SUPERTEST - 8 Diy Full Range Speakers That Will Blow Your Mind!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE 😄👍 Amazing Op Amps - virtualhifi.com/products/supersonic-v1-op-amp For stunning revolutionary 3-way speakers visit - qualioaudio.com

[@hamzatatta952]

A friend said that the cube is the best full range there is so one day that will be my next one , there are so many makes out there

[@johncallaghan3097]

Really well recorded demo -- much appreciated. I prefer the continuous track recording as at the beginning. BTW, could you possibly tell me what version of the air on the G string that was -- it was divine, even over KZbin. I simply have to get it if I can. Incidentally, my favourite driver was the pluvia -- seemed more open than the others. Also, you indicate that these are DIY speakers -- but where can they be found on the Web? Couldn't find them on the Cube/Qualio Audio site.

[@hollaadieewaldfeee]

Speakers have an image size. Different speakers have different image sizes. The majority of stereo signals are found on both channels, i.e. "mono". If speakers are placed too far apart, the sound image is torn apart. I recommend placing your speakers about 50 cm (center-center) apart and listening for a while. Then at some point place the speakers 60 cm apart. Then at some point 70 cm. And so on, until the sound image torn apart... Don't forget to move speakers back until they play together again now;-) With compact speakers, this distance is far less than one meter, with really large floorstanding speakers very rarely more than 1.5 meters. Angulation: often so that the outer side walls of the boxes are visible. Distance to the rear wall: when bass and fundamental engage.

[@keplermission4947]

Hi Virtual, you know the speaker on the screen at the back never changes and you know this test assumes that all these speakers have the same box T/S volume, so the one actually designed for your single box will sound best but you know, you're just coming across as ignorant and a person with money and just a time waster. The video is terrible, you're not giving the amplifier used either. It's pathetic.

[@craigenputtock]

Now this is the way speaker comparisons should be done!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks ;)

[@vasyapupken]

nope. there must be parts of original track (level matched) between speaker samples. otherwise what's a point of comparison.

[@RU-yo6hf]

Exactly, finally a proper comparison. I was tired of watching so many reviewers just talking nonstop without demo. Thank you. I'll only subscribe to such demos from now on.

[@zoroluva]

OMG your effort is commendable I'm sure this was a monster to set up and shoot. My preference is the same 10s clip repeated 8x. My rankings: Best: MarkAudio Pluvia, MarkAudio Gen 3, TB W4-2124. Worst: Visaton FR10 and MarkAudio ChN70. Rest of them are bunched up together in the middle. Thank you a ton for this one!

[@Gersberms]

What a fantastic video. The Mark Audio Pluvia is especially impressive! Playing a continuous song with alternating speakers was the easiest way for me to hear the difference because there are no breaks. The differences stand out immediately.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much for your feedback ;) I like the continuous tracks as well 🙂

[@yinjun-of3xm]

Yes, people's memory of sounds is very short, and it is easy to find out the differences in sounds by playing them alternately. Especially if there isn’t much difference in speaker sound. Unless the quality of these speakers is very different.

[@anatolygrishin4234]

But their CHR speaker is dreck.

[@NoneYaBiz200]

Sample 1 0:15 Visaton B100 0:25 Fostex P1000K 0:35 Visaton FR10 8ohm 0:45 Mark Audio CHN70 0:55 Mark Audio Pluvia 1:05 Tang Band W4 1320 SIF 1:15 Tang Band W4 2142 1:25 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen3 Sample 2 5:35 Tang Band W4 2142 5:46 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen3 5:56 Visaton B100 6:06 Fostex P1000K 6:16 Visaton FR10 8ohm 6:26 Mark Audio CHN70 6:36 Mark Audio Pluvia 6:46 Tang Band W4 1320SIF Sample 3 9:13 Visaton B100 9:27 Fostex P1000k 9:40 Visaton FR10 8ohm 9:53 Mark Audio CHN70 10:07 Mark Audio Pluvia 10:20 Tang Band W4 1320SIF 10:34 Tang Band W4 2142 10:47 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen3 Sample 4 11:03 Visaton B100 11:12 Fostex P1000K 11:21 Visaton FR10 8ohm 11:31 Mark Audio CHN70 11:41 Mark Audio Pluvia 11:51 Tang Band W4 1320SIF 12:00 Tang Band W4 2142 12:10 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen3 Sample 5 12:20 Visaton B100 12:39 Fostex P1000k 12:57 Visaton FR10 8ohm 13:16 Mark Audio CHN70 13:35 Mark Audio Pluvia 13:53 Tang Band W4 1320SIP 14:13 Tang Band W4 2142 14:32 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen 3 Sample 6 14:51 Visaton B100 15:02 Fostex P1000K 15:14 Visaton FR10 8ohm 15:26 Mark Audio CHN70 15:37 Mark Audio Pluvia 15:49 Tang Band W4 1320SIF 16:01 Tang Band W4 2142 16:12 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen 3 Sample 7 16:24 Visaton B100 16:39 Fostex P1000K 16:53 Visaton FR10 8 ohm 17:08 Mark Audio CHN70 17:25 Mark Audio Pluvia 17:37 Tang Band W4 1320SIF 17:52 Tang Band W4 2142 18:06 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen 3 Sample 8 18:22 Visaton B100 18:41 Fostex P1000K 19:01 Visaton FR10 8 ohm 19:21 Mark Audio CHN70 19:39 Mark Audio Pluvia 19:58 Tang Band W4 1320SIF 20:18 Tang Band W4 2142 20:37 Mark Audio CHR70 Gen 3

[@1984nadrules]

Thank you so much. I'll try to put it as a part of the description and check if it will create chapters if you don't mind. Guys This is a true HERO 🎉🎉🎉

[@toddlee2571]

Now, this is the way to conduct a comparison video. I wouldn't change a thing. Excellently done, sir.

[@JoeJ-8282]

Vocals, especially female vocals, really bring out the nuances in speaker drivers like this and in this size range! I think vocals are an essential thing to include to evalute speakers, as voices, especially female voices, seem to have such a wide range of natural harmonics and layering that just basic musical instruments do not, but ultimately you want to use a wide variety of different musical styles when evaluating speakers, in order to see what all they can (and really can't) do well or best. Honestly, when I compare speakers I use a variety of tracks that I know really well, all different types of music, and I switch between doing one round of comparisons playing a track all the way through from beginning to end, then another round of comparisons using just a short identical sample of a specific song that really has something special or uniquely noticeable about it, but you have to do BOTH methods of comparison, that way you can get the best overall view of how each driver sounds in comparison to another one. Then once you've narrowed it down to ideally only the two "best" ones, then you can do an instant "A/B" comparison back and forth, over and over, between just those two, using whatever method you prefer, (or again using BOTH methods mentioned above), to see which driver is BEST OVERALL... And oftentimes, there ISN'T really a single definitive "perfect" driver of ANY size OR type, because each individual one will always be stronger and/or relatively weaker in each specific area of comparison, so you just have to pick the best overall sounding one, and then you can make additional sound tweaks using a crossover of some sort IF needed or desired... And drivers of this size usually only like playing frequencies above about 200Hz or so, because too much lower bass tends to mask or even distort the midrange clarity and/or the treble detail. And ideally, drivers of this size are probably "best" suited for use exclusively as midranges or possibly upper midranges in a larger 3 or more way speaker system, at least that's been my own personal best experiences with drivers around this size. I've been playing around with and experimenting with countless speakers and speaker designs to some degree since I was a young kid, always interested in details of sound, (I probably should have become a professional sound engineer!), and I'm 50 now, so I've heard and experienced a thing or three (million!), LOL! I've also found that as a general trend, JVC actually makes quite a few different models of REALLY great sounding drivers in or around this size, which they feature in quite a few of their smaller bookshelf speakers, of which can oftentimes even be found in your local THRIFT stores for about $1/inch of driver diameter, so pretty much a STEAL, because of their overall sound quality! Most JVC drivers around this size also seem to be built quite well, with larger than average magnets, usually polypropylene cones, and almost always a nice quality rubber surround, plus most of them look very nice too! I have actually used quite a few JVC drivers from super inexpensive (used thrift store deals) speakers to become midranges for a few larger multi-way speaker designs over the decades, with really great, extremely impressive, even totally surprising, (in an awesome way), results! So JVC drivers scavenged from relatively inexpensive used thrift store speakers can definitely be a decent place to start if you're on an extremely limited budget like I am! (Even moreso in my younger years!) Anyway, this was a very good video, and even though I really couldn't hear much of any difference between any of the drivers in the video while listening just through my cellphone speaker, (not surprising), I should go back through this and rewatch it in closer detail while listening through a good set of headphones instead, in order to see which driver(s) I liked best here... Not that I could probably actually afford to use any of these drivers brand new, but it would be interesting to hear the differences between them nonetheless.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much for the story and such a long comment. Great to read it and the 4" drivers arent very expensive so I'm sure you'll be able to get the best sounding ones :)

[@bypasser17]

Brilliant test. Mark Audio Pluvia seven A sounded very realistic IMO, first prize. I would place Visaton s100 second. I believe continuous playing and vocals are the best methods. Thank you a lot.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@navinadv]

Makes me wonder if the more expensive MAOP 7 would be worth the difference in cost

[@behappybevegan]

Amazing video. Must have taken up a whole lot of time. Thank you for that. Much appreciated. The only full range driver I've ever heard was the Fane Sovereign 12" in a cheap diy basreflez box. Frankly based on the looks and amp I was expecting a horrible sound but no... It sounded very open and direct. And it could do party mode. That system did have dual subwoofers so that helped quite a bit I think.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much for the comment and positive words. Yes full range drivers can be amazing and they are great entry level for anyone who is thinking about going into beautiful hobby of DIY ;)

[@66hats]

For me I liked Fostex P1000K first, then Visaton FR-10 second, Pluvia 7 HD third. The Fostex was the most musical. However they didn't blow my mind because they still lack the sparkle of a dedicated tweeter and the impact of a mid/subwoofer for bass. Please do a similar test for small 2.5" because those will have more high end, I think those will hit the sweet spot and have great imaging associated with one-way speakers, then we can add a subwoofer if required. Thanks

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing. I get your point. Theark audio metal cone like pluvia 7 hd do not need the tweeter, but the paper sound more organic so the compromise is there for sure. I'll try to do the 3" ones soon

[@66hats]

@@VirtualHiFi Thanks for replying, I've tried a few Mark Audio drivers with metal cones (not the Pluvia) and found them fatiguing for longer sessions? The 2.5" / 3" supertest is what I look forward to the most but please include Visaton FRS 7 XWP, Dayton Audio PC68-8, Mark Audio CHN-40 and Peerless Tymphany PLS-P830984. Thanks!

[@walterlori4799]

The winners are: Tang Band W4 2142 for studio applications and Mark Audio Pluvia for HiFi purpose. Walter Lori mix & mastering audio engineer.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing :) You might be right there ;

[@analogkid4557]

​@@LeroyJenkinsIII Same hear. I agree.

[@adamreynolds8270]

I like both visaton speakers and the 2142 by tang band. The mark audio speakers sounded pulled back

[@voltagetoe]

Quickly going through these with flat studio headphones. Winner = Tang Band W4-2142 (nice flat response, good imaging), Silver = Markaudio CHR-70 (many resonant peaks and many dips, weak image, mediocre clarity), Bronze = Markaudio PLUVIA-7HD (unclear and resonant lowend, bruteforced highs, clarity issues, distortion). This is a nice comparison video, doing individual drivers like this, awesome, thank you ! I think crossing out low frequencies (below 150-300hz) of these types of drivers is the way to go to minimize the inherent distortion.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your opinion. The W4 is the best TB in the test IMO, however one thing that recordings cant show that good is the soundstage and here the Pluvia is better. But on the other side Pluvia is a metal cone and you can hear the character in the sound. And Paper Markaudio need tweeter IMO so we go round and round ;)

[@jpjay1584]

@@VirtualHiFi how would you rate the Tangband W4 1320? and what speakerbox is best for it to make it sound nicer?

[@alberto3028]

Jazz: 09:13 Visaton B100 09:27 Fostex P1000K 09:40 Visaton FR10 09:53 Markaudio CHN-70 10:07 Markaudio Pluvia 7.2 HD 10:20 Tang Band W4-1320 SIF 10:34 Tang Band W4-2142 10:47 Markaudio CHR-70

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks

[@G4Nazarener]

I like the short sample comparison better than switching one song on different speakers!

[@alberto3028]

Dance: 05:35 Tang Band W4-2142 05:47 Markaudio CHR-70 05:56 Visaton B100 06:06 Fostex P1000K 06:17 Visaton FR10 06:26 Markaudio CHN-70 06:36 Markaudio Pluvia 7.2 HD 06:46 Tang Band W4-1320 SIF

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks

[@gigiboxa]

having mark audio chn 70 before the pluvia makes apreciate how nice pluvia sounds

[@alberto3028]

In my initial listen, I liked the 2142 and even the Visaton B100 more. However, after a thorough analysis and blind tests, letting myself focus on which sound conveys more and makes me feel, the 7.2 HD emerged as the winner.

[@VirtualHiFi]

I can agree. Okucia is the best bang for the buck and has the best overall sound balance

[@alberto3028]

Guitar: 18:21 Visaton B100 18:41 Fostex P1000K 19:00 Visaton FR10 19:20 Markaudio CHN-70 19:39 Markaudio Pluvia 7.2 HD 19:58 Tang Band W4-1320 SIF 20:18 Tang Band W4-2142 20:37 Markaudio CHR-70

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing ;)

[@trevorbartram5473]

Excellent comparison. Could you please provide the cabinet & port details (volume: liters, port dimensions)? Thanks!

[@bartoszkrawetkowski9003]

Great test! I admire your work. Same sample on every driver is best way of comparing so many drivers at once, in my opinion. My preference, to my suprise, were Mark Audio 7 Pluvia and CHR70. Thank you, Grzegorz!

[@JRadian]

Personally prefer the Tang Band W4-2142. Was also surprised how well the super cheap Visaton FR10 sounded.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Yes 2142 is very good and on the mellower side than Markaudio ones. But the cheap FR10 is a definite winner in a bang for buck category ;)

[@alberto3028]

Did you use headphones?

[@JoeJ-8282]

Song sample 5 was definitely my favorite! Who is that and what is the name of the track? I'm gonna have to look that one up myself and give it a listen in its entirety!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Can you point me exact time of this track :)

[@JoeJ-8282]

@@VirtualHiFi It's the female vocals at the point in the video where it says "sample 5" at the bottom of the screen.

[@simonhickie7589]

Best review of its type that I've seen on YT. The clear winner for me was the Markaudio Pluvia 7. It had midrange body that was lacking in some of the other units. The clear 'value leader' was the Visaton FR10 which is stupidly good for the money. Unlike many, I wasn't overly impressed with the Visaton B100 - too bright for my tastes. The Tang Band W4 1320SIF was tonally quite similar to the Pluvia 7, but ultimately sounded a little 'flat' in comparison. I actually have the TB 1320 drivers in a quarter wave enclosure serving as rear speakers in a home cinema system, and the 'flatness' is evident there too. As I'm looking for a pair of 4" drivers for mid/treble duties in an open baffle system, this review was particularly useful. Thanks!

[@VirtualHiFi]

thanks for your feedback. I have the same feeling and like the pluvial and alphair the most. basically clear 4"winners and the best in my opinion ;) happy that I could be helpful and hope that you enjoy your sound very much ;)

[@kevintan2221]

All the drivers tested in the same box? Surely the differing vas and other Thiele/Small perimeters would require different cabinet volumes, ported or sealed, no? 🤔

[@VirtualHiFi]

Yes you are right. The cabinets are around 3 liter bass reflex one and it's not optimal for all of the drivers at the same time. However I believe you can still hear the character of the sound of each of them. Its all about the time allocation balance. Not only it would take way to long to prepare separate cabinets for each driver but also microphone positioning most likely would also affect the sound. In my opinion it's the best small compromise and one can easily hear that foe example paper cone Markaudio sucks while the metal ones are definitely one of if not the best ;)

[@paulmarsh3375]

Well done on this comparison test, very helpful as most of us do not have these resources to do such a test. I would rate the win to Mark Audio Pluvia seven as they sounded very realistic. The Visaton s100 are fit for a second placing. Keep up the great work

[@Justwantahover]

I reckon shallow cones are sweeter than steep cones. I bought some $60 each Visation 4" FR drivers and they were as sour as schiit and they had really steep cones. I also had some $12 shallow cone 4" FR drivers and they were really sweet and way more top end treble! I also had other steep cone 8" coaxials that were sour.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing ;)

[@quant2011]

Do a test of 8inchers also. SEAS, Tangband, Mark, visaton and dayton (the one with 96dB claimed sens) and Sonido.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Will do some day in near future. First I have to do 3" drivers since I have around 15 of them lying around ;) Thank you for subscribing ;)

[@alberto3028]

Classical: 00:25 Fostex P1000K 00:35 Visaton FR10 00:45 Markaudio CHN-70 00:55 Markaudio Pluvia 7.2 HD 01:06 Tang Band W4-1320 SIF 01:15 Tang Band W4-2142 01:26 Markaudio CHR-70 01:36 Visaton B100

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks

[@jayeshk332]

Very much appreciated your effort to make such a great video. Among the series I prefer Tang Band W4 for flat response songs. Mark Audio Pluvia and CHR 70 are too nice sounding with bit more expression and sound stage, CHR is bit less by the cost. Awsome experience :).

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing and for your kind words ;)

[@Hog-g2z]

Good morning 🌅, that was a great test, Mark Audio, I am listening to your review on your 4” full Range Drivers, on my Transmission line loudspeaker cabinets, SEAS drivers 8” , 32m tweeter , 150w NAD ,

[@tofudeliverygt86]

The Pluvia and CRH70 excell but how do they compare to the mighty Alpair? I can't find any comparisons online.

[@Justwantahover]

Try this trick on FR drivers. Partially slit the cone right through with a razer blade like 3 mm from the voice coil tube. Make the partial cuts all around...but with gaps in the cuts so the cone won't fall apart. LIke 8mm cuts and 4mm gaps (that are not cut). Repeat the process, further out lIke 1cm out from the center as well. This is where it gets a bit complicated. Some FR drivers have whizzer cones and dust caps and some with dust caps only and some with phase plugs. I would tend to get rid of both the whizzer and dust cap and build a phase plug. But there is an art to removing dust caps and whizzers (without ripping the schiit out of them). The most difficult part! A skilful use of a razer blade helps! But you don't have to do it, you can retain both the dust cap and/or the whizzer! And just do the inner cuts on the dust cap and make the 1cm out cuts on the main cone or whizzer (or preferably both, maybe). Experiment. Well, how does it sound? Even better than tweeters, the warmest sweetest treble you ever heard, and you will be stuck to your system, addicted. The best treble in the world! And remarkably, it doesn't seem to affect the structure or make the bass any worse. It's still acting like a stiff ridged cone (and hard to even see). You can try it on cheapies, as low as $2 a piece on the internet. Mine are $8 jobs. 😅😅😅😅

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing. I know what you mean. You can do this trick with small FR-drivers for sure since small cone make it just a big twitter. Removing dust cups and adding phase plugs is great way to tune the speakers for sure. :)

[@jdfarkash]

You guys make great videos, thanks for this, very much appreciated

[@VirtualHiFi]

Glad you like them! Thank you very much for sharing your comment 😊

[@alberto3028]

What about Visaton FRS8 M? I know it's less than 4 inches; I have it, and it sounds excellent. Honestly, at a certain SPL, it starts to distort a bit, but the FR10 reminded me in terms of sonic signature. The highs are natural and not exaggerated with excellent transients. From what I can see, the Visaton B100 is on another level-no distortion and very natural. The Pluvia 7.2 HD has an overall excellent response from what I heard in the video. I think they're the best for classical music, although they have a somewhat peculiar EQ. It's hard to define; the highs are very detailed, but there are peaks across the spectrum that are present but don't quite resonate.

[@VirtualHiFi]

I'll do them soon in battle of 3" fuyllrange ;)

[@MrAlexandreazevedo]

I liked them all, they all are good quality but the one I think it's a little better than the rest is the Markaudio Pluvia 7.2 HD because the sound is a little more detailed and profound or more spatial.

[@alberto3028]

Truth be told, in the end, it's not just about having an analytical concept. The best test I did was listening to the videos of each speaker and letting myself be carried away by what I felt, without looking at the screen. The Pluvia 7.2 HD really took me somewhere else; I let myself be immersed in the listening experience, and that's what matters. All of this through audio recorded by a microphone and played back on headphones. But in the end, it seems these comparative tests do serve a purpose because similar conclusions are drawn without having heard them in person. Comparisons do work; without them, it's of little use. I advise you that for future comparisons, include the original track sample directly, without it playing through the speakers. I know the room and microphone come into play, and none will sound like the original, but it's a good comparison to assess the source and the other speakers.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Totally Agree comparisons have way more sense :)

[@aleksandrpotylko]

Is it Pluvia 7 or 7.2 on test?

[@veroman007]

There still could be massive unconscious bias. So many minutes into the listening experience your brain chemistry changes your emotions might change your expectations might change. I wish he would’ve showed the measurements

[@kjellrogerjgensen60]

I like Tang band w4-2142 for in near sounding openness in top and mid. Same goes for the two Mark audio's CHR-70(A)gen3, and CHN-70. I like the impression of openness and a fealing of presence. But after seweral listenings the pluvia are good at woises. They change depending on music material, some women woises, som mens woises.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Ithank you for your comment. There are many great choices. For mellow and warm preference Tang and and for openness detail and balance I'd go for pluvia /chr70

[@x999es]

Very interesting video, I have had many speaker design and ended up with 2 way standmount (Xavian XN250). I would like to try something with Mark Audio 4" but I don't know how about enclosure design. Your video has good sound, and would like to know the enclosure design you have used in this video. Regards!

[@devinosullivan7849]

Really cool comparison. Great job on the execution. I have the Pluvia HD and like them. Considering messing around with Visaton.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks. Okucia is awesome and probably best overall quality for the price.

[@jedi-mic]

My favourite is Mark audio C H R 70 gen3 Best balance out of all of them good bass clarity was good. Have you got a favourite? You can't really tell if you're not there!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your comment. Indeed both Markaudio Pluvia and CHR are in my top three. Imo TB w4-2142 is also very good if one is into paper / cellulose only. And a bang for a buck Visaton FR10 is very good as well ;)

[@kava365]

wow!!! i think the Pluvia is some steps beyond the others...at least through my sennheiser hd599

[@nikleiser5888]

I personally would remove the B100( very expensive, the FResonse goes as frequencies go up and in every other category similar to the best in this category) and Fostex (not linear, peak at 7 KHZ, dropping off at high frequencies and dip at 2 KHZ. Do you agree with my observations? I would replace them with drivers from Kartesian, omnes audio BB4.01 and PC105-8 4 .

[@andriichovhan9823]

in my monitor AKG Headphones sounds like B100 detailed/oper winner, Pluvia more relaxed winner, other have some tone or clarity imperfections

[@nikleiser5888]

Frequncyresponse and Impedancemeasurement, please. That way is is way easier to judge these chassis, and maybe kick from of them out of the Test before building a box for them. But thank you for effort. Whats the Tuningfrequency of the box ?

[@NinO12752]

After listening through it several times blind my top 3 were 1.)Mark Audio Pluvia 7 HD 2.)Mark Audio CHR70 3.)Tang Bang W4 2142 The MA sounded a lot more alive with a lot more overall warmth and depth to it, and all of that for a „low price@ of 55€ is a real deal. The TB was close but pretty picky in the style of music played, it didn’t always sounded amazing to Lenin all samples. Interestingly the MA CHN didn’t sound nearly as good as the other 2. The TB 1320SI felt like, the sound went from a rich full sound to flat. To my ears pretty horrible compared to the 2142. But it had its own way of getting recognized, be it good or bad. Thanks for the lot of work put into it, a live switch to the different speaker is always appreciated and helps way more as a direct comparison. The rest of the pack I didn’t mention weren’t worth talking about, sometimes harsh and not as full as my top 3 :)

[@VirtualHiFi]

I totally agree. Mark Audio at its price is amazing and that is super. Thank you for sharing your feedback and I'm sure it will be helpful for all viewers ;)

[@DenMar2015]

Bravo, très beau travail ! Très bonnes conditions de comparaison ! Merci

[@-IE_it_yourself]

thanks for this. i have tried the FR10 they were selling really cheap a few years ago. i didnt think too much of them but it is nice to see them up there with some bigger brands. i had them in a 13L box with 40hz tuning. im curious to try the CHN 70, i was expecting a bit more bass. the PULVA sound much larger then the rest and the CHR 70 are very crisp and bring out cymbals and stuff really well. thanks for the test.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Glad I could help! And thank you for sharing your opinion ;)

[@csj9619]

I put a pair of Visiton 3" drivers in the dash of a Jeep Liberty and was absoloutely amazed how good they sounded (on head unit power). I've also used the Dayton RS75-4 (Reference series 3") in sealed enclosures on top of my car's dashboard. They didn't have the top-end sparkle I was after, so added some tweeters, passive HP filters and L-pads (3" FR and tweeters share a channel). It sounded good, but not great so removed all that in favor of the tweeters that match the midbass drivers in the doors (Dayton RS175-4P 7" Reference paper cone version; Dayton RST28-4 aluminum dome 1 1/8" tweeters). I much prefer the front stage this way for the clarity, soundstage and simplicity of it. *powered from a SKAR Audio RP75.4 amplifier

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing. I did very similar thing in my friend old fiat tipo when we were students many years ago. 3" fullrange visaton fr8 drivers playing directly in your face placed in the car console and bass drivers at the back. Amazing holography and stunning sound that no Bose Harman or Focal can even do in modern cars. But it's more sexy to say 20 drivers in the car. But if you have small tweeter on your mirrors and midrange in the bottom of the doors that is certainly stupid ;)

[@joebruce2180]

I run two fialtil pro 3 inch paper cone midrange in the front dash of a Nissan titan. The speakers are being powered by a lanzar opti drive amplifier , front stage midrange is out f this world!! Lifelike sound!!!

[@jesshoward9016]

Mark Audio Pluvia with the TB 2142 as a close second. Great video!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Yes! Thank you for your vote and great feedback :)

[@Mrcloc]

Excellent video! I prefer the B 100 from what I can hear here, but I am also a little biased. Still, they sound the most detailed and balanced. However, I don't have $190 to spend on a pair! The FR 10 is completely mind blowing considering they're $9 each! How would you rate the FR 10 vs the B 100 in person?

[@Danthehorse]

Wow, what a lot of work in this, thank you. Im glad you switched to using the same clip of music on each. Hard to give s favourite, i couldnt read the tiny black box well on my phone. I liked the Tang band speakers and one of the Mark Audio speakers.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your great words and feedback. I'll do my best to do an even better job ;) I totally agree 2143 and Mark audio gold cones are rocking ;)

[@diyfullrangehifispeakers]

Hi Greg, of course even with the good recording equipment the compression by YT makes it difficult to hear much difference. I just ordered some Visaton FR10's for $12 each Australian dollars. I love the FR8's and the FR 10's go 30 hz lower 😀Thank you!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Cool, thanks. I'm glad it helped you a bit. I'm working on my website now where I'll also upload a raw 4k videos so you can enjoy uncompressed videos ;)

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

"difficult to hear much difference" ... HUH??? 😅 They're all vastly different. Even with YT compression. It's what I personally find so fascinating about fullrange speakers: they have so much personality.

[@diyfullrangehifispeakers]

@@Tazmanian_Ninja maybe with younger ears.☮️

[@Drzewacz888]

For me MarkAudio Plivia 7 was no.1. That ws grat comparison, good job!

[@MrDimitar1984]

First Place Pluvia 7 HD, Second place is for CHR70 GEN3, third plase is for Visaton B100,

[@VirtualHiFi]

I might totally agree with you ;)

[@fraula1]

Amazing work thank you ♥️ Il love the natural medium sound of the VISATON B100. The Mark Audio CHR70 & Pluvia are an EXCELLENT full range speakers too….👌🏻

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your feedback. I plan more videos like that very soon ;)

[@emanueltoma8945]

After 2 hours of listening, on different devices(sound reproduction differs on each device, slightly) using headphones and an audio system, I came down to tang band w4 2142 as being the best for my acoustical taste. I am/was looking for some midrange/full range drivers to integrate them in my car and my multimedia tv stand I am building. And the w4 seems to tick all the boxes in the midrange area. I would have loved and highly appreciated to hear Sohn - Veto. You can include that song in your tests, just an idea. But, your work and is very much appreciated! Thank you for this!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your opinion. I hope I made a choice for you easier :) Unfortunately, on this channel, I cannot use copyrighted music due to the risk of copyright strikes. Some day KZbin is supposed to add a copyright library for creators to use but by that time I only use music I have a licenses to ;)

[@emanueltoma8945]

@@VirtualHiFi well yes, you have helped me more than you think. And as far as I know, from other youtubers, if you play a specific song for seconds, not the entire song, I guess it's fine. I've heard that song on another channel, a guy that is a professional car sound systems installer, PSSOUND. There were just 10 seconds of play from that song, he also posted the track list used on the demo. But these are just my thoughts.

[@oldtesla8914]

My favourites are the Mark Audio CHR70 Gen3, Pluvia and the Visaton B100. Tang Band also has some nice drivers like the W4 2142.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Yes Mark Audio are truly awesome small little wonders.

[@passsacaglia]

Same!

[@mariancol2428]

Visaton B100 sounds the most open, the rest have something nasal... Topping DX7PRO, DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON. You could include in the test Tang band 1808, Fostex 208 Sigma and the highly praised Cube Audio F8 Neo with Voxativ AC-1.6 ? And if you can put the microphones 3 meters away from the speakers?

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing ☺️

[@analogkid4557]

Very nicely done video. It depended on the track but overall, I liked the Mark Audio Seven and a close second would be the Tang Band 1242. There were a couple of stinkers in the line up and some good runner ups.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing. Yes I totally agree that the Mark Audio 7 and TB 2142 are best in their own class. Thank you for your very positive feedback and I'm happy I could help you out the drivers ;)

[@Jil8840]

Fantastic, superb test. Thanks. The differences are big. I prefer the continuous test track, but the song must have a steady rhythm and play a little longer. My favourite is Mark Audio Pluvia. I was surprised that the Aiyima driver was not included in the test!!!! Please make more tests like this.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much for your very kind words. Pluvia is indeed definitely in my top 3 :) I'll do more tests really soon :)

[@navinadv]

@@VirtualHiFiI would like to see the MAOP 7 as well if you have it with you. Thanks

[@elrond3737]

Did you use any filters/ crossovers?

[@bulibasha81]

Great stuff! Thank you for your work. I guess the same track compare showed more useful for me.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your vote

[@thomasschmitt9669]

Thanks for this great video. I guess this was a lot of work but the results are highly appreciated 👏. My personal ranking was the same listening to the continuous music and to the short samples, so therefore I would think having both is perfect 😇. My ranking is: 1. Visaton B100 2. TangBand W4 2142 and Mark Audio CHR70(A) Gen3

[@VirtualHiFi]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you for your vote. The B100 is a very interesting driver when the paper cone is needed 😁

[@crazy_istanbul_cat]

I have Sb34nrx75-6 woofers in sealed 70 liters box. I am looking a good fullrange for FAST project with them. Which 3-4 inch fullrange is best? The fullranges will only do above 200hz and will be in closed box

[@VirtualHiFi]

For the paper Id consider b100 or tb2142 and if you don't mind metal cone go for the ma pluvia 7.2 hd

[@dl6519]

In my opinion the second way of presenting the recordings (same 10 seconds of music, through the different speakers) is more useful for making comparisons.

[@kermitfrosch6559]

My Winner: Mark Audio Pluvia

[@1976evnstvn]

I would have loved to see the FatialPro 4FE32 and/or 4FE42 in the mix. Amazing budget full range.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Great point! I will collect some more drivers for next tests ;)

[@jagenaudas8605]

+1

[@sloboat55]

Decware DNA speaker uses a Markaudio full range driver. You don't know, but you can find out. Cool runnings

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing this info. Interesting ;)

[@doglovemimijumable]

Great Job but if we are talking about performance, this test didn't do the ultimate justice, because each Driver has it's own T/S parameter which lead to the specific enclosure for it. Anyway, Mark Audio has been a well known for high C/P DIY unit, I put Mark Audio first, TB the second, Top three choice is MA Pluvia 7.2HD, TB W4 2142, MA CHR70

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing. Indeed it's not perfect but for such small drivers it's better than nothing ;) thank for your positive feedback and votes ;)

[@pekodot]

Fostex p1000 was the one I liked the most. Somehow less tiring and more enjoyable. But the difference was really close. But i dont like metalic speakers so I am a bit biased.

[@hollaadieewaldfeee]

Speakers have an image size. Different speakers have different image sizes. The majority of stereo signals are found on both channels, i.e. "mono". If speakers are placed too far apart, the sound image is torn apart. I recommend placing your speakers about 50 cm (center-center) apart and listening for a while. Then at some point place the speakers 60 cm apart. Then at some point 70 cm. And so on, until the sound image torn apart... Don't forget to move speakers back until they play together again now;-) With compact speakers, this distance is far less than one meter, with really large floorstanding speakers very rarely more than 1.5 meters. Angulation: often so that the outer side walls of the boxes are visible. Distance to the rear wall: when bass and fundamental engage.

[@JP-pc6to]

Have you sound tested any of the Audio Nirvana full range drivers? I own a pair of 8” and 12”. Oh, and I have a pair of 4” fostex that I use for surround in my HT. The audio nirvanas sound amazing and are crazy sensitive. The fostex are pretty good, but I would never use them for anything but surround channels.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Unfortunately not. I heard Audio nirvana during the shows only and that is not the best environment to draw conclusions

[@sigitasbagdonavicius586]

I liked the most Markaudio Pluvia Seven, really sounds like full range. Well done 👍🏻

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much!

[@computerenthusiast402]

What’s the best value budget woofer ( driver ) 4-inch. 5-inch or 6-inch and what models for Music imaging ?

[@VirtualHiFi]

For bano on the buck I'd go for the Pluvia 7HD for small monitors.

[@Leo-u8b6e]

Thanks for the enormous effort you put into this video.I just cannot pick a winner, maybe the Visation B100 is the best value for money.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Glad it was helpful! I find plenty of value from such videos myself and I believe it can save a lot of time and cash to very many people ;)

[@paolobonfanti1194]

My favorites are: Mark Audio CHR70 Gen.3 and Mark Audio Pluvia. Regards

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing. Pluvial and CHR arę basicaly in a different league ;)

[@Matrix...777]

Ahoj. Zaujímavé by bolo ku Visaton fr10 pridať 0.75" kalotu, alebo RBT tweeter >10kHz. Tiež ak k markaudio chN 70

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for te comment :)

[@seabreezy3368]

Here it is Feb 2024. It looks like the clear winner is Tang Band W4-2142. They are all sold out! Or maybe that means they were last. Anyway, I picked up the Visaton B100's for $80 per. I'm gonna slip that into my exciter-driven flat panel wall to fill in the gap. Should be fun.

[@VirtualHiFi]

It definitely will be plenty of fun ;) Congratas on the decision and let me know how it ended up for you ;

[@MrJorrma]

1. Visaton B100 2. Fostex 3. Mark with White cone, dark ones too dark. Worst tang bangs 😂

[@Justwantahover]

The Mark Audio CNN 70 sounds best. Best upper highs. Listen on the same track tests on "Tell me you are scared" track at 15:25 and on the very last guitar chord strum listen and it reveals an exciting sparkle, that is most prominent on the Mark Audio 70 driver test. 😅

[@user-fn2pb2ux9t]

1. Mark Audio Pluvia Seven (A) HD 2. Visaton B100 3. Tang Band W4-2142

[@jasonmelo1974]

It's too bad you didn't have the tang band WF titanium driver. That's my favorite of all time.

[@jericlee8816]

Nice work

[@soulfunkjazz]

9:13 9:28 9:40 10:33 11:02 11:11 11:21 12:00 16:27 16:41 16:56 17:54

[@petrsittek1021]

Mark audio pluvia with closed eyes simply the best

[@VirtualHiFi]

It is stunning isn't it ;)

[@SomeGuy-xq3kv]

Wow both Mark Audio are great!!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you. I believe they both are as well ;)

[@blacksky2867]

Tang Band W4 2142 - Visaton B100 - Mark Audio CHR70 (Headphones Audio Technica ATH-M70x)

[@VirtualHiFi]

thanks for sharing your opinion 🙂

[@fototechnologies]

I'd like to know your opinions. I don't feel like I can make any valid judgments about the speakers using this method. KZbin is very low res audio and I'm only hearing what the speakers sound like on my system, not what they really sound like.There are too many stages between speaker and my ears to make a critical judgment.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Sometimes I share my opinion, however I believe in this video the differences are very big and easily notcilble. I want to minimize my opinions and leave the listening and judging to all of the viewers :)

[@ubahnlutscharr6602]

Hey Greg, you were the only one how listened live. Which have the best sound stage 3D performance?

[@VirtualHiFi]

I believe the Pluvia and CHR were the best in 3D and spacing :)

[@ubahnlutscharr6602]

Great, thx. These were the two I chosed. So your recording works very good!

[@PaoloCaminiti]

Cool videos, nice service to the community. Both the diy community and for interested customers to have an insight in the evaluation process if any of this makes it into a commercial product. Don't know which recording style I prefer more, probably both useful. A criticism is that maybe evaluating the drivers in free air on a standard width baffle would have been better? don't we hear too much the effect of baffle loss with this small cabinet - assuming the drivers are running straight from the amp? Great work, thanks.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Hello Paolo, Thank you for your comment and feedback. Indeed I considered many ways to record and decided to go for the most probable use case for small full range drivers - 5l bass reflex simulating small desktop monitors. We have plenty of drivers laying around that we bought for R&D. Maybe someday we will use one of the drivers, but I most probably will publish some DIY ready projects with small FR drivers. We will see ;) I have many more 3" ones that I'll do the same kind of video soon ;)

[@PaoloCaminiti]

@@VirtualHiFi Sounds great, thanks!

[@hamzatatta952]

So apart from your amazing cube which did you like more the tb w5 2143 is meant to be one of the best have you heard it ?

[@VirtualHiFi]

It depends in my opinion w5 2143 is the best 4" tang band, but Markaudio pluvia and chr are even better deal I believe. 2143 is more colorful but on the other hand not as energetic. Markaudio is more all rounder and can have amazing performance in all frequencies. At 100$ a pair they are amazing.

[@hamzatatta952]

@@VirtualHiFi hi I am in contact with the guy with mark audio and in his opinion he said that moap11 the is best one , u asked him about the others , I have the 10P , also it depends on the type of music you like , I Like jazz vocals instrumental, and the TB I am interested in is very transparent I believe I will get more separation of instruments with paper driver which is produced this , I want to get back too how things are recorded in the studio ,

[@F3f33f]

Excellent job!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much :)

[@ereiwaz]

#1:Mark audio chr 70 #2: visaton b100 + fostex p10o0k

[@carll1432]

Thank you so much for your effort in doing this test! I wonder if Cube Audio have plans to make a 4 driver anytime? I have a Frugel-Horn cabinet and would love the option to test it with a Cube Audio driver! I see that Lii- Audio has a 4 driver, but don't know how that one sounds like. Thanks!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for the comment ;) I am going to record 3" full range drives soon so there will be more content for sure ;) When it comes to Cube and 4" drivers I don't really think so. 4" is in my opinion too small for my needs and not versitile enough. But the party starts at 6" so maybe someday we will go there. But for now 4" probably will never happen :(

[@ultraviolet8441]

Mark Audio CHR 70 gen3 and Tang Nand w4 2142❤

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

I liked the TB 1320 the best. Pluvia was roo lush.

[@jagenaudas8605]

chn70, fr10 - awful p1000k, 1320sif - better chr70, pluvia - good w4-2142, b100 - best after longer hearing the b100 has some kind of special sound that I like very much.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your vote ;)

[@jagenaudas8605]

can you make a comparison between the w4-2142, b100, a faital driver and the white aiyiama 4inch? sound examples on youtube sound great. others say the aiyiamas response and curve is garbage.

[@nikleiser5888]

@@jagenaudas8605 The Aiyima (3 inch )is not good, we (the German DIY HiFi Forum) measured it; a 5db dip below 1khz and high Fs, other Chassis may cost a little bit more but deliver big time. I guess the 4 inch is similarly bad.

[@gmb7606]

Thank you for fantastic sound comparison! Through my earphone all speakers sounds very equal. The cheap visaton is astonishingly good. Have you a link to the case construction? Do you use any Crossover parts?

[@VirtualHiFi]

Hello. Thank you for the feedback. I'll publish the cabinet in a couple of days, but it's nothing fancy. A 5 liter bass reflex cabinet and there is no crossovers or filters. So the drivers are raw and vanilla 😊

[@wimhendrix6564]

@@VirtualHiFi Thanks for the great video, subscribed to the channel now 🙂 Interested in the cabinet plan as well, where can I find it? I plan on building speakers using the MA Pluvias. I'm surprised they stand out (for me) even in a 5 liter cabinet which imo is even too small for this driver. I was thinking about a 10-15l cabinet for it. Thanks and keep up the nice work!

[@dikludas]

Excellent video 👍🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you very much ;)

[@arcyoon]

For the time being ...I like Visaton, anf Tang band wa-2142....

[@VirtualHiFi]

Perfect thanks for sharing ;)