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GRS 4FR-8 vs TC9FD18-08 vs W3-881SJ
Anybody that has heard or worked with these 3 drivers, how do they compare sound wise and implementing them in a speaker?
Thanks in advance.
Comments
Only heard of the TC-9; I think Zaph Audio tested it and liked it.
It's reportedly very nice although not the most efficient driver. There's a long thread on DIY Audio about an RS225/Scan-Speak "WAW/FAST project, for which some people substituted the Vifa and were very pleased with the sound.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/10f-8424-rs225-8-fast-waw-ref-monitor.273524/page-206#post-7636720
Comments along the lines of '90% of the sound for 30% of the price'. Someone on stereonet au used it sealed with a SB20pfc-8 with crossover at 600Hz and was very happy with the sound.
I'd guess that the Vifa sounds nicer than the GRS for not much more money?
Hope this helps
Geoff
I used the 4FR-8 in my Synergy Horn. The efficiency was not over 90 as listed. Sounded decent. I had more issues with the DCS165. The TC9 is great in every way and would be my choice if you can work with the frame. I sold my W3s I don't recall why.
I have never used the GRS or W3 but have used the TC9 several times and really like how it sounds. It measures very flat and has really low distortion. It's only down sides are its frame shape and its relatively low sensitivity. But at only $13.49 each you can use a pair in parallel and have good sensitivity. If you are using it as a pure midrange in a 3 way and let the woofer carry all of the baffle step loss then its sensitivity might not be an issue at all.
i made a small full range speakers with tc9fd18. used closed box and simple lcr filter. sound is very good for small full range. they need high pass and subwoofer for best expirience. low sensitivity.
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I can verify that the MTM here:
https://techtalk.parts-express.com/forum/tech-talk-forum/56923-any-crossover-posted-for-vifa-3-1-2-tc9fd-18-08-and-dayton-5-8-nd16fa-6?p=858123#post858123
And the Nola Brio Trio clones discussed here:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/need-help-building-open-baffle-bass-reflex-hybrid.299618/page-6
...sound pretty amazing for the investment. The other two drivers I can't recall seeing or hearing in person.
I tested the GRS at one point and did not find it lacking in any way. Hard to flush mount, and limited Xmax but for pure midrange use would probably be fine.