Is more displacement always better, even with the same power?

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

Without knowing exact details of course no one here is going to be able to tell you why. Could have been differences in enclosure design, airflow surrounding the enclosure, definition of "louder" (where in frequency, by how much and the measurement method and equipment), etc.
Pluto is correct; All else equal displacement is king. The problem is getting "all else equal". Best thing to do is maximize the displacement for the given available space. Don't shove four 12's in a trunk only large enough to properly fit two, for example.

I know exactly why they were louder. I was there. I built and tested for more than a year.

There is no such thing as the perfect install. In any car. It just isnt feasible and sacrifices must be made.

There are exceptions to his displacement is king including numerous other variables. Again making my point.

 

[vellocet 10+ year member]

The battle of the Epeen!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go sword fighters!!!

 

[Ctesibius 10+ year member]

I know exactly why they were louder. I was there. I built and tested for more than a year.

First, define louder.

Then explain why.

Seriously.

 

[thegreatestpenn 5,000+ posts]

your point is still an exception* to the rule.

with all other variables the same, more often than not more displacement = louder

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

First, define louder.
Then explain why.

Seriously.

More pressure. As in louder on a meter.

They were louder because the 12s, no matter how many boxes were built took up too much trunk space. The wave were trapped in the trunk and would not reach the kick panel where the meter was located. Even with the 12 box turned to the front and sealed off, the 10s facing the back were louder.

Stock class, even with seats folded down, mike outlaw style.

Now, get off of my dick.

Seriously.

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

your point is still an exception* to the rule.with all other variables the same, more often than not more displacement = louder

Of course it usually will. I never argued that at all. He said always and that isnt correct.

There are too many variables in car audio. Not to mention there no such thing as the perfect install.

 

[T3mpest 10+ year member]

Displacement is king with SPL period. SPL stands for sound pressure level, can't have pressure without displacement. You can actually directly convert decibels to atmospheric pressure if you wanted too. If a smaller cone is louder it still has higher displacement due to another factor, whether it be excursion, port gain, or simply allowing bass to make it to the meter. In general it's usually a pretty save bet to fit the biggest cone area you can into your car, while still allowing it to maximize it's excursion with the power you have available. All that said, it what's optimal will always be specific to the situation at hand so making too many generalities doesn't work.