In the modern market, acoustic systems are presented in a fairly large assortment. This equipment differs from each other in terms of application (instrumental, concert, studio and others), according to technical specifications, body shape and many other qualities.
The most important parameter to consider first is the number of lanes in the system. According to this criterion, one-, three- and two-way acoustics 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 capable of recognizing 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, acoustic systems began to includespeakers that reproduce exceptionally low (20-150 Hz), medium (100-7000 Hz) and high (5-20 thousand Hz) frequencies. In this regard, appeared:
- Single-way systems where the entire frequency range creates one speaker.
- Two-way acoustics that has two speakers: one for playing music at medium and low frequencies, the second - only at high frequencies.
- Three-band equipment - a separate “column” is responsible for playing sounds in each band.
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.
The advantages of two-way acoustics
Two-way speaker systems are the most popular among motorists.
They provide optimum sound quality at an affordable price. Due to the development of technology, two-way acoustics are being actively replaced by three-way equipment, but it is still common because of its advantages:
- Simple design for easy installation and setup.
- High degree of coherence between speakers, resulting in improved sound quality.
- Maximum natural, "live" sound.
Two-way equipment has only two speakers - woofer and tweeter. The woofer reproduces sounds in the low and medium ranges, and the tweeter -only in high. Due to this, simple crossover filters are necessary for the operation of the system.
Features of three-way equipment
Three-way acoustics differs from the already described system in better sound. The equipment in such systems is completed with a midrange speaker, which carries the so-called "spatial" information, 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 acoustics. Moreover, three-way acoustics involves the installation of crossovers - complex frequency filters. To set up such equipment, you must have excellent hearing, otherwise you will not be able to achieve consistency from the speakers.
Speaker differences
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 breaks the frequencies into two "sections" - up to 5-6 thousand Hz, and above 6 kHz. Three-way devices are usually equipped with crossovers - adjustable frequency filters that break the sound range into three sections.
All acoustic equipment can be either active or passive. In the first case, each speaker is equipped with a separate signal amplifier. This solution makes it easiermatching radiators, 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
The way three- or two-way acoustics in a car will sound depends largely on the type of speakers, which are coaxial and component. The first ones are a single monolithic structure, which combines emitters of high, medium and low frequencies. This solution makes the sound narrowly focused. Therefore, such devices are used as an addition and mainly in small cars.
Component speakers are radiators that can be placed in different places. This allows you to achieve surround sound, but the process of installing equipment becomes more complicated. In addition, the sound stage will be very uneven if not installed correctly. Component systems are installed in cars with a spacious interior.
Question of price
As noted earlier, two-way acoustics will cost much less than the installation of three-way equipment. There are two reasons for this:
- less equipment - only two speakers required, maximum two amplifiers and one filter;
- simple installation - you can assemble such a system yourself, having basic knowledge in the field of electricity.
Three-way systems include a more complexequipment, the cost of which significantly exceeds 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 installed system will sound the same as two-way acoustics. This is the main answer to the question of how two-way acoustics differ from three-way acoustics.
