Definition of coaxial loudspeaker

coaxial speaker is a speaker system that designs a high frequency unit and a low frequency unit on the same axis. Its core feature is that the high-frequency unit is located at the center of the diaphragm of the low-frequency unit, and the two share the same acoustic center, forming a "coaxial and concentric" structure. This design was first proposed by the British speaker brand Tannoy in the 1940s, aiming to solve the phase difference and positioning problems of traditional crossover speakers (separation of high and low frequency units).

Advantages of coaxial speakers

1. Strong phase consistency and more accurate sound quality: In traditional crossover speakers, due to the separation of the high and low frequency units, there is a difference in the time it takes for sound waves to reach the human ear (phase difference), especially in the mid to high frequency junction area, which can easily cause frequency response "concavity" or "superposition", leading to sound quality distortion. Coaxial speakers, due to the high and low frequency units being coaxial and co located, emit sound waves from the same center with almost zero phase difference. The natural and smooth connection between the medium and high frequencies results in a higher degree of sound reproduction, making them particularly suitable for playing music genres that are sensitive to details such as vocals and strings.
2. Accurate sound field positioning and strong sense of three dimensionality: The different positions of the high and low frequency units in ordinary speakers can cause the sound source positions of high and low frequencies to "split", making it difficult for listeners to locate the true direction of the sound (such as the position of instruments or singers). The single point sound characteristics of coaxial speakers enable highly unified sound field positioning of high-frequency and low-frequency signals, creating stereo images that are closer to real scenes and enhancing the immersive listening experience.
3. Simple frequency division design reduces signal loss: Traditional speakers require complex frequency division circuits to distribute high and low frequency signals, and circuit components such as inductors and capacitors may introduce signal distortion or loss. The high-frequency unit of the coaxial speaker is directly integrated into the low-frequency unit, and the frequency division point can be designed to be higher (usually above 2kHz). The frequency division circuit is simpler, reducing losses in the signal processing stage and improving efficiency and reliability.
4. High uniformity of timbre and outstanding mid frequency performance: The mid frequency range (500Hz-5kHz) is the core area of music and vocals. The mid frequency range of traditional speakers may be solely undertaken by the bass or treble unit, or may result in inconsistent timbre due to connection issues near the crossover point. The mid frequency range of a coaxial speaker is covered by both a bass unit and a treble unit (the bass unit is responsible for the mid to low range, and the treble unit is responsible for the mid to high range), and both work on the same axis. The mid frequency transition is smooth, the tone consistency is strong, and the texture of vocals and instruments is fuller.

Summary: Coaxial speakers solve the phase difference and positioning problems of traditional crossover speakers through the design of "coaxial and common point". They have obvious advantages in sound quality accuracy, sound field performance, spatial adaptability, etc., especially suitable for scenarios that pursue high fidelity music experience or are limited by installation space.