does headphone driver size matter?

[l0cke]

i am looking at two pairs of headphones and want to know if there will be a big difference between one pair that is 42mm drivers and one that has 50mm. the 42mm one looks better and comfyer so i want to get that, but not if it will make that big of a difference.

 

[PurdueRy]

It theoretically could go lower...but with headphones being a closed environment(around the ear) its not the biggest deal.

 

[NucEm]

The short answer is yes. I have the Sony MDR-V600 with a 40mm driver and a Sony MDR-V900 with a 50mm driver and there is a difference in the sound between them. I like the MDR-V900's better...a lot better. There maybe other design issues that may contribute between the 2 models.

Personal opinion, is to try the ones you're looking at using the same source and up stream electronics if possible.

 

[alcoholbob]

With a bigger driver you are probably trading higher frequency performance for better mids and lows.

 

[l0cke]

ok i'll probally be going with the 42mm just because they look comfyer (sp?). I want to waer these for long periods of time. And it they sound like crap i'll get the 50mm versions instead.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: l0cke
ok i'll probally be going with the 42mm just because they look comfyer (sp?). I want to waer these for long periods of time. And it they sound like crap i'll get the 50mm versions instead.

which ones?

 

[KeepItRed]

30mm sounds very nice, anything over that should be amazing.

 

[alcoholbob]

Size isn't the only thing. The material (stiffness) is also very important, as well as the strength of the magnets to absorb backwaves and resonance.