06/10/2026
In our ongoing quest to demystify the technical considerations regarding subwoofer performance, in order to illuminate the fundamental tradeoffs in loudspeaker design, as well as reveal examples of hyperbolic “Marketing” specs, we will continue to share relevant Klippel test data, to showcase what sets Audiomobile apart from other brands — which we feel is in the interest of the enthusiast audio community.
Having previously revealed that a couple of highly-regarded, $800 - $900 ‘thin’ subwoofers, which both use similar, large voice coil designs, however each failed to meet their rated Xmax specifications, as neither managed to exceed the modest 10 - 11mm Xmax threshold. To help contrast those, we wanted to offer some additional evidence, of other, even more expensive ‘thin’ drivers, to illustrate the reality that drivers designed to minimize depth (2” - 3”), at all costs, will inherently suffer from very serious compromises, one way or the other.
These two drivers each employ premium, Neo motors, but use radically different topologies, yet feature very similar ‘motor-force,’ as well as identical 400W power-handling. With an average cost in excess of $1,200, it’s clear they too opted to follow the dubious path of minimal mounting depth, while sacrificing THE two most crucial subwoofer performance factors; power-handing and linear Xmax. This type of tradeoff is something we cannot abide, as very few applications actually demand that degree of installation compromise. This is especially true when the drivers lack the other critical elements, and thus require a larger enclosure, effectively making the slim mounting depth factor irrelevant.
We trust you will find this info and data useful, as a powerful reference in making informed decisions, as you sort-thru what makes the most sense, in order to fully satisfy your individual bass desires. It’s also worth noting that a 40% Xmax delta (11.9 mm vs 8.5 mm), between two similar size drivers — like our ‘GT2’ series, will produce a substantial and very audible difference.
As Audiomobile exclusively designs and produces unique, low-profile, high-performance drivers, we intimately understand these core tradeoffs like few others, and thus will never produce any product which fails to meet our expectations and standards. As the maxim goes — “Speed costs money… How ‘fast’ do YOU want to go?”
