Speaker driver measurements: 5-8" Woofers

[TMM]

Hi all,

Much in the same way as my existing 2-4" midrange/fullrange driver testing, I've decided to publish measurements of larger woofers I have on hand too.

The format is the same as previous testing of smaller drivers with the addition of a new test method to evaluate bass distortion.

To start us off we have a group of four 6.5/7" woofers. I'll hold off writing my interpretations of the measurements until I have a few more measured and a better idea of the baseline performance.

You can view the measurements and commentary here:
Timothy Feleppa's Pages

Any feedback is always appreciated. Cheers!
-Tim

 

[fatmarley]

I know It's not easy to get consistent results (temperature of the driver seems to affect the results quite a lot), but Thiele/small parameters would be a great addition.

Anyway, everything looks good to me

 

[DPH]

Looks like you've added a few to the smaller mid/full set too. Great work, I've found it an excellent resource and only improves with more entries.

Thanks a bunch, Tim.

 

[Zvu]

High resolution impedance measurements would be nice.

 

[TMM]

I've finished testing nine 6.5"/7" woofers and have added commentary and ratings for them.

Drivers tested:
ScanSpeak 18W/8545K00
Usher 8945A
SEAS CA18RNX (H1215-08)
Vifa NE180W-08
Dali Ikon 6 MK1
Fountek FW168
Dai-ichi W6S-52
MCM 55-5665
Response CW2194

I've added an Le(x) test which gives some insight into intermodulation distortion, especially important for woofers which are used for both bass and treble, such as in a conventional 2-way with a dome tweeter.

It seems we have a large group of drivers over a wide price range which do some things well and other things not so well, but I'd say there are no particularly poor performers overall.
We also have a few very high performing woofers that are a significant step up from the rest.

Link to results

 

[Michael Chua]

Hi Tim

Thank you for sharing your measurements.

Are there any future plans for Thiele & Small?

I find that some drivers T/S differs are very different from the manufacturers.

 

[TMM]

Maybe in the future - shouldn't be too hard to knock up a small box that mounts my baffle insert on one side. It's cold and wet here at the moment so I'm lacking motivation to do woodwork outside - maybe in the spring time

 

[hollowboy]

Excellent! Good to see that there were no stinkers. Also good to see the NE180W-08 measuring so well. That range appeals to me due to the "Excellent ventilation all around thanks to the tiny neodymium motor" - they look like bargain versions of the SS illuminators.

May I submit drivers to you for inclusion in these tests?

 

[TMM]

let me know what you had in mind and I'll consider it. Measurements are only a hobby for me and it takes considerable time to do them so the drivers have to pique my interest too.

 

[nigelb63]

I've finished testing nine 6.5"/7" woofers and have added commentary and ratings for them.

Drivers tested:
ScanSpeak 18W/8545K00
Usher 8945A
SEAS CA18RNX (H1215-08)
Vifa NE180W-08
Dali Ikon 6 MK1
Fountek FW168
Dai-ichi W6S-52
MCM 55-5665
Response CW2194

I've added an Le(x) test which gives some insight into intermodulation distortion, especially important for woofers which are used for both bass and treble, such as in a conventional 2-way with a dome tweeter.

It seems we have a large group of drivers over a wide price range which do some things well and other things not so well, but I'd say there are no particularly poor performers overall.
We also have a few very high performing woofers that are a significant step up from the rest.

Link to results

Can you put a Volt BM220.8 on your list please.

 

[TMM]

At about $350AUD each excluding tax and shipping and an impedance curve that suggests a simple motor design, no thanks.