WT2 or WT3

[jamikl]

Which is the better woofer tester to buy for DIY use? The wt2 or the cheaper WT3.

Thanks for any help, jamikl

[planet10]

Originally posted by jamikl
Which is the better woofer tester to buy for DIY use? The wt2 or the cheaper WT3.

Thanks for any help, jamikl

You'll get better support and software that gets better faster with the WT2.

dave

[jamikl]

Thanks Dave.
jamikl

[Wayne Parham]

Agreed, 100%. I like the folks at Parts Express, but their speaker tester is just a cheap clone of the original tester made by Smith & Larson.

Keith Larson and Brian Smith are responsible for pioneering this technology and they're still at it, making it (much) better, each and every day. I get regular updates for my WTPro from Smith & Larson, and can always contact Keith for product assistance. He goes way out of his way to support his product, and to educate his users and the DIY community in general.

With the other product, it's just a cheap clone. Hands down, no question, get the real deal from Smith & Larson. I'd like to see Parts Express begin to stock it again.

[jamikl]

Thanks Wayne. You have both convinced me. On paper it looked better and their site did show updates and support for their products across the board.
jamikl

[John L. Murphy]

Originally Posted by jamikl

Which is the better woofer tester to buy for DIY use? The wt2 or the cheaper WT3.

Thanks for any help, jamikl

Hello diyaudio!

As the designer of the WT3 I would ask that before you decide between the WT2 and WT3 you consider some outside opinions and comments from actual users:

Jeff Bagby's comments on the WT3:

"I would recommend it over WT2, and I have both."

Jeff's Loudspeaker Design Software is widely used in the speaker design community. Here is a link to his web site:

jbagby

ref: WT2 and possibly WT3 users, I have a question. - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video, and Electronics Customer Discussion Forum From Parts-Express.com


Some other comments from the above referenced thread:

midcoast comments: "Buy the WT3 and save yourself some money and put it towards some drivers."


Rich comments: "Unless I'm doing something wrong (very possible) WT3 prints a graph which is much friendlier to my old eyes."


Alse see the WT3 product page at Parts Express for 69 candid product reviews from actual owners. WT3 gets an average of better than 4 out of 5 stars from these users.

At the WT3 bundle page (with free scale) there are currently 28 user reviews giving an average of 4 1/2 start out of 5.

Here are some of the comments on WT3 from the user reviews:

"Awesome Product!!!"

"Good thing / Small package"

"Exceptional product and value"

"Must Have for the Novice or Pro!"

Not all of the comments are this positive but I would encourage you to read the actual user comments on the WT3 to get a wider range of opinions than expressed in just this thread.

For further information on the WT3 please see the product info here.

In the latest version of the WT3 software I have added a new (patent pending) Rub and Buzz test based on my discovery that comparative impedance responses can reveal rubbing in the motor assembly. This feature was added while holding the price at $99. If you shop for other measurement systems that can detect rub and buzz problems you will see that there is nothing else available under $1000. That's what I call a high value product!

Regards,

John

[speakerdoctor]

I am an ACTUAL USER of the WT2 and swear by it. I've had excellent technical support from one of the key principals of S&L Audio over the years I've owned my WT2.
An added bonus is the WT2 can be used to test capacitors and inductor coils as well. Capacitor testing was recently covered in detail in the May 2011 issue of audioXpress.

[Wayne Parham]

Me too. I'm an actual user of the genuine original Smith & Larson system and I must say I'm more than impressed with it. I've already chimed in, but I think this is worth another mention.

[forr]

I own a Smith & Larson product. Certainly an excellent product. May just lack of a detailed step by step tutorial, the user guide being a bit "intellectual" for me.

[speakerdoctor]

Originally Posted by forr

I own a Smith & Larson product. Certainly an excellent product. May just lack of a detailed step by step tutorial, the user guide being a bit "intellectual" for me.

Write to the website with any questions you may have. K. Larson is usually very responsive and helpful.