How to measure driver size? Dimensions + standards etc

VvvvvV · 6th October 2004, 03:13 PM

How do you measure driver sizes ? say I have a speaker that measures 150 millimetres/6 inches across the driver diaphragm, and 170 millimetres from one screw fixing point to the next across the diameter, that mean I need 150 or 170 millimetre driver?

Would 6.5 inch speakers be the right size ?

Mr Evil · 6th October 2004, 03:19 PM

As far as I know, there is no standard at all. For instance I have a number of drivers that are 'officially' 6.5"/165mm, but measure anywhere from about 160-190mm across.

VvvvvV · 6th October 2004, 05:38 PM

Is it best to measure the width of the diaphragm or the diameter in between two of the screw holes?
should I just get some 6.5 inches drivers and hope that they fit the 15 millimetre midrange bays on the cabinets?

DarrenK · 6th October 2004, 09:46 PM

Hello,

If a woofer says it is a 6-1/2", then that generally refers to the overall dimension of the driver. Across the frame at the widest spot. It really has nothing to do with the diameter of the actual cone.

However, as Mr. Evil pointed out, there is a lot of variation from manufacturer to manufacturer and it can be somewhat confusing.

The best thing to do is to measure the opening that you have in the cabinet, and then match that with the specifications for the opening cutout needed for the driver. So, if the opening is 6" or whatever, then look for a driver that will fit in that hole. It may be called a 6-1/2", 7", 180mm, 165mm, etc.

Personally, if you are saying the opening is 150mm, then that would be 5.9 inches, which will probably fit most 7" or 180mm or 18 cm drivers.

See ya,

Darren

VvvvvV · 9th October 2004, 09:25 PM

Lots of thanks Darren, that's excellent information!

6th October 2004, 03:13 PM	#1
VvvvvV diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: oxfrd	How to measure driver size? Dimensions + standards etc How do you measure driver sizes ? say I have a speaker that measures 150 millimetres/6 inches across the driver diaphragm, and 170 millimetres from one screw fixing point to the next across the diameter, that mean I need 150 or 170 millimetre driver? Would 6.5 inch speakers be the right size ?

6th October 2004, 03:19 PM	#2
Mr Evil diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Behind you	As far as I know, there is no standard at all. For instance I have a number of drivers that are 'officially' 6.5"/165mm, but measure anywhere from about 160-190mm across. __________________ https://mrevil.asvachin.eu/

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6th October 2004, 05:38 PM	#3
VvvvvV diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: oxfrd	Is it best to measure the width of the diaphragm or the diameter in between two of the screw holes? should I just get some 6.5 inches drivers and hope that they fit the 15 millimetre midrange bays on the cabinets?

6th October 2004, 09:46 PM	#4
DarrenK diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dayton, OH	Hello, If a woofer says it is a 6-1/2", then that generally refers to the overall dimension of the driver. Across the frame at the widest spot. It really has nothing to do with the diameter of the actual cone. However, as Mr. Evil pointed out, there is a lot of variation from manufacturer to manufacturer and it can be somewhat confusing. The best thing to do is to measure the opening that you have in the cabinet, and then match that with the specifications for the opening cutout needed for the driver. So, if the opening is 6" or whatever, then look for a driver that will fit in that hole. It may be called a 6-1/2", 7", 180mm, 165mm, etc. Personally, if you are saying the opening is 150mm, then that would be 5.9 inches, which will probably fit most 7" or 180mm or 18 cm drivers. See ya, Darren

9th October 2004, 09:25 PM	#5
VvvvvV diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: oxfrd	Lots of thanks Darren, that's excellent information!