Just how big is that driver?



hi All,

I'm wondering just how to measure drivers physical dimensions. Are drivers measured only to the surrounds inner perimeter? Or, in other words, are they in fact measured to the overall extension of only the material making up the cone itself, and NOT the surround/supportive construct?

Or, in fact, is it�s actual dimensions, the whole overall exposed, structure, right out past the screws holding it to the baffle?

To my way of thinking, a cone or dome driver's size is just that part up to but not including the surround, if any, regardless the actual materials being used.
blindjim

Showing 1 response by mechans

I have noticed the JM lab drivers are fairly accurate if you account tor the surround. If you add the frame then it doesn't work out so neatly.
The hole in the cabinet may only accomodate the basket spider and magnet assemblies with the whole shebang held securely in place by virtue of a mounting ring which must rest on the baffle. Since this is very variable from one manufacturer to another I would not consider it a meaningful measure.
It is generally not helpful at all to concern oneself with the size of the driver. I do not know pro applications and it may be relevent in big spaces. My 15 inch woofered speakers do not have the bass that my double 8 inch speakers does so again it boils down to a great many parameters working in concert. Uless you want to argue that 2 x 8 = 16" but in all seriousness the reactivity the resistance to movement as well as piston speed = magnet and voice coils along with cabinet geometry all make a big difference.
Its not important when considering a bass transducer. My current drivers are speced to a low of 30 cycles but I lived quite happily with others that made no claim below 50 and were falling fast below 80. Because that is where the music- my music - anyway lives. Save the rumble for HT please.