GRS 8FR-8: Pioneer B20 for $12?

[BHTX]

GRS 8FR-8 Full-Range 8" Speaker Pioneer Type B20FU20-51FW | Parts-Express.com

..However, I couldn't help noticing some apparent differences between this driver and the B20. Obviously, the listed parameters are a bit different, showing the GRS as slightly more efficient. But the cone looks different, too. Notice how the ribs begin farther from the foam surround on the GRS. The texture of the cone, whizzer, and profile of the whizzer might even be slightly different for all I know. The photo shows a sticker with the Pioneer B20 model number though. I'm not exactly certain. Was hoping maybe those very familiar with B20's could chime in and tell me what they think, as I've never held one in person. Either way, they're only $12.50 each, so I might just snag a pair anyway.

Pioneer B20FU20-51FW 8" Full Range Driver | Parts-Express.com

[Godzilla]

Wow, thanks for pointing this driver out! I will order a pair but see they are out of stock for over a month. Grrrr! Maybe some more inexpensive full rangers will start coming out soon.

[BHTX]

No problem. Always glad to share a good deal when I come across it.
Yeah, apologies.. I forgot to mention them not being in stock again until 12/30.
I didn't notice that the other day when I first came across them, must have ran out of stock very recently.
Oh well, I'm in no hurry. They'd probably just sit and collect dust like everything else here. As long as the price doesn't go up and stock returns.

[Godzilla]

Check out this thread... scroll down to see the pics.

Bookshelf with Pioneer B20 and a tweeter

I want to build something like badman's really cool B20 project. I have B20's that are in another box but these cheaper 'copies' might prove fun too! Regardless, the B20 is cheap enough and performs well enough to satisfy audiophiles like me. Next week i will sim this GRS driver and compare it to the B20... let's see if they are truly a replacement as they claim. I am hopeful they might sound a bit brighter and want to try them with one of those little push in dayton dome tweeters just for kicks. Would be nice if PE posted a FR chart. The proof will be in the listening but we all have to wait until 2011!

Funny how this driver at $12.50 has got me more excited than those new $99 dayton fullrangers. I can see them in slanted voigt pipes like inexpensive lowthers playing jazz on the cheap partnered with a T-amp or little cubes like badman's filling a room with music.

[vlad335]

Interested in how this driver pans out. Will you measure it? Someone over at the PE forum measured the 4" GRS and it was terrible. Doesn't exactly mean the B20 copy will be though.

[norman bates]

any new news here?


Norman

[aptquark]

it doesnt do 17k anymore...it only does 16k....then the next thing you know...it will only go to "ellevun"...

[norman bates]

specs are close to the b20, and price is good, but lack of a freq response is a deal breaker.

Norman

[freddi]

but it only did 11 back then

[brsanko]

I wonder how it would sound in a pair of Bruce Horns stacked horizonal doing center channel/equipment rack duty.