TB W3-871 vs Hi-Vi B3S

[Zaph]

TB W3-871 vs Hi-Vi B3S

Hi all,

I recently have been thinking about a project that required a very small, wide range driver to be used as the 2nd driver in a 3-way. Of course the first thing that popped into my mind was the W3-871, but vendor issues required that I look elsewhere.

So, I grabbed a pair of Hi-Vi B3S and just for good measure to satisfy my curiosity, I grabbed a couple A2S also. I will be comparing these to a pair of W3-871's I have on hand, and also a TB W2-880S that I have. I'll be doing a full suite of tests, including frequency response, T/S parameters, all forms of distortion and power handling.

If anyone has any 3" drivers they would like included in this test and comparison, I will offer to do this, and send them back to you after the test is done. I'm particularly interested in a Fostex FF85K and/or an Aura NS3 if anyone has got one of these they would like tested. I'm also open to other drivers as long as they are no larger than 3" nominal. (roughly 4" O.D.) Email me at threepoint14159265358979323846@yahoo.com. USA folks only, please.

I don't normally test drivers for people, so this is a temporary departure from policy. Results will be posted when the tests are done.

John

[sbolin]

Wow, this is great. I am interested in the Auras also. What about the new Aura 4" - I know it is bit out of range, but should be interesting none-the-less. I live overseas, so can't contribute any speakers, but look forward to the results. Thanks for effort.

[bhg41088]

I also think a test of the CSS wr125s would be nice. I can donate a pair for testing if you send them back to me.

[Zaph]

Originally posted by bhg41088
I also think a test of the CSS wr125s would be nice. I can donate a pair for testing if you send them back to me.

That's a little too big to be included in a comparison of 3" drivers, But it's certainly unique enough that I wouldn't mind testing it. I notice CSS already has pretty good test results here. About all I could offer is comparison to similar size drivers I have in the house at the moment: Seas L12, GR M130, Vifa TC14 and a few lesser drivers. The Seas L12 is probably it's closest competiton, and is probably the best 4.5" driver I've ever heard when used within it's bandwidth limitations.

BTW, when I mention "vendor issues", it's the fact that two emails to CSS have been ignored, one of which was a request for stock levels and shipping quote for (14) 871's. Considering how many 871's my project pages help sell with a link directly to CSS, you'd think I'd get a little more attention than that.

John

[morbo]

I'd be very interested in such a comparison, and for what its worth, greatly appreciate all the information and testing you provide John!

[Zaph]

So far the comparison remains with these drivers.

Hi-Vi B3S
Hi-Vi A2S
TB W3-871
TB W2-880S

We're nearing the deadline to get other speakers included in this comparison. Maybe the interest level isn't as high as I thought. I posted over on the Parts Express forum and got no replies. In any case, the test will go on with these 4 drivers.

Still looking for someone who has a Fostex FF85K or Aura NS3 that they want tested. Fostex FE83 or 87 are accepted also, though I had a pair of 87's in the past and performance was not good.

Anyway, let's just say that those who want to send in drivers for testing will need to get them in the mail by the end of this week. That will allow testing next weekend.

Email me for info - threepoint14159265358979323846@yahoo.com

[Zaph]

The following drivers have just been added to this comparison:

MCM 54-606 3" paper cone
MCM 54-609 3" aluminum cone

I don't exactly have high hopes for these drivers, but maybe they will surprise me. MCM has had a few gems in the past, among some of their cheap drivers.

[ERICSPEEd]

Alittle of subject but has anyone used the VIFA M10MD39 4" mid? Long time ago I used some in my car stereo system. They were mounted in the dash with VIFA neo. 1" tweeter mounted near by and perless 5.25" woofers in the door.

They sounded excellent to me. And have a very smooth wide responce.
VIFA also has a fiberglass cone 4" mid with a responce of 100 - 15,000.

[sbolin]

Originally posted by Zaph
So far the comparison remains with these drivers.

Hi-Vi B3S
Hi-Vi A2S
TB W3-871
TB W2-880S

We're nearing the deadline to get other speakers included in this comparison. Maybe the interest level isn't as high as I thought. I posted over on the Parts Express forum and got no replies. In any case, the test will go on with these 4 drivers.

Still looking for someone who has a Fostex FF85K or Aura NS3 that they want tested. Fostex FE83 or 87 are accepted also, though I had a pair of 87's in the past and performance was not good.

Anyway, let's just say that those who want to send in drivers for testing will need to get them in the mail by the end of this week. That will allow testing next weekend.

Email me for info - threepoint14159265358979323846@yahoo.com

I have a pair of Aura NS3s on order, but (1) probably wont receive them before the test, and (2) don't think you would appreciate shipping them overseas

Still, hope someone can get them to you, I am interested to see how they compare.

[Zaph]

Originally posted by sbolin


I have a pair of Aura NS3s on order, but (1) probably wont receive them before the test, and (2) don't think you would appreciate shipping them overseas

Still, hope someone can get them to you, I am interested to see how they compare.

I just bought a pair. I've been curious about those ever since they came out, and I really wanted them included in this comparison.

My wife is going to kick my ***, I already have about 40 pairs of unused speakers laying around.