Is there any noticable difference in the sound produced by these two types of drivers, and if so, how would you describe the difference?

Here's a "hypothetical" situation. Let's say you start with a driver like the JBL 2235, which a lot of you have agreed is a pretty decent cone. Would you cross it low, at say 200Hz to a cone midrange, or would you cross it a little higher at 800Hz, with a 2" compression like the JBL 2445?

I'm found a lot of arguments on this board for the cone midrange, but there must be some merit to the 2" compression.

thanks,
Gar.

Just some thoughts.

Adam

I would take a shot at maybe a 500hz compression/horn as an alternative if I want to hit a bit of that lower freq with the mid. I do enjoy many variations of mid horns that Xover in the 500 - 800hz range, so I could probably be a 'registered' biased person...

Some say stay away from 315 to 2500, so the cone makes more sense than the compression.

But other readings say vocal fundalmentals starts at 80 and is pretty much finished by 1200. If that's the case, wouldn't the crossover point of a cone midrange be smack-dap in the middle of the vocal funalmentals and the higher crossover point of a compression make more sense?

Gar.

Gar.

Medium sized cone midrange drivers are generally up to the task. There are also large-format midrange compression drivers, such as the Community M4, which uses a fairly large diaphragm. It has an advantage of having a diaphragm that is shaped so that a phase plug is fitted nicely. The diaphragm is also very strong.

Modern 1" and 2" throat compression drivers are not designed to cover the fundamental vocal range. They just aren't made for that. Small 1" and 2" throat compression drivers are really tweeters, and best suited for use at frequencies above the vocal fundamentals. Some can be crossed right at the top edge of this range, but they're really designed for the vocal overtones and above.

1) compression
2) cone
3) cone with horn.

I picked up the PHL 6.5 inch 1660 and used it without a horn. There is a large difference is power required at 97 SPL for the PHL 6.5 compared to the 105 for the Eminence top horn. With a conical horn mounted the PHL is actually a little stronger than the Eminence horn. It's very close though, therefore easier to balance. I found the sound stage better defined with just the cone though.

Power is not a concern for me since my house can shake all night with any of these options.

Someone's bound to say it sooner or later. Different people like different sounds. It's too bad it isn't easier to get together for a "sound-off". Lima was about as close to that as I've gotten. Cheers to Mike if his ears are on. They were good events.

Hearing is believing.

Grant.