L4 vice L3

[helotaxi 46]

Planning on pairing one or the other with the L1 and taking advantage of the group buy. My question becomes which is going to be better for my application? I'm quite sure that I can fit the L3 in the A-pillar, not so sure about the L4. The tweet will likely be an A-pillar install either way. The L3 would be a pretty simple install the L4 not so much. I'm not sure that I need the extra top end of the L4 since it will be paired with a tweet. Through the midrange freqs (say 250hz-10k) is the L4 worth the extra money and install hassle? I should be able to get the L3 much more on-axis if that matters.

Thanks for any inputs.

[johnecon2001 82]

For some reason the L3 doesn't show the frequency graph.. I'd like to compare that to the L4's.

Are you still planning on those Tang band 6x9's for midbass? If you are I'd pick up the L4.

There's a pretty big dip around 250hz on the TB, where you'll want the L4's to fill it out.

[Dave Brooks 0]

I've used the L3's since they first came out. No complaints at all from me, especially in the frequency range you describe as the bottom end (250hz). The only time I've had any trouble with the L3 is when I dropped it down to 63 Hz and hammered it to see what it would do... it tried, that's for sure. Stout little drivers.

If install is an issue at all, then go L3. It'll pay more dividends to be able to get them where you want them vice not having any room to play with on the L4.

Comparing the two at the 250 hz range, you'll get more "SPL" out of the L4 vice the L3. Also the L4 top end almost makes tweeters obsolete. Before the rebuild for this season, I had the L4 crossed at 8K on top and the tweeter took it from there. Sounded incredible. I'll do it much the same way when the build is finished again.

Personally, I have taken a liking to the L4 over the L3 now. Mostly because I like how low it plays, particularly in a pillar position...

Hope that helps some.

[Scott Buwalda 1]

The L3 is a very robust driver at 250 Hz. I actually designed it to be a bit heavy in its bottom octave of use. If you can fit the L3 easily with no hassle, then that's the way I'd go. Now, if you take another look, do some measuring, and find the L4 is able to be fit there, the L4 is a better driver as far as sensitivity and frequency response.

Of all our championships last year in IASCA, USACi, EMMA, IASCA Trinidad, all but two were using the L3 midrange.

Scott

[helotaxi 46]

Thanks for the inputs. I think that if I can find a set of A-pillar trim panels from a wrecked truk so I don't have to cut the originals I'd be comfortable massaging the L4s into the A-pillar. The pillars look to be out and out huge (Nissan Frontier). I think the challenge is going to be find a set of trim panels.