[EthanH]

First off, I am ignorant of speaker design and typically try to use "search" functions before asking noobish questions, but I couldn't find any answers for this particular query.  I was curious if anyone has any thoughts regarding the importance of a coil's DCR when used in series with a mid-woofer in a 2-way speaker crossover.  For instance, when does the difference in DCR between two coils become significant?   Would there be an audible difference between a 2mH inductor with 1.6 dcr vs. one with 3.2?  I ask because it seems that people tend to avoid using iron-core coils in the mid-range due to, among other things, hysteresis, but I'm wondering if the higher dcr in an air core is worth it.  Any input would be appreciated.

[face]

The lower the DCR, the less resistance in the circuit, the more efficient the circuit, etc...  And I believe it's less of a load on the amp. 

As for air core vs. iron core, people usually prefer air core since iron core inductors can add congestion/distortion.

[richidoo]

Coil DCR will attenuate the signal like any series resistor, affecting driver SPL, so DCR is another parameter for tuning the crossover system. When upgrading coils with different DCR this factor should be considered to maintain balance. Resistance is something you want to minimize for best sonics, not just SPL matching.

Mo' info...
http://sound.westhost.com/lr-passive.htm
http://www.trueaudio.com/st_index.htm

[andyr]

For instance, when does the difference in DCR between two coils become significant?   Would there be an audible difference between a 2mH inductor with 1.6 dcr vs. one with 3.2?  I ask because it seems that people tend to avoid using iron-core coils in the mid-range due to, among other things, hysteresis, but I'm wondering if the higher dcr in an air core is worth it.

Hi Ethan,

Yes, I believe there would be a difference in sound between a 2mH inductor with 1.6ohm DCR vs. one with a 3.2ohm DCR.  The inductor with the 1.6ohm DCR will deliver better bass dynamics ... that's because the less DCR you load in front of a driver, the more dynamic it sounds - hence, typically, active equivalents of passive speakers sound more dynamic ... because they have no DCR "in the way" between the amp and the driver! 

How do I know this ... because I have replaced the coils in the passive XO in my Maggies with lower DCR coils.  Please note - just because the stock coils might be iron-cored doesn't mean you can't replace them with air-core inductors with lower DCR.  Just go and visit Michael Percy (for their 12g copper ribbon inductors) or North Creek (for their 8g & 10g round-wire inductors) to see what DCR these have.

Just for comparison, the North Creek 8g air-core 2mH inductor has a DCR of 0.08 ohms.  However, it is physically very large! 

Regards,

Andy

[EthanH]

Thanks for the responses everyone; I appreciate the input!  I also realize that my original post had the decimal point in the wrong place.   Not sure if that changes things... 

It looks as though I'll have to weigh my options a bit.  As much as I'd like to use a massive AWG North Creek inductor or even a 12AWG Goertz, doing so would exceed my budget.  Looks like my options are between a .16 DCR erse steel laminate inductor or a .33 DCR Goertz foil or Solen air core.  I want good bass response but the idea of hysteresis sort of concerns me, even though I know a lot of high end manufacturers use solid cores.  Guess I'll to do the audiophile thing and weigh my options a bit.