[redskinsfan]

Rick,

I'm intrigued that ScanSpeak is offering woven kevlar (the material used by the U.S. military for helmets and body armor) as an option for their Illuminator woofer cones. Have you any experience with these, and if so, how would you describe their sound qualities as compared to paper and aluminum cones?

[cujobob]

Kevlar is a very commonly used material in speaker drivers.

[redskinsfan]

Appreciate the info on prevalence. Still wondering about the comparative sound quality, though.

[TrungT]

B&W have been using the Kevlar driver for many years and it sound very good.

[Rick Craig]

Rick,

I'm intrigued that ScanSpeak is offering woven kevlar (the material used by the U.S. military for helmets and body armor) as an option for their Illuminator woofer cones. Have you any experience with these, and if so, how would you describe their sound qualities as compared to paper and aluminum cones?

Kevlar was fairly popular in high end drivers in the 80's and early 90's. Some paper-based cones add kevlar fibers to the mix to increase the stiffness. It's a good material but I tend to prefer aluminum because it also acts as a heatsink for dissipation of heat from the voice coil.

[redskinsfan]

Thanks, Rick, for taking the time to respond. I appreciate the insight about the aluminum being a heat sink; never would have thought of that.