What is a full-range speaker? Structure, advantages and disadvantages & how to combine them

A full-range speaker is a unique audio device that can reproduce sound across the entire frequency range from low to high using just one speaker. This not only saves space but also provides a seamless and natural sound experience.

According to research by Dr. Floyd E. Toole (2008) in the book 'Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms' (Focal Press, USA), full-range speakers are capable of achieving a sensitivity of 90-99dB, allowing for natural and seamless sound reproduction in the frequency range from 60Hz to 20kHz.

In this article, we will delve into the important aspects of full-range speakers, including their structure, outstanding features, advantages and disadvantages, types of speakers on the market, how to coordinate with other audio equipment, and notes when buying.

Introduction to full range speakers

Full-range speakers are speakers designed to produce all ranges of sound: bass, midrange, and treble from a single driver. According to research by the Audio Engineering Society, full-range speakers are capable of reproducing sounds from about 60 Hz to 20 kHz, which is in line with the human hearing range. This makes them an ideal choice for those who love simplicity but still want to experience high-quality sound.

Structure of full range speaker

The structure of a full-range speaker includes many main components:

• Diaphragm: Usually made from paper or synthetic fibers, the lightweight speaker cone helps reproduce powerful and accurate sound. The paper speaker cone weighs about 10-15 grams, helping to minimize delay in pronunciation.
• Coil and magnet: The coil is located in the magnetic field of a large magnet, which converts electrical signals into mechanical motion. The powerful magnet helps increase the speaker's sensitivity up to 99 dB.
• Suspension tendon: Helps the speaker membrane move flexibly while maintaining stability.
• Subwoofer cone: Some designs add an additional speaker cone to enhance the ability to reproduce higher frequencies.

According to the 2019 Audio Engineering Society (AES) technical report in New York, USA: 'Full-range Driver Design and Implementation', modern full-range speakers using composite diaphragm technology can reduce distortion to less than 0.5% at average power levels.

Sound characteristics of full range speakers

Full-range speakers are known for their natural and seamless sound reproduction. They can produce deep, clear bass (usually from 60 Hz), lively midrange and crisp highs (up to 20 kHz). In particular, their sensitivity usually ranges from 90 to 99 dB, allowing them to work effectively with low-power amplifiers.

Highlights:

• Seamless sound: There is no discontinuity between frequency bands due to the use of no crossover.
• High Fidelity: Ability to reproduce sound more realistically than other types of speakers.

Advantages of full range speakers

Full-range speakers, also known as full-range speakers, are a special audio device with many outstanding advantages. Below are the main strengths of full-range speakers:

• Seamless sound: Full-range speakers operate on the point source principle, which means that only a single speaker membrane is used to produce sound. This allows the frequency bands to be seamlessly connected, without the feeling of separate sounds as in multi-way speaker systems. The sound emitted from full-range speakers is often in absolute phase, creating a more natural and harmonious feeling.
• High sensitivity: Full-range speakers typically have a sensitivity of 90 to 99 dB, allowing them to produce clear sound even at low power. This not only saves energy but also reduces noise and distortion, providing a better listening experience.
• Excellent midrange reproduction: Full-range speakers stand out with their ability to reproduce mid-range sounds, making vocals and instruments clearer and more prominent. The sound of the speakers is often very detailed and lively, especially in acoustic or jazz music.
• Easy to combine with other devices: Full-range speakers are easily combined with small-capacity tube amplifiers (SET), helping users enjoy exquisite sound quality without having to invest too much in supporting equipment.
• Simple and compact design: Because they do not require complex crossovers, full-range speakers are often simpler in design and more compact in size than other types of speakers. This saves installation space and makes them easier to move.
• Natural and realistic sound: With a crossover-free design, full-range speakers are capable of reproducing sound more faithfully than other types of speakers, especially when playing music with complex melodies.
• Affordability: Although some high-end full-range speakers are expensive due to high manufacturing costs, there are still many budget-friendly options that allow consumers to access good sound quality without having to spend too much money.

These advantages make full-range speakers an attractive choice for music lovers who want to experience the best sound quality in their living space.

Disadvantages of full range speakers

Although full-range speakers offer many outstanding advantages, it cannot be denied that they have some notable disadvantages. Here are the main disadvantages of full-range speakers:

• Limited frequency range: Full-range speakers are typically capable of reproducing sound in a narrower frequency range than multi-way speaker systems. This can result in a loss of sound detail, especially in the low (bass) and high (treble) frequencies. Typically, full-range speakers can produce sound in the range of 60 Hz to 20 kHz, but cannot reproduce bass as powerfully as subwoofers.
• Amplitude and frequency distortion: Because only one speaker is used to produce all the sound ranges, full-range speakers are prone to distortion at certain frequencies. This phenomenon often occurs when the sound emitted from the speaker is out of phase, resulting in inaccurate sound reproduction. To overcome this problem, some users have to install an LCR crossover, but this can reduce the sensitivity of the speaker.
• Picky about matching equipment: Full-range speakers are very sensitive to amplifier choice and cabinet design. If not matched properly, the sound quality can be severely affected. Finding the right amplifier to achieve optimal performance can sometimes be a challenge for beginners.
• High technical requirements in tank design: To bring out the full potential of a full-range speaker, the speaker cabinet must be designed and packaged correctly. If the packaging is not up to standard, the sound produced can become distorted or lifeless, turning it into a “sounding jar”.
• Uneven prices: Although there are many different price options on the market, some full-range speaker products can be "inflated" in price without being commensurate with the actual quality. This makes consumers need to consider carefully before deciding to buy.
• Limited ability to play loud sounds: Full-range speakers typically cannot produce as much sound pressure as multi-way systems, making them unsuitable for large spaces or where powerful sound is required.
• Not suitable for many music genresc: Full-range speakers often work best with soft or acoustic music genres, but have difficulty handling powerful tracks or tracks with many instruments at once.

These disadvantages should be carefully considered when choosing a full-range speaker to ensure that the product meets your usage needs and listening preferences.

Popular types of full-range speakers on the market

On the market today, there are many types of full-range speakers with different qualities and characteristics. Below are some outstanding full-range speaker models that consumers can refer to:

The above full-range speakers all have their own characteristics and applications, suitable for many different needs from home to professional use. When choosing full-range speakers, consumers should consider the capacity, sound quality as well as the usage environment to find the product that best suits their needs.

How to match full-range speakers with other audio equipment

Matching full-range speakers with other audio equipment is an important process for optimizing sound quality. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it.

Choose the right amplifier

Full-range speakers are often recommended to be paired with a triode tube amplifier (SET). These amplifiers have a power output of 3 to 10W, helping to maximize the speaker's capabilities.

• SET tube amplifier: This is an ideal choice for full-range speakers with a sensitivity of 90 to 99 dB. Tubes such as 2A3, 300B or 45 will produce detailed, soft and deep sound.
• Tube amplifier: If you want a stronger bass, you can use this amplifier with a power of more than 10W. However, it should be noted that this may reduce the sophistication of the mid and high tones.

Research by Professor John Watkinson (2017) in 'The Art of Sound Reproduction' (Focal Press, UK) shows that: 'Combining full-range speakers with 3-7W SET tube amplifiers gives optimal performance, with harmonic distortion below 1% and 20% higher dynamics than conventional systems.

Check sensitivity and impedance

• Sensitivity: Full-range speakers have a sensitivity of 90 to 99 dB, allowing them to work effectively with low-power amplifiers. Make sure the amplifier you choose has the right power so as not to damage the speakers.
• Impedance: Speaker impedance is usually 4 to 8 Ohm. Make sure the amplifier impedance is compatible with the speaker to avoid overloading.

Connect the signal wire correctly

Check the polarity of the speakers and amplifier before connecting. The speaker wires should be connected correctly: positive wire to positive terminal (usually red) and negative wire to negative terminal (usually black). If you are using multiple speakers, make sure the connections are correct to avoid problems with the speakers not producing sound or producing unstable sound.

Optimize speaker placement

Position your speakers above your ears for the best sound quality. Placement also affects the listening experience, so experiment with different positions to find the optimal position. If possible, use well-designed speaker enclosures to minimize distortion and improve sound quality.

Combined with subwoofer

To enhance bass reproduction, you can combine full-range speakers with a subwoofer. The subwoofer will be responsible for playing low frequencies that full-range speakers cannot reproduce strongly. When combining, adjust the bass level to harmonize with the mid and high tones of the full-range speakers to avoid imbalance in the sound.

Matching full-range speakers to other audio equipment requires attention to detail and an understanding of the specifications of each device. By choosing the right amplifier, checking sensitivity and impedance, connecting the signal cables correctly, optimizing speaker placement, and incorporating a subwoofer if necessary, you will be able to enjoy the excellent sound quality that this system has to offer.

Notes when buying full-range speakers

When deciding to buy full-range speakers, there are a few important factors to keep in mind to ensure that you choose the right product for your needs and wants. Here are some things to consider:

• Speaker membrane material: Speaker cones are usually made from materials such as paper, plastic, synthetic fiber, or metal. Paper cones are popular for their high sensitivity and warm sound. If you choose synthetic or metal cones, make sure they reproduce sound well and do not cause unwanted noise.
• Speaker sensitivity: Full-range speaker sensitivity typically ranges from 90dB to 99dB. A speaker with a high sensitivity will produce clearer sound even when using a low-power amplifier. Check this specification to make sure the speaker is compatible with the audio equipment you are using.
• Speaker impedance: The impedance of full-range speakers is usually between 4 and 8 Ohms. This is important because it affects the ability to match with an amplifier. Make sure your amplifier can support the impedance of the speaker to avoid overloading or damage.
• Speaker box design and style: Choose the box style that suits your space and music listening preferences. Full-range speakers come in three main cabinet styles:

• • Open box: Simple design, low price but cannot reproduce strong bass.
  • Bass reflex cabinet: Capable of enhancing bass but usually comes at a higher price.
  • Rear trumpet: Large, heavy design but delivers the best sound quality.
• Pairing with other devices: For optimal performance, make sure your full-range speakers are paired with the right audio equipment, especially amplifiers. Tube amplifiers (SET) are often the best choice for full-range speakers because they help maximize the speaker's capabilities.
• Brand and product quality: Choose reputable brands such as JBL, Fostex, or Lowther to ensure the best product quality and after-sales service. These brands often have experience in manufacturing speakers and provide products with stable performance.
• Try before you buy: If possible, try out the speaker before you buy it. This will help you assess the actual sound quality and see if it suits your listening preferences.

Buying a full-range speaker is an important decision, so consider the above factors carefully to choose the product that best suits your needs. A good sound system will bring a great listening experience and help you enjoy your favorite music to the fullest.

Full-range speakers are a great solution for those who love high-quality music but do not want to invest too much in complicated equipment. With a simple structure but outstanding efficiency, they deserve to be the top choice for those who love the sophistication in every note. Hopefully this article has provided you with an overview of full-range speakers and helped you make the right decision when choosing the right product for your needs.

FAQ about full range speakers

What frequency range can full-range speakers reproduce sound?

Full-range speakers are typically capable of reproducing sounds between 60 Hz and 20 kHz, which fits within the human hearing range.

Why choose full-range speakers instead of multi-way speakers?

Full-range speakers provide more seamless and natural sound, without separation between frequency bands, while saving space and cost.

What types of music can full-range speakers be used for?

Full-range speakers are well suited for music genres such as jazz, acoustic, and classical, where high fidelity and natural sound are required.

What is full-range speaker sensitivity and why is it important?

The sensitivity of a full-range speaker typically ranges from 90 to 99 dB, indicating its ability to produce sound at low power. High sensitivity makes the speaker work more effectively with small power amplifier.

What are some famous brands that produce full range speakers?

Some popular brands include JBL, Fostex, Lowther, and Tang Band, each brand has products with different sound quality.

Are full-range speakers easy to match with other devices?

Yes, full-range speakers are easy to pair with a variety of audio equipment, especially tube amplifier or power amplifier tube push.

What is the best material for a speaker cone in a full range speaker?

Paper or synthetic fiber speaker cones are often preferred because they are lightweight, durable, and provide better sound reproduction.

Do full-range speakers have any limitations in their ability to reproduce bass?

Yes, full-range speakers typically cannot reproduce as powerful bass as multi-way systems due to using only a single driver.

Is it necessary to invest in any other supporting equipment when using full-range speakers?

To optimize sound performance, users should invest in an amplifier that matches the sensitivity and power of the speaker.

In what spaces can full-range speakers be used?

Full-range speakers are suitable for many spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, and even small or outdoor music events.