Bass Driver Size - how much better is an extra inch?


Have older b&w speakers and bass drivers are 7 inches vs 804 d3 speakers that are 6 1/2.

the larger drivers seem to really open the sound stage, more open and less constrained.  Imaging of older speakers not as good but a very enjoyable listen.
Not sure why driver sizes tend to be smaller these days unless you pay a lot more.  Hear that most consumers want more compact mains so drivers are smaller.  Kinda sad.
emergingsoul
Bigger definitely will open it up more. Although there is much to be said for stroke, frequency, and duration. Especially duration. The longer the session the more it opens things up and the less constrained they get.
There is no replacement for displacement. Axiomatic in the car world, and as well should be for producing bass.

Of course, on both fronts there ARE replacements for displacement. But slapping on a turbo or just increasing xmax isn't a true replacement Hence the non-linear price increases for well executed power at smaller displacements.