10" Woofer test data

The following woofers were tested--

Seas L26

Dayton RS series 10"

Usher 1001A

Peerless CSX 10"

The following data are shown

Impedance-standard curves and enlarged views

Nearfield frequency response done at 1"

Nearfield linear burst distortion was not done.

Nonlinear distortion

    3 tone at 50 Hz.

    A single 30 Hz tone adjusted so the fundamental spl at 0.25m is 94dB.

    A multitone burst of 20, 28, 44, 64, 92 Hz.  This is a challenging test and the level was set to 9dB with a distance of 1 inch so as to not destroy the drivers.

Impedance data

From 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

A closer look at the region between 100 Hz and 5 kHz.

Frequency response

Nonlinear distortion

First, single 30 Hz tests

Now, the 3 tone tests centered at 50 Hz.

Now, the 5 tone tests.

Comments and conclusion

Overall, the four drivers tested well on nonlinear distortion. Looking at all the data as a whole, I would rank the L26 and RS 10" a notch above the Usher and Peerless with respect to nonlinear distortion.  I don't have linear distortion measurements, but I think they're probably less relevant below 250-500 Hz, where these drivers will be used. And you can get some idea of the linear distortion performance by looking at the FR curves. In particular, look how well the L26 holds up. The Peerless is next best, followed by the Usher and the Dayton. 

So the overall performance award goes to the L26, even considering the cost. The RS is a better value, but its FR irregularities starting around 700 Hz require a lower or steeper crossover than the Seas.  The Peerless is average overall in nonlinear distortion, but has a relatively smooth FR past 1 kHz and is well priced. You can get almost 2 Peerless for the price of one Seas. The Usher 1001A is a solid performer, but at it's current price, the L26 is a better value.

Depending on your application, you could choose any of these 4 drivers and make a successful project.