High Performance Loudspeaker Drivers

There's an unprecedented variety of high-quality raw loudspeaker drivers available, but how much should
you spend, and where do you start? More importantly, will the difference be audible? There is a lot of
opinion and wisdom out there about what constitutes the most accurate sound reproduction. Of course,
accuracy isn’t the only criterion, since human beings are listening to be entertained, and that involves
priorities; maybe extended treble, more presence in the midrange, or more prominent bass. None of these
are synonymous with inaccuracy, simply taste. There are lots of paths to this grail of seemingly contradictory
goals, as evidenced by relentless driver innovation. Here are some of the cone materials and constructions
alone; sliced paper, carbon fiber/paper, Kevlar, polypropylene, aluminum, Nomex, textured hard paper,
sandwich or honeycomb, coated and treated paper, fiberglass, wood fiber and mineral-filled polypropylene,
and this list is incomplete. We’ve moved away from only cone tweeters and midranges, though, to dome
and planar or ribbon drivers. There are treated fabric soft domes and aluminum, titanium and beryllium metal
domes just to name a few. The advantage with planar or ribbon tweeters and midranges by Bohlender-Graebener,
Hi-Vi Research, Aurum Cantus and Dayton is the extremely low mass of the material that the conductive
wires are bonded to, resulting in almost ideal transient response, without the drawbacks of electrostatic
drivers Logic, and measurement, dictates that all these materials aren’t going to produce the same result.
The subjective contentions range from the “natural” sound of paper (is that the blurring from bleed thru?),
the analytical properties of metals (despite the lack of damping), the damped properties of polypropylene
(too damped?), and on and on. But, what of it. Isn’t the pursuit as interesting as the result? The nice thing
about being a hobbyist is that you’re only answerable to your own taste in your own environment, and within
your own budget. One of the most respected voices in the industry, David Weems, says in essence,
“don’t sweat it” (my quote, not his). Take all the measurements and precautions, devote the time and enjoy
the result. Fortunately, some of the best sound and build quality around is available from some of the most
economical drivers. Be sure to visit the Project Showcase to see what other hobbyists have done with
different combinations of drivers.Click on the driver images or manufacturer logos to investigate their
outstanding products.
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