[kadijk]

A quick question for anyone in the know.

I there a fundamental difference between car audio and ht subwoofers? If so what is it? The application scenario is vastly different, but I don't know how that affects the construction of the actual driver. It's easier for a driver to create SPL in a small space like a car, so are they simply built less strong or able?
I've been wondering about this for some time now...

 

[mechman]

I think that there are a variety of differences. Car subs are built to handle different environmental issues - temp and humidity. Car subs are generally built for music. Therefore it is said that they don't have as flat of a response. Home theaters generally want something that goes all the way down to 20Hz or less even. Two different subs designed for two different source materials in completely different environments.

Keep in mind that this is my understanding of it and that I am no audio guru. There are much more knowledgeable folks here who will probably chime in soon and tell you that I'm either nuts or I hit the nail on the head. :T Hope that helps.

 

[Zeitgeist]

I could be wrong but I think that most sub drivers intended for HT use are resilient enough for use in cars these days..Most are meant to be dual purpose. I'm sure there are exceptions.

Id say that the biggest differences are the low sub 20hz extension and the fact that many HT drivers are meant for large enclosures. Im not sure if you'll really find a difference in SQL that often but there are definitely car drivers that are really just for max SPL and that's about it...

 

[bambino]

I could be wrong but I think that most sub drivers intended for HT use are resilient enough for use in cars these days..Most are meant to be dual purpose. I'm sure there are exceptions.

Id say that the biggest differences are the low sub 20hz extension and the fact that many HT drivers are meant for large enclosures. Im not sure if you'll really find a difference in SQL that often but there are definitely car drivers that are really just for max SPL and that's about it...

+1 :T

 

[Mike P.]

Car sub performance is based on the specific parameters, a lot of car subs do well in both car and home.

 

[tundraSQ]

car subs have the advantage of cabin gain, so they can be optimized for small box...high tune...and the car takes car of the low freq gain.

i have used many home subs in cars over the years and they work great....going the other way would depth on the specs of the driver as mike said.

 

[kadijk]

Thanks. Locally it seems there are high end car audio shops with drivers and parts for sale, sometimes at clearance pricing, but no one that specializes in HT gear aimed at self building. Thus the need to "cross over". Driver specs will determine what is applicable for HT.

 

[Guest]

As already mentioned, some can work for both. If you're not sure, you can model it out in WinISD or other programs.

Some car subs that are pretty much just meant for a car will generally have a higher Fs, the suggested enclosure will be sealed (for a smaller box). These are the kind of subs that need the cars cabin gain. Another dead give away is DVC with duel 4ohm. It can only be wired for 2 or 8ohm, and I've only seen car amps that are 2ohm stable and the sub was most likely made only for that market.

I do have a friend who used a car sub (don't remember the model) for a HT and it works well.

I'm not really in the market at the moment, I have the sub I want, and a few that I need to build.. Anyway, I saw this, and I haven't modeled it, but it looks like it would make a sick compact HT sub for anyone wanting something small. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=293-657

It's under the car audio section, but it has a low Fs and Qts and would work with a 4ohm plate amp.

Here is an example of a sub that looks like it would only work in a car. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=290-704 High Fs, can be used in a tiny box.