The Problem:
Narrow coverage in panel speakers (H and V). You have to sit right on axis to hear the full sound spectrum, and the sweet spot is narrow.
Large panel radiator speakers seem so mythical thanks to their “low mass” radiator materials. However, they inherently beam sound right in front of them, much like a parabolic antenna would. So if you sit off from their center beam, you quickly loose mid and high frequencies. The seating area is too limited, and there is no point in building a multi-seat room with this technology.
Solution: Only use large panel speaker when you have a very limited seating area. For larger listening areas, like in home cinemas or in entertainment areas, stick to properly designed point sources, preferably with waveguides to assure even soundfield distribution. Make sure to find out about the dispersion pattern of the speakers by asking for the polar patterns, or the stated coverage angles at a range of frequencies. You can also ask to see the frequency responses at 15, 30, and 45 degrees off axis, both vertically and horizontally to verify that the units you choose will adequately cover the listening area.
Grimani Systems Solution:
Our speakers are based on tried and true “point source” design philosophies, and we developed patented waveguides to ensure that the width of dispersion is constant at all frequencies and over a broad range of listening angles. You can relax and know that you will get good sound pretty much anywhere in the listening room without fretting of aiming limitations and sudden losses of sound quality if you aren’t rigorous about placement of aiming. Good news, they are as easy to use as GoPro cameras!!
