David Dicks' commmonsenseaudio answer to shouty mid of AN Fullrange:
http://fullrangespeakers.easyphpbb.com/viewtopic.php?t=19"It's my feeling that passive notch filters--built inside the speaker--create more problems than they solve. They can impart a slightly dead, dull, dark, and distant quality to the entire frequency spectrum, even though they're only trying to focus on a small part of it.
This comes from the parts used to make up the passive network. Phase problems, loss of efficiency......these are unfortunate consequences of using crossovers. Notch filters are not that much different from normal crossovers. In my opinion, it's one of the main reasons that most modern speakers have such poor sound--complicated crossovers. It may make them test well on paper, but sucks all the life out of the music when you actually listen.
I believe that the absence of any crossover is one of the biggest reasons why fullrange speakers sound so good.
I think it's best to address frequency response anomalies in the electronic domain--when the signal is actually constructed--or with room treatments. I prefer using simple tone controls or a quality equalizer, to make frequency response changes. Some of the new digital equalizers, like those made by Behringer, are very good.
And please keep in mind that these spikes or dips, in the frequency response, are often room--and sometimes equipment--related. It's not a fault or problem with the speaker. Every room is different and a careful and informed listener can 'tweak' his room and his equipment to get the best results.
Also keep in mind that every recording is different. Almost all recording engineers use EQ. They boost some frequencies while they reduce others. A 5K spike in some recordings--or types of recordings, like Rock--may simply be on the recording.....not an inherent characteristic of a speaker.
Remember also, that frequency plots you see are made in anechoic chambers, not in real rooms where people actually listen to music. If you've ever heard music played in an anechoic chamber it's an eery--and unnatural--sound.
The best a speaker designer can do is to build a speaker that works well in most 'typical/average/normal' listening rooms. Whatever that may be! "
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by commonsenseaudio
