Posted by Wayne Parham on September 24, 2002 at 03:29:46

In Reply to: Re: New fun things! posted by vladimir on September 24, 2002 at 02:42:13:

To me, the biggest difference between the two π speakers and the four π or seven π models is the size of the premium listening spot. Almost as big an issue is the clarity and detail, which are naturally better on the top-of-the-line models.

Two π towers sound nice and full, and I really like them. Bass is more than adequate, but not overpowering. Mids and treble are clean and balanced. But the best listening spot is straight on-axis with both speakers, and while the off-axis response isn't bad, it isn't nearly as good as the four π or seven π loudspeakers. Those are designed for uniform directivity over a large 90x40 pattern.

A properly setup four π or seven π loudspeaker provides natural sound almost everywhere in the room. Not only is the tonal character balanced, but stereo imaging is too. This is not an easy feat, and requires a handful of conditions to be met. Speakers must provide uniforn directivity and must be positioned so their forward axis crosses in front opf the listener. This is the natural position of seven π cornerhorns, so the required conditions are met automatically for the owner of these loudspeakers.

No models of π Speakers require very much power, they're all very efficient. Some have less impedance fluxuations than others, so SET owners with outputs that are sensitive to load impedance might want to pay attention to Zmax. However, I think that the four π and seven π speakers with JBL 2226 are pretty easy for just about any SET amp to drive.