Soft dome v paper cone midrange.

[RMutt]

Assuming both are sealed back design, the crossover sends the correct frequency to the driver and both have the same sensitivity, would the only difference be the 'type' of sound? Would there be other issues if a cone was swapped for a dome?

[sq225917]

Do you mean swap drivers or just cone material. There's much more to a driver than just sensitivity.

[RMutt]

Yes swop the driver. If it's handling the same frequency does it gave out the same frequency albeit with a different sound quality.

[hoopsontoast]

Short answer, there will be a big difference. (and not just in the sound presentation)
Senstivity, Impedence are the main issues, when dealing with a crossover, most other driver T/S parameters will also alter the response.
It will probably sound rubbish unless the crossover is optimised for all of the drivers, including the new midrange driver.
Are you thinking of changing some speakers, or just wondering?:)

[StanleyB]

There could easily be a difference of 3dB or more between the two types of material,with the paper cone being 'louder'. This would obviously affect the bass end of things. You can compensate for this a bit by removing some of the wool inside the box behind the driver. But that is a bit of a hit and miss situation without a signal analyser (and anechoic chamber..).

[RMutt]

Sorry yes forget to say assuming impedence would also be the same. Yes I am looking to possibly swop the driver. I think I have realised that I find the sound of paper cones a little too sssssy! I have been messing about with a pair of older Goodmans over in DIY and I may try this next. I needed to replace a midrange so I experimented trying to remove the sssss by rubbing silicone into the cone, I know it sounds crazy but I actually preferred the sound. Obviously it would be on the cheap so I could risk it.

[RMutt]

Hi StanleyB. Is that difference in loudness even if the sensitivities are said to be the same?

[hoopsontoast]

Whats the speakers, and the dome you are planning on replacing it with?
Not all paper cones sound the same, or maybe try a plastic coned driver, I have found they do all tend to be slightly more forgiving than any paper cones.

[RMutt]

Hi Rob. Glad you have not given up on me after I confessed to the silicone treatment! They really did sound better but had to be replaced with a similar set of paper coned 5" Goodmans mids because one was vibrating at one frequency, hence my being able to experiment on a set that were to be discarded anyway. The speakers do sound fantastic but for that persistent ssssss, certainly better than my modern Mordaunt Shorts.