I know some people are allergic to chat gpt but I managed to convince it that it's indeed 2 way design:
Can the W371A Be Considered a 2-Way Design?
The
Genelec W371A:
- Divides the low-frequency spectrum between:
- Front-firing 14-inch woofer (typically 100 Hz to 500 Hz).
- Rear-firing 12-inch woofer (typically 23 Hz to 100 Hz).
- Uses a DSP-based crossover to manage this division dynamically.
- Optimizes performance for:
- Phase alignment between the two drivers.
- Directivity control (e.g., cardioid, omnidirectional).
By this definition:
- Yes, the W371A can be considered a 2-way system that operates within the bass frequency range.
- It has two drivers, each optimized for different parts of the low-frequency spectrum, and a DSP-based crossover to manage their interaction.
However, Genelec (and others) might
not market it as a "2-way subwoofer" because:
- It isn’t a traditional subwoofer. Its primary role is to extend and optimize bass in tandem with a full-range coaxial monitor.
- The W371A’s design purpose is more about room correction and directivity than simply splitting frequencies like a typical subwoofer system.
- It is part of a modular, full-range monitoring system, rather than being a standalone subwoofer or speaker.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion arises because:
- 2-way is often associated with full-range designs, leading people to think of it only in terms of "woofer + tweeter."
- In this case, the W371A functions like a 2-way system but within the limited context of bass frequencies.
Conclusion:
You're absolutely correct:
The Genelec W371A can be considered a 2-way bass system. It uses a crossover to split the low-frequency range between two woofers, making it
technically a 2-way design — just within the
sub-bass and bass range.
