why doesnt RE use rubber surrounds?

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

They are the same. Some people like foam some like rubber. There will be no audible difference. And by the time either of them start to digrade you will be a gramps.

It's pretty much a worthless topic beaten to death over and over again. With no real answer.

 

[AznRevlAzn 10+ year member]

i am just taking a wild guess but i think it's because over a long period of time the rubber can dry out causing the surround to crack and even chip away. Foam on the other hand i believe will be lastic much more longer than foam. But thats just a wild guess.

Another thing is i believe that for SQ, subwoofers have rubber. as for SPL they are foam as it has less stress on the cone.

 

[Andy4fun 10+ year member]

As mentioned earlier in this thread, Foam surrounds are thicker and sturdier and react less to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the box. Especially with wider surrounds, this pressure difference could create vacuumlike behaviour and **** the surround inside out. also, any reaction of the surround that is opposite of the cone, will decrease eficiency

 

[Warbleed 10+ year member]

Both rubber and foam surrounds work extremely well. **** back on a properly designed rubber/santoprene surround isn't really a serious concern.

Both work very well when competently designed. There are great foam surrounds, and there are shitty ones. Same goes for rubber/santoprene.

The bottom line is that when competently designed, surround material is a non-issue.

 

[Boosted92HB 10+ year member]

WOW! 18 posts overnite...

THX for all of the input. I wasnt really concerned with the fact of different surrounds, just a bit curious. But none the less thx for the multitude of replies!

L8R