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Can any one tell me why more manufactures do not offer line arrays? Is the production cost too high verse price point in the market? Just wondering, with so many speaker company's offering speakers in every price range, why don't we see more line arrays? I have never heard a line array, but from reading Jim Griffin's white paper, and other information on the web, the line array, or quasi line array solves many issue in sound reproduction, not everything, but offers many advantages. Any line array owners in the Louisiana area? Tom R
I can't answer your question about line array owners in Lousisana, but there are a couple of Selah Audio line arrays in Houston (Incredarray and XT8), and a GR Research Alpha LS array in Dallas. You are welcome to come to Houston to hear the XT8.
I would like her hear a pair before I try and build a set. My email address is a followes: tdr@cctechnol.com Send me a mail and I will answer you back and see what we can work out. Tom R.
Tom, You raise some very good questions. I'll try to comment. 1. Can any one tell me why more manufactures do not offer line arrays? A lot of factors. From the marketing point of view several things control appeal such as trend toward to lifestyle solutions (limiting size in the home environment and focusing on more WAF appeal), the progression toward home theater with small speakers as surrounds, etc. Physical and cost factors include their size and the number of drivers and component imply that the their pricing would be toward the higher end audio market. Bottom line is that if technological superiority was a sole factor then we wouldn't be listening to I-pods now would we? 2. Is the production cost too high verse price point in the market? Just wondering, with so many speaker company's offering speakers in every price range, why don't we see more line arrays? The big name companies that sell arrays aim at the very high end of the market with 5 and six figure list prices which by definition will limit their market and overall appeal. There is certainly a lot of assembly work involved in arrays which influences selling cost. Have you noticed that your local high end audio store doesn't tend to carry a lot of more expensive inventory but rather focuses more on hot selling home theater products? By the way, I'm confident that small niche speaker builders can be successful as they have the ability to build custom products with build to order efficiency and low overhead. Lower pricing results with limited or no dealer mark-up means better value of the customer. Jim
Are you coming to the Great Plains Audiofest this year? It's set for May 5, 6 and 7th at the Embassy Suites in Tulsa. Same place as last year, same first weekend in May. No exhibitors fee, just the best folks in audio and an unpretentious laid-back attitude. We kinda pick the confident exhibitors for the GPAF, and that's what keeps the tone of the show classy. Last year, we didn't stay through Sunday but this year we're planning to do so. Exhibitors will keep their rooms open and we're also planning to schedule seminars on Sunday, so let me know if you're interested in doing one. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Rick there!