Bass Driver Size - how much better is an extra inch?


Have older b&w speakers and bass drivers are 7 inches vs 804 d3 speakers that are 6 1/2.

the larger drivers seem to really open the sound stage, more open and less constrained.  Imaging of older speakers not as good but a very enjoyable listen.
Not sure why driver sizes tend to be smaller these days unless you pay a lot more.  Hear that most consumers want more compact mains so drivers are smaller.  Kinda sad.
emergingsoul

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

the cone area will increase 29% per driver or 58% per speaker pair.  all else being equal the larger drivers will be capable of more impactful and deeper bass.   this is a significant plus.  
however a larger cone will lower the frequency at which the speaker starts beaming, or become directional.  
this will drive compromises in the design to maintain driver to driver coherence and dispersion, usually a lower crossover frequency and a more expensive, capable tweeter.  
the best sounding most coherent speakers i have heard use smaller woofers, e.g. a ls3/ 5a type monitor that can sound spooky good.