The Wharfedale 3014 drivers are intended for installation in a sealed enclosure like the 45 litre one of the Wharfedale Dovedale 3.
Here are the driver's specifications:
Heavy duty paper cone with rubber roll surround
High stability rear suspension
Outer chassis diameter 315mm
Inner cone + surround diameter 305mm
Mounting hole circle diameter 320mm
Nominal impedance 6Ω
Large ceramic magnet, flux density 135,000 maxwell
System power handling 50W DIN
Driver free air resonance 25Hz
Response is only 3dB down at 45Hz in a 45 litre sealed cabinet
Upper crossover frequency 600 - 1,500Hz
Note the very low free air resonance frequency.
Is it ok to use in a 4cu. FT. bass reflex or do I need to seal the ports and stuff? Ok, I will check the rubbers. I have a hard time finding low cost 12" woofers in my area so I am hoping I can use them.
I'm told by the seller the rubber roll surround is in great shape and it is not cracking with he pushes on it.
The 3014 was also part of the Wharfedale Unit 5 kit whose instructions state a bass resonance frequency of approximately 17 Hz - definitely sealed box territory.
A sealed enclosure of 4 cu ft would be too large. Wharfedale's stated maximum volume for the 3014 was around 2 cu ft.
You could always partition off the interior of your 4 cu ft enclosure to provide a sealed 2 cu ft volume for the 3014.
A sealed enclosure of 4 cu ft would be too large. Wharfedale's stated maximum volume for the 3014 was around 2 cu ft.
You could always partition off the interior of your 4 cu ft enclosure to provide a sealed 2 cu ft volume for the 3014.
Actually, I've found that the Wharfedale Unit 5 kit carried these warnings:
2) Under no circumstances should the speakers be played in other than an airtight cabinet.
3) Do not use these units in cabinets larger than the largest recommended as this will also cause damage.
2) Under no circumstances should the speakers be played in other than an airtight cabinet.
3) Do not use these units in cabinets larger than the largest recommended as this will also cause damage.
I've checked out the range of sealed enclosure volume recommended by Wharfedale for the 3014 woofer.
This is 1.5 cu ft to 2.5 cu ft.
This is 1.5 cu ft to 2.5 cu ft.
You can't get clearer than that. Manufacturer has spoken. Follow the rules.
Note that the baffle opening diameter required for the 3014 is just under 11" (10 and 7/8th inches).