Neither the largest nor a true driver

Speaker Asylum

General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

In Reply to: World's Largest Subwoofer Driver? posted by thetubeguy1954 on July 28, 2008 at 12:42:03:

That MTX driver has become a legend, but not for the reasons one expect of a subwoofer driver. Underneath that orange cowl is supposed to be a fairly conventional DC motor, not a voice coil, that was only capable of one frequency at one level for less than a quarter-second of operation. Word has it that the first DB drag race it was shown at (competitions to see who can make the loudest one note, fraction of a second burst) it only achieved an unofficial 166dB inside the van (comparable to other's more extreme attempts) for one very brief burst before the plywood cone disintegrated.

If you want what is truly the world's largest single subwoofer driver that was capable of actual musical performance, then look to the Diatone (Mitsubishi) D-160. Built for the 1985 Tsukuba Science Exposition as a proof of technology the 160CM/1.6M/63" driver claimed the title of largest driver and when powered by its associated 3kW amplifier showed quality bass performance that was flat to 8Hz.

With the relative success of this demonstration piece, the folks a Diatone decided to make a compact version that was only half the size, the D-80. You can see how "tiny" this driver was when pictured next to an adult woman:

Briefly, this subwoofer was made commercially available in 1988 as the D-80M making it, as far as I know, the largest conventional subwoofer driver that anyone could purchase domestically (and professionally with the D-80S), ever.

Were I a rich man, I'd love to get my hands on a stereo pair if only for the novelty.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Sonic Craft

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - World's Largest Subwoofer Driver? - thetubeguy1954 12:42:03 07/28/08 (5)

Neither the largest nor a true driver - jpvs 10:05:32 07/29/08 (0)

Here's an interesting alternative: - sherod 19:35:18 07/28/08 (0)

After listening to their smaller sub's. - GTF 13:17:44 07/28/08 (2)

actually.... - Presto 14:31:39 07/28/08 (1)

Here, Here. I have a JBL 1220 12" Car subwoofer in a home cabinet - fin1bxn@msn.com 15:18:54 07/28/08 (0)

Follow Ups

Neither the largest nor a true driver - jpvs 10:05:32 07/29/08 (0)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.