:13:54 01/12/09 (0)