Help me select a mid

[454Casull]

Constraints:

- overall diameter must not exceed 100-110 mm
- must be able to handle power bursts such that at least 105-110 dB/1 m peaks are produced in the passband into full-space without melting or audible distortion
- distortion performance between 700 Hz - 1500 Hz must be very good or excellent; FR88EX qualifies, TB-1558SE qualifies, Aura NS3 does not qualify
- must not have a waveguide or horn
- costs less than $150 in North America

Closest I can get is the Scan-Speak 10F/4424G00... however, its distortion performance is only good (and not excellent), and its power handling is barely passable.

On the other hand, a dome mid like the TB-1558SE has excellent distortion performance but may not be able to produce the SPL bursts I want, and has a very large flange to boot.

The FR88EX has a lot going for it, like its great distortion performance, small flange, and low cost, but doesn't quite fit because of its power handling/low sensitivity.

[Loren42]

Your question is meaningless without knowing what woofer, tweeter, and enclosure type/arrangement you are trying to build.

[boris81]

Originally Posted by 454Casull

Closest I can get is the Scan-Speak 10F/4424G00... however, its distortion performance is only good (and not excellent), and its power handling is barely passable.

Midrange test data

Have you seen this measurements write up on the SS 10F? It sounds like the specs are rather conservative and this driver can take some abuse.

[454Casull]

Originally Posted by Loren42

Your question is meaningless without knowing what woofer, tweeter, and enclosure type/arrangement you are trying to build.

Were my constraints not enough information?

[454Casull]

Originally Posted by boris81

Midrange test data

Have you seen this measurements write up on the SS 10F? It sounds like the specs are rather conservative and this driver can take some abuse.

Yes, that's why it was my preliminary selection.

However, it looks like the Dayton RS100 might be a contender as well. The Vifa NE95W has potential but it's new enough that not a lot of info is available.

EDIT: On second thought, the RS100 has up to 10 dB more 5th-order HD in the range I'm looking at, according to Zaph's test data, which lands right in the high-sensitivity region. Too bad I don't know what the test environment is like for his blog measurements...

[Inductor]

Interesting driver, what do you think. It's always funny to have this kind of quiz @DIY.
Eton 4-200/A8 Symphony, 4" Mid/Bass with Aluminum Former: Madisound Speaker Store
Voice coil former ; Aluminium.

[lduarte1973]

Morel EM-428 - RumoH - Caps, coils and speakers

Vifa NE123-W-04, 4" Fullrange - RumoH - Caps, coils and speakers

http://www.europe-audio.com/Product.asp?Product_ID=815

[keyser]

You are asking a lot of such a small driver. I think this one should work well:

FaitalPRO - Professional Loudspeakers Made in Italy

Faital Pro 4FE30.