Two very different mid drivers on Epos S12?

I've had a pair of Epos ES12s for a number of years, and always loved them.
Recently bought a second pair for my girlfriends cabin, along with the stands.
The seller stated that he had replaced the front baffles/mid drivers a few years back due to rot. Figured, great, already replaced and newer-ish, well cared for.


When I got them, I noticed the speaker was totally different Epos molded unit, composite I think.


Attached is a photo of two different baffles: the newer one in the foreground and the 'older' one from my ES in the background.



The newer one is much larger, but feels to be same weight and stated specs. The rest of the baffle is exactly the same.



Anyone have any ideas the differences in sound, is the newer much better than older? I am afraid my set up and space don't lend to really tell a large audio difference, but it sounds as if the newer ones are.....cleaner, sort of? Brighter? More detailed but slight sound of tin can compared to my older ones.



Thank you!!
 

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You're correct, tt definitely stands a fair bit taller than the older conventional design. This isn't a ton better but I think you can see the difference well enough.
It's interesting they do have a slight 'tin can' quality to them though.
 

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I have wondered if the ES12 line "evolved", (as did Epos the company) to be all UK design built and components, to slowly trying to outsource things to China, as was the case with the next and all following models. I want to remember reading that there were 2 versions of the ES12: one was truly an evolution of UK and parts left from the ES11s, and the other was a model that had components made in China to spec.