5" enclosed or 6.5" open-baffled

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Experienced builders:

For the midrange, which is better: the best 5" in a box (sealed/aperiodic/vented) or the best 6.5" open-baffled?

I've heard that >6" drivers do not have the clarity in the midrange that the best 5" drivers do. However, they have lower distortion in the lower frequencies and are more suitable for open-baffle designs, which AFAIK improves midrange clarity.
 
What is wrong with 5" in an OB? My seas excel go plenty loud enough for the neighbours to complain in an OB.

If max SPL is your game then a box is better, if sound is then OB is. Also note that Linkwitz uses 8" in his designs and they are reputed to be some of the best.

What drivers did you have in mind?
 
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