In the modern market, acoustic systems are presented in a rather large assortment. This equipment differs from each other in terms of application (instrumental, concert, studio and others), according to technical specifications, the shape of the case and many other qualities.
The most important parameter that must be considered first of all is the number of “bands” in the system. According to this criterion, one-, three- and two-way speakers are distinguished. How they differ from each other and which system is better, we will try to answer in this article.
Sound frequency
Human hearing organs are able to recognize sounds with a frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz.
Therefore, the quality of music directly depends on the ability of the equipment to create clear sound waves in this range. To this end,
speakers began to include speakers reproducing extremely low (20-150 Hz), medium (100-7000 Hz) and high (5-20 thousand Hz) frequencies. In this regard, appeared:
- Single-band systems where the entire frequency range is created by a single speaker.
- Two-way speakers, which has two speakers: one for playing music at medium and low frequencies, the second - only at high.
- Three-way equipment - a separate “speaker” is responsible for playing sounds in each range.
There is equipment with a large number of bands where each speaker reproduces sound in a certain frequency range. The most popular are two- and three-way systems - they are the most affordable and at the same time provide excellent sound quality.
Advantages of two-way speakers
Two-way speakers are the most popular among motorists.
They provide optimum sound quality while being affordable. Due to the development of technology, two-way
acoustics is actively replaced by three-way equipment, but it is still common because of its advantages:
- Simple design, which simplifies installation and configuration.
- A high degree of consistency between the speakers, which improves the sound quality.
- The most natural, lively sound.
In two-way equipment there are only two speakers - woofer and tweeter. The woofer reproduces sounds in the low and medium ranges, and the treble only in high. Due to this, simple separation filters are needed for the system to work.
Features of three-way equipment
Three-way speakers differ from the already described system in better sound. Equipment in such systems is understaffed with a mid-range speaker that carries so-called “spatial” information and creates surround sound. In addition, due to the separation of duties, the equipment has become more compact.
The negative quality of three-way systems is the high price. It is two to three times higher than that of two-way speakers. Moreover, three-way acoustics involves the installation of crossovers - complex frequency filters. To set up such equipment, you must have excellent hearing, otherwise it will not work to achieve consistency from the speakers.
Differences between speakers
Any speaker system consists of speakers (midrange, bass and treble), filtering equipment, signal amplifiers, audio cables and input terminals. Filtering devices are responsible for dividing the audio signal into several ranges. The two-way acoustics filter divides the frequencies into two “sections” - up to 5-6 thousand Hz, and above 6 kHz. Three-way devices, as a rule, are equipped with crossovers - adjustable frequency filters that divide the sound range into three sections.
All acoustic equipment can be active or passive. In the first case, each speaker is equipped with a separate signal amplifier. This solution facilitates the matching of emitters, reduces the overall cost of the system. However, at the same time, the complexity of maintenance, installation and initial configuration increases. Separate amplifiers most often complement a set of three-way devices.
Coaxial and component speakers
How a three- or two-way acoustics will sound in a car, largely depends on the type of speakers, which are coaxial and component. The first are a single monolithic design, which combines emitters of high, medium and low frequencies. This solution makes the sound narrowly focused. Therefore, such devices are used as a supplement and mainly in small cars.
Component speakers are emitters that can be located in different places. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve surround sound, but the installation process is complicated. In addition, if installed incorrectly, the soundstage will be very heterogeneous.
Component systems are installed in cars with a spacious interior.
Price issue
As noted earlier, two-way speakers will be much cheaper than installing three-way equipment. There are two reasons for this:
- less equipment — only two speakers, a maximum of two amplifiers and one filter are required;
- simple installation - you can assemble such a system yourself, having basic knowledge in the field of electricity.
Three-way systems include more sophisticated equipment, the cost of which is significantly higher than the price of conventional devices. In addition, if you decide to install such acoustics, you will have to seek the help of professionals - without special measuring devices and fine hearing, the mounted system will sound just like two-way acoustics. This is the main answer to the question of how the two-way acoustics differs from the three-way ones.