Matching Replacement Woofers


Here's a question that will betray my complete ignorance of physics, electricity and quite possibly everything else that matters in the world.

I recently purchased a pair of speakers, only to find one has a blown woofer. Unfortunately, the speaker company is out of business, so a replacement is not available. I would like to replace the woofer, and assume it would be best to replace its mate in the other speaker as well, so the two speakers will sound similar. However, assuming - and this is where my stupidity shows up - that in any speaker system the sensitivity of the woofer must be matched with the other drivers (midrange, tweeter) so they have a cohesive sound, how can I know whether a replacement woofer will have a similar enough dynamic output to the woofer its replacing to pair well with the other drivers? If that question makes sense to anyone but me, I'd appreciate hearing how best to select replacement woofers for consistency in tone (a pipedream, I'm sure!) and most importantly, dynamic output. Also, in terms of frequency range, is there a significant difference between good quality bass drivers of the same dimension, or is frequency range more a function of cabinet design? Thanks much!
128x128balthus

Showing 3 responses by rodman99999

Unfortunately- ALL reconers use Waldom Electronics parts with which to recone woofers(unless they are a warranty repair service for the driver in question). The chances of their using a voicecoil, spider and cone combination that would actually match(or come close to) the Thiele/Small parameters(even simply the efficiency) of the original are slim to none. Many manufacturers have built systems, using drivers from suppliers such as Audax, Peerless, SEAS, KEF, Eminence, Rola, etc. and IF there is any info of the woofer's magnet or frame(usually numeric); you might be able to still get an exact match. Contact either Millersound(http://www.millersound.net/indexfl.htm) or Madisound(http://www.madisound.com/) with whatever info you find, and inquire.
Mr T- Because Waldom is the only manufacturer of reconing parts, outside of the companies that distribute kits to their warranty stations(mostly just for pro drivers; ie: Gauss Cetec, JBL, EV, Altec, etc.). At least; that's the way it was when I had my shoppe. As far as I know; no one else has ever given Waldom any reconing parts supply competition, at least in this country. Then again- it's been a while.
Mr B- In the initial post, it sounded like the manufacturer of the speaker system was out of business. Then too: I doubt many would blame the company for abuse that the system suffered at the owner's hands, as most woofers are blown/damaged by being overdriven. Either way: mentioning the company's name would hardly affect their status in the audio community. As Mr. G suggests; if we knew the brand/model of the system; there's an excellent chance that someone in here could help find a solution.