Originally Posted by
Zilch
That's a VERY important question, actually.
The more drivers there are in a system, the more difficult it is to get them to integrate with one another. The ideal system would have but one driver, and it would cover the entire audio spectrum. It doesn't exist in practice, of course, largely because of the laws of physics in sound reproduction.
Recognizing this, I believe everyone would agree that two-way is the next reasonable choice, and a worthy pursuit. Because of the same limitations of technology, however, it's not easily achieved. There are compromises that must be made in putting together a good sounding system with just two drivers.
Getting full high-frequency extension is one of the problems. The simple answer is to add a tweeter on top of a competent two-way, and some would argue, since the tweeter is "supplemental," it's still a two-way system. That's a stretch, I'd say. On the other hand, using a sub at the other end IS, in my mind, merely an enhancement of a two-way system.
To most accurately reproduce the entire audio spectrum, more drivers, four or even five, often, are required. There are many advocates of such multi-way systems here, and they dedicate themselves to overcoming the difficulties of having the multiple drivers play together accurately and cohesively. Many threads in this forum document that endeavor.
Your system is a competent two-way. I am encouraging you to acquire the proper crossover for it and to see if you like the way it sounds. You may have to do some reconditioning of the drivers, as well.
I have no experience with your horn and mid/high driver, but considering what the system was designed for, I assume it's worth keeping together. I suspect there are other members here who know the 2445 and 2380/A well. They can better advise you on achieving optimum performance with that particular combination.
I DO know the 2225/6H in that box, and you'll likely find you'll want to add a subwoofer to your system for best performance, or replace the woofer and retune the box as I'll be describing in the Q&D thread. 2226H will not provide extended bass, but that which it DOES provide is highly accurate and articulate. Read punchy and dynamic here.
Bottom line, know what you have first before proceeding. Get the proper crossover, and play it for a couple of months. Who CARES what it looks like for now? That is easily remedied, once you determine it is worthy of the effort. As you say, the MUSIC is the prime consideration here, and THAT is yet to be experienced....