Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Woofer Baffle Comparison Test

  1. Back To Top    #1

    Woofer Baffle Comparison Test

    For many years I've used the XTC foam speaker baffles (with windows cut-out) for my door speaker water shields. Recently from another post I learned about the NVX silicone baffles, they looked nice and other users claimed the XTC baffles had a negative effect on sound (even with cut-outs), so I figured I'd give them a go. Thought it would be fun to actually measure and listen to both for comparison, to try to determine if there was actually any difference betweeen them.

    I made an attempt to make consistent measurements between the old XTC and new NVX baffles, forgive me as I'm fairly new to REW and measurement mics so if I goofed, well, shit. I used a pink noise file from REW, had to convert to mp3 for my OEM stereo to be able to read it from the SD card (no line input option and bluetooth sucks). Set for 1/6 RTA, 50 averages. I chose a fixed mic position (headrest) to try to keep the comparison as consistent as possible:
    Name:  20200320_090731 (2).jpg
Views: 1132
Size:  3.47 MB

    Car is a 2018 VW Golf Sportwagen, woofers are in factory locations with 1" HDPE rings. Centre console definitely creates some cancellation. I set the woofers for a 60hz 24LR high-pass, no low-pass. No eq. Time-alignment set by measured distance.

    Old, windowed XTC baffle:
    Name:  20200320_092753 (2).jpg
Views: 1172
Size:  2.46 MB

    New NVX baffle. One thing I don't like, they don't go very deep. Basket and back of cone are covered, but magnet is exposed:
    Name:  20200320_093232 (2).jpg
Views: 1117
Size:  1.50 MB

    However, there is no restriction directly behind the cone:
    Name:  20200320_093244 (2).jpg
Views: 1122
Size:  1.80 MB

    They also come with Egg-crate style closed cell foam adhesive pads. I'm not sure how much back-wave deflection these actually do but what the hell, I put them in the doors:
    Name:  20200320_093702 (2).jpg
Views: 1157
Size:  2.01 MB

    They have a nice collar and flare in front of the woofer to try to seal to the door grille. My doors have a small collar built-in, when I test fit it the NVX baffle fit over-top of the factory one (larger diameter):
    Name:  20200320_094611 (2).jpg
Views: 1173
Size:  2.08 MBName:  20200320_094635 (2).jpg
Views: 1179
Size:  2.29 MB

    So, on to measurements. I wasn't expecting much difference but there actually is some, not sure how much could be attributed to measurement inconsistency? I didn't use any smoothing on these:
    Name:  Baffle Both.jpg
Views: 1148
Size:  192.5 KBName:  Baffle Left.jpg
Views: 1147
Size:  199.0 KBName:  Baffle Right.jpg
Views: 1144
Size:  189.7 KB

    As for subjective listening, again I wasn't expecting anything. But there is one very noticeable difference (and I swear it's not my imagination), which is mid-bass impact. With the old XTC baffles, the woofers would play mid-bass frequencies but that was it, there wasn't much punch from them. With the NVX baffles, I was actually getting some kick-drum chest thwack out of them which surprised me. Maybe the collar is more efficiently coupling the woofer to the cabin?

    I had decided to start from scratch with my tune anyway, and based on what I measured and heard I'm glad I waited until after switching baffles before putting much time into the new one.

    I'm interested to hear what some of the more knowledgeable folks here think about this.
    Attached Images Attached Images        
    '18 VW Golf Sportwagen 4motion 6MT. Hiby RS6 to Helix DSP.3 (Balanced Analog). Amps: Biketronics BT4210 (210 x 4 mids/tweets), Biketronics BT3725 (250 x 2 midbasses, 700 x 1 sub). Mids: Satori MW13P-4 5" (Factory Door Locations). Tweets: Bliesma T25S-6 Silk-Dome 1" (Modded Factory A-Pillar Locations). Midbasses: Dayton Designer DSA175-8 6.5" in Ported Underseat Enclosures. Subs: 2 x Scanspeak Discovery 10" in Underfloor Sealed Enclosure.

  2. Back To Top    #2
    Senior Member Smitty's Avatar
    Location
    FL
    Vehicle
    2019 Toyota 4Runner, 2019 Toyota Camry
    Posts
    271
    Join Date
    Oct 2019

    Re: Woofer Baffle Comparison Test

    The measurements are interesting. I never did measurements; however, like you, I could hear the difference. I used the cut-out foam style or no baffle for years. No foam baffle was definitely better. I started using sections of flexible plastic attached to the top half of the cutout as a drip guard because it sounded so much better than the XTC foam. I recently used the Metra version of these and it was much deeper and extended past the magnet. I really liked the overall sound of the install and may use the baffle more in the future. Thank you for the work you put in.
    Meh, it'll play.

  3. Back To Top    #3
    Noob JCsAudio's Avatar
    Real Name
    John
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle
    See signature
    Posts
    656
    Join Date
    Aug 2019

    Re: Woofer Baffle Comparison Test

    Nice work. Separating the back wave from the front wave is important. If you did anything like seal over some open holes in the door frame with CLD while you had the door card off for the NVX version then it would make a difference. Also sealing off the cavity better than before so that the front wave doesn’t get between the door card and door frame would also make a difference.
    Mazda CX5 AF GB10, AF GB25, AF GB60, JL VX800/8i, AF GB12 sealed, Mmats M1400.1

    Ford F150
    AF GB10, AF GB25, JLC5, JL twk88/Pioneer D8604, Mosconi Pico, JBL Club 5501, Sundown SD3-10 ported @ 30 Hz

    Sienna
    AF GB15, Audiofrog GS690, JL twk88/Pioneer D9500F, JBL GTX500, Alpine SWS10 ported @ 31 Hz

    https://www.diymobileaudio.com/threa.../#post-5608901






Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Back To Top