Single vs. Multiple Drivers

There are advantages and disadvantages to either approach. For this, let's consider a scenario where the cone area of a single driver is equal to the cumulative cone area of multiple drivers: An example of this would be a single 10" woofer with an Sd of 50in^2 versus a pair of 8" woofers with an Sd of 25in^2 each.

The single driver advantage: Linearity. A single driver system isn't subject to the acoustic or electrical forces countering in phase--even if by a fraction of a degree--which typically occurs when multiple pistons share a common space or when multiple inductors share a common circuit.

The single driver disadvantage: It has been my observation that a single larger driver will typically exhibit higher equivalent air compliance (Vas) than the combined compliance of two smaller drivers. This can translate into higher Vb requirements.

The multiple driver advantage: Assuming that the motor structure is the same on both the 8" and the 10" model, the immediate advantage is twice the motor for every square inch of cone area, twice the power handling, and more end-impedance versatility.

The multiple driver disadvantage: As stated above, using multiple independently actuated pistons increases the risk of the electro-mechanical forces countering one another. This is particularly evident with high Qts drivers.