When choosing a subwoofer driver, there are two important factors to consider: cone material and size. Both of these factors have a significant impact on the sound quality of your subwoofer, so it’s important to choose the right driver for your needs.
Cone material
Subwoofer cones are made from a variety of materials, including paper, polypropylene, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
- Paper: Paper cones are the most common type of subwoofer cone. They are relatively inexpensive and produce a warm, natural sound. However, paper cones are not as stiff as other materials, so they can be more prone to distortion at high volumes.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene cones are more stiff than paper cones, so they can produce higher output levels with less distortion. They also have a wider frequency response, meaning they can reproduce both low and high frequencies more accurately. However, polypropylene cones can be more expensive than paper cones.
- Kevlar: Kevlar cones are the stiffest and most durable type of subwoofer cone. They can produce extremely high output levels with very little distortion. However, Kevlar cones can be very expensive.
- Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber cones are the lightest and stiffest type of subwoofer cone. They can produce even higher output levels than Kevlar cones with even less distortion. However, carbon fiber cones are also the most expensive type of subwoofer cone.
Cone size
Subwoofer cones come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6 inches to 18 inches. The size of the cone has a significant impact on the low frequency response of the subwoofer. Larger cones can reproduce lower frequencies than smaller cones.
However, it’s important to note that larger cones are also more difficult to control. This means that they can be more prone to distortion at high volumes. It’s also important to make sure that your subwoofer enclosure is large enough to accommodate the size of the cone.
Choosing the right subwoofer driver
The best subwoofer driver for you will depend on your budget, your needs, and your listening preferences. If you’re looking for a subwoofer that produces a warm, natural sound and doesn’t break the bank, then a paper cone subwoofer is a good option. If you’re looking for a subwoofer that can produce high output levels with low distortion, then a polypropylene or Kevlar cone subwoofer is a better choice. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality and don’t mind spending a bit more money, then a carbon fiber cone subwoofer is the way to go.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right subwoofer driver:
- Consider the size of your subwoofer enclosure. Make sure that the driver you choose will fit comfortably in the enclosure.
- Consider your listening preferences. Do you prefer a warm, natural sound or a more aggressive sound?
- Consider your budget. Subwoofer drivers can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the right subwoofer driver for your needs.
