Q: Why do these speakers sound different than other loudspeakers
?
Most line source speakers exhibit an extreme narrowing of the horizontal dispersion
pattern in the higher frequencies. We knew from our work with wide-dispersion
electrostatics (90 to 180 degrees of dispersion) that a line source can sound "right"
with a flat on-axis response if its horizontal dispersion pattern remains wide at higher
frequencies. The ribbon Davidson is using has this characteristic at high frequencies,
and does not require a downward sloping frequency response to sound natural.
However, listen at 60 degrees off axis and the Panga and Panga C exibit a gently
falling frequence responce from 100 Hz to beyond 20,000 hz ( within a +- 2.5 db window ).
It is a matter of taste which perspective you prefer.
Apart from the differences between a floor to ceiling dipole line source and all other
designs, many loudspeakers are built to have a highly idiosyncratic frequency response
with one or more areas of boost or cut. This designed-in voicing colors the sound of
every recording played. Some people become very attached to a specific coloration.
Finally, most loudspeakers are designed with a hump in their frequency response of 3
to
12 db in the range from 40 to 90 hz. When combined with the natural
reinforcement in the bass from room boundaries, the sonic effect masks the lack of a
bottom octave and gives all recordings an unnatural "impact." Regrettably, many
audiophiles, who would never consider using an electronic bass boast are addicted to
speakers with a designed in bass hump.
"Mama, please don't let your kids grow up to be Pangas."
Opening lyric of the off-broadway musical based on Dr. Bambamba's book:
Death of a Tiger.
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