Subwoofer measuring techniques

[Schadenfroh]

What is the proper way to measure a subwoofer's size (IE 12" versus 10"), is it rim to rim or cone to cone?

The Subwoofer in my home theater system went out and I am looking for ways to save some money by using the existing enclosure. I am looking at a car stereo subwoofer to use in its place, is this a bad idea?

Looking at this car stereo speaker to replace my dead home subwoofer (do not mind modifying the enclosure).

Thanks

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
What is the proper way to measure a subwoofer's size (IE 12" versus 10"), is it rim to rim or cone to cone?

The Subwoofer in my home theater system went out and I am looking for ways to save some money by using the existing enclosure. I am looking at a car stereo subwoofer to use in its place, is this a bad idea?

Looking at this car stereo speaker to replace my dead home subwoofer (do not mind modifying the enclosure).

Thanks

The normal way to measure a driver is from just inside the surround(rubber or other material surrounding the cone) to just inside the surround on the other side.

However, this really isn't a critical measurement. The more useful measurement is the radiating area of the cone which takes a bit more work to measure yourself. However, the manufacturer often provides this.

 

[erwos]

You have to remember that car stereo subwoofers and home theater subwoofers are made for entirely different spaces. Google for "cabin gain".

 

[vi edit]

Like these guys have said, it's not a simple drag and drop solution. There are MANY factors that go into what makes a good sounding sub.

It would help if you could start with what your existing sub is.

I've spent the last 2 months digging through the specs and fundamentals of sub building and put about 20 hours so far into building my own. Should wrap things up this weekend.

 

[Slick5150]

Another question is what you primarily use it for? Movies? Music? % of each?

 

[jtvang125]

Subs whether for home or car are measured from edge to edge. So a 10" sub will be a full 10" in diameter. Of course the mounting hole is going to be smaller and this varies between manufacturers.

Like others have mentioned it's a bit more complicated than just dropping in a new sub. Most HT subs are ported and this complicates things even more because a port is designed to match a particular sub. It can sound terrible to okay depending on the sub.

I have tried using car subs on my HT before. It was 2 10" in a sealed enclosure with about 300w going to them. They sounded pretty good but you will have to place it in a corner for it to sound good unlike a HT sub where you can place it just about anywhere and it'll sound good.