Why do hifi speakers needs several drivers to reproduce all audible frequencies whereas headphones seems fine with just one driver per hear?

Question

Why do hifi speakers needs several drivers to reproduce all audible frequencies whereas headphones seems fine with just one driver per hear?

In: 5

Answer 1

Let’s say you’re sitting 10 ft. away from that hifi speaker. The tweeter can produce the high frequencies easily, but low frequencies need to move more air to achieve the same volume. In other words, low frequencies don’t “carry” as well over longer distances. Those hifi speakers use a woofer with much more power for bass.

Now with headphones, there’s much less distance; so much less air needs to be moved for those low frequencies. At those short distances, even a small driver can produce “some” bass. It’s cheaper, easier, and weighs less on your head to use a single driver for headphones.