Cone & surround material question

Discussion in 'Car Subwoofers' started by Promodmerc, Aug 24, 2011.

  1. Promodmerc

    Promodmerc Full Member

    I'm a assuming a poly type cone material is better than a paper cone. Are there advantages to one or the other?

    For the surround I assume rubber is better than foam as I know foam will deteriorate fairly rapidly where as rubber takes much longer to do so.

    Since I'm shopping for a new sub I'd like to know what to look for.

    The reason I was interested in the MA Audio MA10QS I asked about earlier is because it has a rubber surround but it has a paper cone.
     
  2. TheViking

    TheViking Well-Known Member

    Cone material in a sub makes little difference as far as sound...in my opinion. same with surrounds. Its all about moving air. But you are correct in your thoughts as far as lngevity goes, and the mobile enviorment is rather harsh on drivers.... Now, on midbass and highs, these factors can effect SQ in different ways....
     
  3. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    On all the subs I build, I use a thick paper cone or aluminum. Foam or rubber doesnt usually bother me. All my high roll surrounds are rubber though. You just really dont want that cone flexing. Its lost energy!
     
  4. TheViking

    TheViking Well-Known Member

    kevlar or similiar material in the cone will make it tuff as nails. i AM NOT A FAN OF POLYPROPYLENE, nor do i like straight paper....i have seen the best SQ and SPL out of paper cones with reinforcement from carbon fibre or kevlar...just my 2 cents...
     
  5. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    Ya, kevlar would be good too. Also honeycomb nomex cones are badass. They are only used on TC Sounds subs though. You can get them from a parts source though.
     
  6. shriver187

    shriver187 Full Member

    to me poly cones have a funny kinda pop sound and paper cones seem to sound more natural.. i like paper pulp or paper kevlar cones.. and the new foam surrounds will last forever the way they are made.. and i think alot more subs use foam now cuz its lighter and easier to move.. not sure though