Thoughts on whether coaxial designs make a larger difference in timing in nearfield environments?

[Nwickliff]

Do you think there would be larger advantages using coaxial designs in nearfield as the time alignment of drivers would seem to be more exaggerated with the tweeter above or below the woofer in such close proximity to the listener?

 

[valerianf]

Listening at 3m (9.1 feet) I have used 2 coaxial center speakers, one 2 ways and one 3 ways.
At such a close distance it is making a difference specially for the voices.

But for the other speakers (5.1 system) I do not see the interest.

 

[alex-z]

If by near-field you mean a desk, then coaxial is definitely a major benefit. You have a strong vertical reflection right off the desk, often in the same region as the crossover between the woofer and tweeter. Coaxial makes that less problematic.

There are a lot of mediocre coaxial designs though. The cone profile of the mid-range needs to be shaped right for the tweeter waveguide loading, and too much cone movement disturbs the effect. Really need a 3 way design like the KEF R3 to achieve optimal sound.

 

[Nwickliff]

If by near-field you mean a desk, then coaxial is definitely a major benefit. You have a strong vertical reflection right off the desk, often in the same region as the crossover between the woofer and tweeter. Coaxial makes that less problematic.

There are a lot of mediocre coaxial designs though. The cone profile of the mid-range needs to be shaped right for the tweeter waveguide loading, and too much cone movement disturbs the effect. Really need a 3 way design like the KEF R3 to achieve optimal sound.

Not nearly as nice but going to try q100’s

 

[alex-z]

Q100 should sound pretty good. Just plug the ports to fix the resonances, and use a subwoofer crossed at 100Hz.