JD
Well-Known Member
I would add that the system also depends on if you are augmenting vocals only, or need full range for music reproduction. A 10 inch driver will be more responsive in the vocal frequencies (400Hz to 1kHz) as there is less cone mass. However, a 10 inch driver will produce a greater amount of intermodulation distortion if you are pumping it full range. IM distortion is created when the diaphragm moves to produce a lower frequency, imposing a Doppler effect on other frequencies the speaker may be reproducing. A smaller diaphragm will need to move a greater distance to produce a given low frequency then a larger one. This is also why you end up with 3 and 4 way systems. A good compromise might be to use the 10 inch drivers, but cut lows below 150Hz and add subs with larger drivers below 150Hz, IF you need full range for music.
I should also add that low frequencies are pretty omnidirectional so there is not the "sound image" problem with the location of subs that there is with your higher range speakers. This allows for odd placement of the subs with little to no ill effect.
I should also add that low frequencies are pretty omnidirectional so there is not the "sound image" problem with the location of subs that there is with your higher range speakers. This allows for odd placement of the subs with little to no ill effect.
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