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Speaker driver sizes - pros and cons

Hello All,
While in search for a good full range speaker driver for my system(DIY). I have come across different driver sizes from 4 inch to 12 inch.  My question is, what are the pros and cons of 3-4" inch Full range driver vs 12 "inch ones in terms of realism, pinpointing imaging, soundstage,lows etc. Some claim big drivers highs can never sound as sharp, clear, pinpointing to small full range drivers.

rockymystic
erik_squires
16,021 posts
 
Hi OP,

The forum at DIYAudio.com is a MUCH better place for this type of question. You'll find experts there on a range of subjects related to speaker and driver design and construction. 

Best,

Erik
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
To start with, the (3) 4 inch drivers will have about 1/3 of the surface area of a 12 inch driver. If you want surface area to be approximately the same, it will take (9) 4 inch drivers to be equivalent to a single 12 inch.
rockymystic OP
5 posts
 
Thanks Erik, have posted the question there too.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Depends on what brand and composition of the drivers used as well as the xover and cabinet design.So size of the drivers are a very small part of a total design.
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