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Dual cone
A dual cone
speaker, sometimes also referred to
as a "full-range" speaker,
uses an inexpensive, efficient
design. The small
"whizzer" cone in the
center of the woofer reproduces high
frequencies, but not as well as a
separate tweeter |
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Dual magnet technology
High-energy
neodymium magnets and an advanced
repulsion magnetic circuit reproduce
high quality sound with a clear
midrange and solid bass response.
Featuring improved magnetic
circuitry, the four-layer voice coil
delivers powerful bass sound with
reduced loss of magnetic flux
density. The result is reproduction
of wide and dynamic sound with
greater power throughout the flat
frequency spectrum. |
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The pearl-mica
injection-moulded cone not only boasts an attractive
coloured cone surface, but also features extreme
rigidity to eliminate unnecessary resonance.
Efficiency or Sensitivity
An efficiency or sensitivity
rating tells you how effectively a speaker converts
power into sound. The higher the number, the more
efficient the speaker and the louder it will play
with the same input power. An efficient speaker
helps you maximize your available power.
Frequency Response
The range of frequencies the
speaker will reproduce (lowest frequency to the
highest). The wider the range, the better. Optimal
is 20 - 20,000 Hz, the range of human hearing.
Imaging
Imaging describes the extent to
which a stereo system reproduces the location of
instruments and vocalists as they were positioned
during recording and mixing (See also soundstage
below).
Good imaging creates a listening
experience that seems natural and lifelike. The key
to attaining the best possible imaging is equal and
unobstructed path lengths between your tweeters and
your ears. That's one of the reasons why matched
component speakers, with their versatile tweeter
placement, sound as good as they do.
Maximum RMS Power Handling
Maximum RMS Power Handling refers
to the amount of power a speaker can handle on a
continuous basis.
Midrange Speaker
A tweeter-less speaker (ranging
in size from 3-1/2" to 6-3/4") dedicated
to the reproduction of midrange frequencies. They
are used in systems in which the low, midrange, and
high frequencies are amplified separately.
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PBO
Designed
specifically for the deliver of
extra-high power of up to 1,000W,
the dB+ type woofer employs a PBO
cone diaphragm that features faster
propagation speed and excellent
internal loss as well as greater
stability. The rubber surround and
rigid basket further enhance
stability while the spiralvented
pole piece and AFC spider greatly
improve linearity and efficiency.
The same design
concept is also applied to the new
full range speakers,
and
both employ this awesome PBO cone
diaphragm. They also feature an
aluminum bobbin voice coil to
effectively suppress unwanted
resonance while improving heat
radiation. With the new dB+ Series
of full-range speakers, you can
easily bring the experience of
high-quality "true" bass
into your car. |
Speaker systems employing 'PBO' type
cones give the widest frequency
response
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Peak Power Handling
Peak power handling refers to the
amount of power a speaker can handle during a brief
musical burst.
Separates or Matched Components
Separates use a superior speaker
design to give you the best possible sound. A
typical separates system includes a separate woofer,
tweeter, and external crossover, all of which are
designed to work smoothly with one another.
Generally, these components are made of better
materials than their two-and three-way cousins.
Separate woofers may be easier to
mount in tight places because tweeter protrusion is
not a factor. The separate tweeters allow
positioning for optimum imaging. Given adequate
power, separates deliver phenomenal dynamics and
detail.
Soundstage
Individual vocal and instrumental
"images" make up your stereo system's
soundstage. The better the soundstage, the greater
the sense of its definite width, depth and height.
See also imaging above.
Sub / Subwoofer
see 'Woofer' below
Surround
The surround is the flexible ring
around the edge of the woofer cone. Good ones are
pliable enough to let the woofer cone travel freely
in and out. The further the cone can travel, the
stronger the bass. Surrounds are usually made of
cloth, foam or rubber. Rubber tends to last longest.
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Three-way speakers
Three-way, or
triaxial speakers take the separate
woofer and tweeter from a two-way
design and add a midrange driver for
enhanced warmth and texture. The
extra high-frequency energy also
boosts overall sensitivity. |
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This
three-way Kenwood full-range speaker
features a separate woofer,
midrange, and tweeter for improved
clarity and detail in the bass,
midrange, and high registers. |
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Tweeter
Your highs are
reproduced by the tweeter, the small
speaker perched inside the woofer
cone. Cone tweeters are efficient
and the most economical. Dome
tweeters, the type found in most
home speakers, sound smoother and
more accurate. Some domes are made
of metals like titanium for extended
high frequency response. Others are
made of a fine cloth like silk for a
smoother sound. Some are made from a
combination of materials. |
Two-way speakers
Your music's high frequencies are
reproduced accurately by two-way, or coaxial,
designs. These speakers use a separate tweeter to
deliver high frequency reproduction that surpasses
that of dual-cone models. This tweeter, usually a
cone or a dome, is perched inside the woofer.
Voice coil
The voice coil is the coil of
wire in a loudspeaker that creates a magnetic field.
With the help of other speaker components, the voice
coil converts electrical signals into mechanical
energy which is used to produce sound. The voice
coil former is the part of the speaker around which
the voice coil is wound. Many of the speakers on
this site offer a heat-resistant voice coil to
prolong speaker life.
Woofer
Your bass and lower midrange are
reproduced by the woofer, the speaker's big cone. To
operate efficiently, a cone should be made of
material that is stiff, yet lightweight. Cones made
of polypropylene, or poly mixed with other
materials, provide excellent sound, and stand up to
the heat, cold and moisture that car speakers face
daily. Paper cones treated for moisture resistance
also do a great job, and are usually very efficient. |
