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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Why Not Any More T-line Speakers?
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Message started by Mark on 02/14/23 at 22:41:57

Title: Why Not Any More T-line Speakers?
Post by Mark on 02/14/23 at 22:41:57

Having been in audio sales from way back, and after hearing several models of IMF and Fried speakers with transmission line bass loading, I can't understand why modern-day speaker designers don't employ this type of bass loading in their newly designed speakers. Hands down, it was the best, most realistic, and almost bottomless bass presentation that I ever heard; and yet, since IMF, TDL, and then Fried nothing has ever come out to match it. Just wondering... ???

Title: Re: Why Not Any More T-line Speakers?
Post by 4krow on 02/15/23 at 02:04:58

Just read a review on an expensive T line speaker in Stereophile. There is a lot that I missed about T lines and never built one for myself. Anyway, I just know that the model was named Adam. Funny as it might sound, they thought the bass was too much. Not bloated, not distorted or any of that, just too much. The manufacturer suggested putting them up about 7" from the floor, but of course that creates new problems. Personally, I would really like such a speaker, and coincidently I presently have a speaker, that although not a t line, gets great bass. Finally, the right bass for me. Still, it wouldn't surprise me if I were to build such animal in the future. Read the Stereophile review. You will like it.

Title: Re: Why Not Any More T-line Speakers?
Post by Doug on 02/15/23 at 18:53:54

Not sure if my Soliloquy 5.3’s are, technically, TL’s, but many refer to them as TL’s. Their predominant characteristic is very powerful low bass, which gets boomy and overwhelming on most recordings. How a couple of 5 inch mid bass drivers can do this is beyond me! We have them on our family room AV system where they can play very loud, but the huge bass drives me crazy!

Title: Re: Why Not Any More T-line Speakers?
Post by 4krow on 02/15/23 at 19:28:19

Doug,

Funny you should mention that. While using the DNA2 cabinets with Scan Speak drivers, I am almost in the same ballpark as you. Thing is, I felt cheated in the bass department for a long time, and so at first the SS were incredible sounding. They have everything that I want, but maybe just too much of it. Of course, I could cross them over at about 80hz and go to a sub, and that may be a better way for me. Running them full range without a sub gives me less control that is for sure.