Your response is fair and good. I really apprecaite your candor. I will do my best to explain matters in both an objective and subjective framework. I am not sure that I'll be able to accomplish this, but I'll do my darndest.
The first issue to consider in the realm of subwoofers is the room. Everyone of good knowledge and hearing seem to agree that the typical room will provide bass lift about 12db beginning in the 30 - 40hz zone. Bass lift in very small rooms starts higher. Bass lift in rooms with very solid walls will roll-off more shallow. These are generalizations and assumptions. In this regard it the 12db/octave roll off sealed subwoofer provides a much better match to the 12db/octave in-room lift provided. However, in all cases, nobody I have encountered contends that the room lift is anywhere near the 24db dump purveyed by a bass unit in a ported cabinet. So, with regard to room lift, a sealed subwoofer provides a better match.
In this I must admit that low frequency room modes are tenacious and seating placement is critial. Any subwoofer generating a 30 hz sine wave will spew this pile into the room and the room will develop huge dips and peaks depending on the listeners position. In this regard both the sealed and ported subwoofers will suffer greatly. In this regard, a measured in-room response measured flat to 20hz is like a greased pig
You simply can't get your measuring equipment completely around this issue. The measurement varies considerably depending on measuring position.
In this regard... you really gotta trust your ears while sitting in your listening chair. The "trick" here is to buy a subwoofer plate amp that has variable boost in the 20-30hz region that will allow you to tune the subwoofer to your preference. Yes, this might require some soldering, but your efforts will not be in vain. I was pleasantly surprised at the really "correct" sound after I removed the bass boost. The bombs in the movie Pearl Harbor really sounded like... well... bombs. The fundamental & harmonics tones were present. With the boost installed the fundamental frequencies were overpowering. Some guys might think this is cool. It is cool, but it's simply not accurate - not in my room.
I have heard speakers that are supposedly very very accurate measured but didnt like their sound.
I really like that you mention this. It is encouraging for me when folks learn to trust their ears. This is a step in the right direction - I think. I believe the same is true with subwoofers. You can trust your ears too.
Not sure actually. Someone with experience with both of these woofers would have to chime in with their opinion of their sound. In terms of their curves, the DPL12 drops off at a lower Hz but the curve drops off more steeply than the SCC300. DPL12 is not as efficient also.
I think it's great that you manage to model these drivers. This is an excellent observation. However, it's only a start. There are several other issues. Probably the most prominent other is the sensitvity. Higher sensitivity drivers use less electricity, generate less heat, and suffer less themal compression. When that thermal compression generates in the voice coil, the dcr rises and LESS force will be applied in the motor. Thermal compression is real.
Have you ever noticed how those big whoppin' JBL Band monitors have very dynamic bass - especiall the kick drum. This is because those drivers have big huge voice coils and very high sensitivity. this works. There are obviously many disadvantages to these drivers, but the bass is very dynamic. Big voice coils and high sensitivity are critical to bass dynamics.
FYI, the SCC300 was not really intended to be a subwoofer by design. It was intended to be a woofer used to 300hz. This was the primary design goal. The secondary design goal is the deep bass from the SCC300 would be so good that folks wouldn't want a subwoofer. I surely think the design goal is accomplished.
I don't wish to convey the other drivers that you mention are inferior - nooo. The other drivers you mention are very solid units. I mention the above material so you might know some of the other issues present. These issues are mostly a matter of compromise. I am pretty sure all of the drivers you mention are produced at similar cost and quality. They are all very respectable. I really like the SCC300. I have spoke with a few folks who maintain the TC2 driver is an extremely solid and good sounding unit.
Hopefully I addressed matters fairly. Please let me know if I missed anything.
