A Subjective Blind Comparison of 3in to 5in Full Range Drivers

[tuxedocivic]

I'm not surprised by the results so far. I've made a guess as which is which and anxious to see how I did. I was surprised how different they all sounded.

 

[Cornelis Spronk]

To me they sound more different than I would expect from the manufacturers published FR graphs.

I too was suprised how different they sound.

 

[tfcx]

I was surprised how different they all sounded.

This. I fail all the "blind audiophile" tests, but the difference in these samples is such that I can't even imagine listening to the one I like the least. Maybe it would be more agreeable in person - I didn't think I was that picky a listener. Pretty sure I sussed out which one my favorite was, because of its family resemblance to another. Will be interesting to see how wrong I am.

 

[xrk971]

I was hoping to get more subjective descriptions of what you think of a driver vs another. Sort of like driver X has too much of a recessed midrange or driver Z has good sharp transients and separation of detail etc.

 

[zman01]

I was hoping to get more subjective descriptions of what you think of a driver vs another. Sort of like driver X has too much of a recessed midrange or driver Z has good sharp transients and separation of detail etc.

Won't that influence others? I suggest take notes and share only after polls close.

Folks doing the listening tests please listen driver G first and then work towards driver A; I am assuming natural sequence is driver A to G.

See if that has any impact on what you prefer.

 

[tuxedocivic]

Ya I took notes but just haven't posted them. Didn't want to skew results.

 

[Bigun]

I thought I'd do it the lazy way, I just downloaded to my Mac and played the tracks on my iMac through the built-in speakers. I've done comparisons before like this from YouTube where I've been able to consistently judge two sources to be different and have a preference.

My daughter joined in this time.

We found 3 of the drivers dropped off the list very quickly (A, C, D and later on E) with two of them being the worse (A and D). The differences are very subtle but you simply 'like' them less without being able to say why and without being able to describe any specific difference. It's almost subconscious.

Of the 3 remaining drivers one of them was simply more musical. The other 2 were fine but a bit boring.

I was easily able to vote for the stand-out driver.

 

[wintermute]

^@tuxedocivic: Me too before I got given the key

I was also surprised about how different they sound. Especially on the guitar for ACDC! for the Jazz track I thought that they all sucked, but one sucked less than the others

I have not heard any of these drivers (or relatives of them) in real life.

Tony.

 

[cogitech]

In true spirit with the feasibility of such a test, I listened on my laptop speakers. Only Nora got a listen.

Several of them revealed "hiss" that I found unpleasant, so they were the first to go. Maybe no fault of the drivers.

I probably picked the most boring-sounding driver, as I much prefer a more laid back presentation.

 

[Bigun]

To me they sound more different than I would expect from the manufacturers published FR graphs.

Bear in mind that some of them have not had enough break-in time. I've found that full range drivers need break-in and the change I've heard over a break-in period has been larger than some of the differences I heard between the tracks that were posted.

 

[xrk971]

Ya I took notes but just haven't posted them. Didn't want to skew results.

Yes, you have a point so all we can do is wait until the 16th. Kind of a long time I guess.

 

[CLS]

I would think the plain sounding --not attractive-- one(s) might have better measurements. Let's see.

 

[wushuliu]

Tough to pick just one. I liked B, D, and E. Maybe D as the compromise favorite.

Considering most folks are probably listening through headphones or computer speakers that likely have their own FR issues no one should be taking this all that seriously. Fun distraction though.

 

[erik777]

Tough to pick just one. I liked B, D, and E. Maybe D as the compromise favorite.

Considering most folks are probably listening through headphones or computer speakers that likely have their own FR issues no one should be taking this all that seriously. Fun distraction though.

Don't post your decision. Youll pollute the jury pool

 

[ra7]

I just voted. Boy, some of the drivers are pretty awful. Great choice of music though, X. Pretty much everyone has heard Jones' "Come Away With Me." And the other two were nice too. I would have thrown in a symphonic piece. The broadband nature of symphonic music quickly reveals flaws. If you ever go to an audio show, ask them to play symphonic music and turn up the volume, and watch the frowns come all over their faces.

Did my listening on headphones. Computer speakers are too rough for this test. All the drivers in the lineup could use some EQ. It would be interesting to test them with EQ. Maybe do two or three files per driver and ask which three are from the same driver? I bet everything would sound the same then.

 

[perceval]

I would think the plain sounding --not attractive-- one(s) might have better measurements. Let's see.

My feeling as well.

 

[wushuliu]

Don't post your decision. Youll pollute the jury pool

Lol, I doubt it. Too late to edit anyway (I hate that about diya posts!).

 

[paugie]

Downloaded, started listening. Thanks for the opportunity to ....

 

[tuxedocivic]

I just listened to a few on my iPhone speakers and they all sound identical. Haha. Not surprising. Just figured I'd try. I guess my listening room space can provide a more accurate reproduction

 

[BYRTT]

tuxedocivic,
Thanks breaking radio silence, we must wait until 16 marts to discuss perceived and preferences. In meantime can you reveal your bike and any 3-5" full rangers onboard .