swapping woofers with 2db difference in sensitivity

[justubes]

Planning to swap a focal 11w to 11wx without crossover changes.

Both are 11" and the 11wx is 2db lower in sensitivity. I assume since the drivers are both focal, tonality should not be far off.

Will this be a mistake as and have low bass output from the new driver?

 

[truecolour]

2dB is quite a lot! i would recommend pulling down the level of the other bands.

 

[a_tewinkel]

'Both Focal' is like comparing a Volkwagen Beetle to a Golf. Same brand, similar size, but different car nonetheless. The type numbers may sound alike, but they're different drivers. It's well worth the effort to find the correct types if your original drivers are defective!

 

[mondogenerator]

agree. 2db is certainly audible, and similar model numbers doesnt necessarily make their sound similar.

 

[dumptruck]

The sensitivity difference is actually pretty negligible in the main 100-1000Hz range, but a look at the spec sheets shows that everything else is pretty different. The impedance curves alone rule out using the same crossover, assuming you are starting with a crossover designed for the first driver. UNLESS, I found the wrong spec sheets...

 

[justubes]

The focal11wx is much better unit than the 11w inmy focals.with age, the spiders are lstarting to cause problems with low bass material and felt it may be a worthwhile stab in the dark.

I maybe adventurous to swap resistors of the tweeter and mid in the even the bass output is insufficient.

Given room acoustic issues with any set of speakers with muddy and boomy bass, swapping a superior driver may morethan compensate of a unoptimised cross over?

Do my thoughts hold and room to experiment?

 

[truecolour]

The only way to be sure is to try it!

 

[puppet]

My guess is that if you're going to experience a change in sensitivity lower is better than higher. Depends on where they're xo is too. Personally, I can hear a 1/2db change in typical woofer range.

 

[AJ34]

Given room acoustic issues with any set of speakers with muddy and boomy bass, swapping a superior driver may morethan compensate of a unoptimised cross over?QUOTE]

Not necessarily.

I don't think anyone can say for certain (unless they've actually tried exactly the same modification) how well such a change would work out but chances of success are stacked against you for reasons already mentioned. No harm in trying but have a 'plan B' in mind.

There may still be a few specialists out there that will design you a completely new crossover for your intended drivers - as Wilmslow Audio (UK) did when I replaced both SEAS drivers in a two-way passive system with two Focal drivers. Worked a treat. Good luck.

 

[justubes]

I don't have the specs for the tweeter and mids, but do have the existing crossover diagram.

Neither do I know the existing spec for the woofer to be replaced.

This option may be tough.

I was just think to use a l-ad for the miss and tweets in the worst case senario.

Given room acoustic issues with any set of speakers with muddy and boomy bass, swapping a superior driver may morethan compensate of a unoptimised cross over?QUOTE]

Not necessarily.

I don't think anyone can say for certain (unless they've actually tried exactly the same modification) how well such a change would work out but chances of success are stacked against you for reasons already mentioned. No harm in trying but have a 'plan B' in mind.

There may still be a few specialists out there that will design you a completely new crossover for your intended drivers - as Wilmslow Audio (UK) did when I replaced both SEAS drivers in a two-way passive system with two Focal drivers. Worked a treat. Good luck.