Best driver for DIY

[Nemo128]

Yes yes, I know. General broad questions are a no-no.

What driver would you pick, without regard to size and build specifications, if you are looking for the absolute best SQ? Brand/line is fine.

If you've got a specific size that you would prefer, shoot. I'm moreso interested in someone's opinion of, for example, why they prefer a JLA W7 over an Infinity KapPerf. Or vice versa of course.

I feel like a sub discussion, so discuss!

 

[WmAx]

Yes yes, I know. General broad questions are a no-no.

What driver would you pick, without regard to size and build specifications, if you are looking for the absolute best SQ? Brand/line is fine.

If you've got a specific size that you would prefer, shoot. I'm moreso interested in someone's opinion of, for example, why they prefer a JLA W7 over an Infinity KapPerf. Or vice versa of course.

I feel like a sub discussion, so discuss!

One can't just answer your question. It does not worth that way. There is no single 'best' driver to use, universally. It comes down the best driver for the target objective. You have to specify your desired bass system(ported, sealed, etc.), then specify desired SPL, maximum power available, size parameters for the enclosure that are acceptable, etc..

In your JL W7 vs. Kappa Perfect example, it depends....

In sealed application, the much longer linear stroke and much higher thermal power handling of the W7 makes it superior for small sealed applications. The Kappa Perfect driver's linear stroke limits and power handling limits make it unsuitable for 20-25Hz extension with any substantial SPL in a sealed application. But in a ported application, the Kappa Perfect can offer the same performance/fidelity up to a point(of SPL). The W7 driver could have higher SPL in the ported alignment as compared to the Kappa Perfect. But within the general SPL capability of the Kappa Perfect, it will have nearly ideal SQ. So the W7 would only be 'better' if you need higher SPL. But keep in mind the Kappa Perfect in the proper ported system while powered by a sufficient amplifier will produce relatively high SPL compared to the overwhelming majority of retail 12" subwoofers. At least 2x the SPL in most cases. More in many cases. Most commercial subwoofers (even higher priced ones) have surprisingly poor performance and poor design and typically use what seems to be mediocre drivers. At least, the last sentence is true when compared to a well designed DIY subwoofer of moderate cost such as the DIY Kappa Perfect design popular on this site.

-Chris

 

[Nemo128]

That's actually more like what I wanted. And of course your own preferences.

Some n00bs, like myself, only know what they want as a description. All those finer details require some educating and explanation. Me, all I know is I want the deepest, cleanest bass possible. I don't know how to get there. =)

 

[WmAx]

That's actually more like what I wanted. And of course your own preferences.

Some n00bs, like myself, only know what they want as a description. All those finer details require some educating and explanation. Me, all I know is I want the deepest, cleanest bass possible. I don't know how to get there. =)

Well, if you are looking for specific recommendations, provide the following information:

-Budget
-Size Limits
-Desired Frequency Extension
-Room Size (Is the room mostly closed? Or does it have large opening/throughways to the rest of house?)
-Will sub be corner loaded?
-Desired SPL
-Frequency you will cross over to main speakers(specify your brand/model of main L and R speakers)?
-Is music reproduction critical? Or is this primarily for HT?

-Chris

 

[lsiberian]

I think the law of diminishing returns applies here. Could you do better than a perfect build or jbl build? Probably, but would it really be worth the effort? No. Every person has their point at which a better system won't make a real difference for them. There are a lot of things to spend money on. Often forgotten in building a Home Theater is good seating. A good seat can make all the difference in a home theater experience. I would rather be comfy then have better speakers.

 

[jamie2112]

I think the law of diminishing returns applies here. Could you do better than a perfect build or jbl build? Probably, but would it really be worth the effort? No. Every person has their point at which a better system won't make a real difference for them. There are a lot of things to spend money on. Often forgotten in building a Home Theater is good seating. A good seat can make all the difference in a home theater experience. I would rather be comfy then have better speakers.

What?????? You would rather have comfy seats than better speakers You my friend are not an Audioholic. You must be a lounge lizard.... I know you didn't really mean that did you????
Sorry for the hijack.....back on track.

 

[Matt34]

I think the law of diminishing returns applies here. Could you do better than a perfect build or jbl build? Probably, but would it really be worth the effort? No. Every person has their point at which a better system won't make a real difference for them. There are a lot of things to spend money on. Often forgotten in building a Home Theater is good seating. A good seat can make all the difference in a home theater experience. I would rather be comfy then have better speakers.

You do realize what website your on?

 

[WmAx]

I think the law of diminishing returns applies here. Could you do better than a perfect build or jbl build? Probably, but would it really be worth the effort? No.

You are not qualified to answer this last question for another person. Only a specific person can determine what they actually want.

If the person want 130dB at 15Hz, that's up to them, and the Kappa Perfect build won't be able to fulfill that objective.

And what if the Perfect build provides the ideal performance someone wants, but it's far too big? Then another (more costly) option is needed involving a very high stroke, highly linear driver with very high power handling in a small sealed cabinet.

-Chris