Posted by Marlboro [ 206.82.16.34 ] on October 30, 2006 at 10:53:38:

In Reply to: Re: Maggies vs. Line Arrays posted by Tom R. on October 29, 2006 at 20:32:09:

The three major benefits are as follows:

1. Frequency response dips and bumps tend to smooth out. And because there are some many of the speakers, each speaker may have limited output in the upper treble or the lower bass, but all speakers put out something in those areas. If you put enough of them together you can actually get some decent response in the areas even if the individual speakers don't have much to give.

NOT HERE: The Maggies are what they are just like a point source speaker. Frequency response is what it is, it doesn't change because of one long speaker in a line.

2. All arrays whether with really cheap speakers(49 cent for example) or expensive($49 for example) have decreased distortion. Decreased distortion increases airiness, openness etc. 50 of them will really do that.

NOT HERE: Once again, the Maggies have a naturally decreased distortion at some frequencies, but unless you combined ten of the Maggies in a row and you won't get a decrease in distortion levels.

3. All arrays have vastly increased dynamic range and increase sensitivity. One of the things that lends to a speaker sounding so much like Russell's are described is the ability of the speaker to play quietly with a flat response, and very low distortion. Almost all point source speakers, except horns, suffer from some disability in regards to being able to play very quietly and still have beautiful music.

NOT HERE: Jim mentioned that sensitivity doesn't decrease and is typically about 85, which doesn't bode well for an increased dynamic range.

4. Size: One of the benefits of an array is the coupling of the speaker to the ceiling and floor. Maggies are only about 5 feet high. There may be some coupling, but surely not a lot.

5. They need a sub woofer, or even a woofer to play deep.

6. Sound dispersion. If they function like a planar, then their vertical dispersion characteristics would be more like a straight line in the near field. And the question also begs what the nearfield is likely to be with them, since you can't sit close enough to a point source speaker to be in the nearfield unless you are wearing headphones.

NOPE. Anyone who knows more, please correct me whare I am wrong.

Marlboro

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