Can someone classify M&K speaker design?

[jtt]

I was wondering if someone could classify the M&K design for the S-150 series? Is this a mini line array of some sort?

I currently own a set of these and think they sound very good, but I have yet to see a DIY design with this type of configuration. It seems like there would be great advantages to using multiple mid priced tweeters/mids to achieve low distortion, but you'd also gain more power handling and sensitivity.

Picture of speaker

Thanks

JT

[cjd]

I would classify it as comb filtering embodied?

I honestly have no idea how bad it is (or isn't) since I've not heard these, but that's the very first thing that comes to mind. I am not really sure what design criteria caused that. If two of those domes are "mids" and it's crossing low, or...

It's not tall enough to be a line - or close. Though the tweeters are line-ish, but not really.

C

[Dennis H]

The old THX spec required limited vertical dispersion of the tweeter to avoid problems with ceiling reflections and the stacked tweeters are what M&K came up with. I guess it sorta works, at least well enough for THX, but many people don't buy that theory of speaker design because the sound changes when you stand up and that's a Bad Thing. Personally, I'd rather either control dispersion with a horn/waveguide or simply treat the ceiling to absorb first reflections. THX theories are so 20th Century.....

[Amphiprion]

Can someone classify M&K speaker design?

Bad?

[cjd]

The M&K stuff (when I heard it long ago) sounds quite good when you're in the right spot... but that's the trick. It has problems in the vertical domain. And I guess that's intentional.

C

[---k---]

Chris, if you are ever out this way, Barrett's in Naperville/Aurora has the S-150 set up in a dedicated room (or did 6 months ago). When I was in there, it was pretty impressive with movies. Who knows how good they are with music, likely you guys are right -- bad. I've seem to remember a post on AVS a while ago where a guy swore by his though.

But, like you said, as long as you are in the "right spot".

[Dennis H]

Who knows how good they are with music, likely you guys are right -- bad.

I don't think anyone's saying that. It's been a while since I've heard M&Ks but I recall them sounding pretty good in the sweet spot. I just prefer speakers that sound good wherever you happen to be sitting or standing -- even in the next room -- the old SL power response thing.