WT2, WT3, MCM's Woofer Tester, or some other?

[Clint]

Hi all, I came across this forum while searching for woofer testers, and more info on the one MCM sells (Tenma 72-850). I found out from here about the Dayton WT3 that PE sells for about $68 less than the Tenma, and about the WT2 at woofertester.com .

So the question now is, which of these gives the most accurate T/S parameters for any kind of driver?

Will the Dayton WT3 give all T/S parameters like the Q, Fs, etc? I saw someone mention here that it does not.

Is the 72-850 and the WT2 at woofertester.com the same unit?

Thanks.

[Clint]

So far 20 views and no replies. ? I guess maybe I should say that I did try and search here for WT3 and of the threads that were short enough to read, I did not find answers to my questions.

[NyxOne]

Hope it can help you with you.

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28635

[Clint]

Hello, thanks, I saw that when I first came here, not a whole lot of info there. I don't understand this:

The other side... the Woofer Tester is a tiny, self contained package. You plug it into any computer with USB, load the software, and you're ready. It only measures impedance, though, no frequency response. SW will do frequency response, you will have to get some kind of decent microphone and preamp to do that. The mic and preamp will be usable with any other software that measures FR, so it's an investment in the future... nothing particular to SW there.

What I put in bold above: is he saying you have to get a mic and pre-amp with SW, or with the WT3? That's hard to make out since there is no "but" in there which would indicate more he's talking about SW.

Another post:
Woofer Tester (new version two) is not accurate much beyond 2khz, but still excellent for T/S parameters and analysis for lower crossover frequencies. Some older Woofer Testers (version one) may be available.

If the WTx units don't measure frequency, how can that statement be made that (it or they) are not accurate to beyond 2k? The WT1 measures frequency and the WT3 does not? :duh:

I found a (ha-ha) user's guide for the WT3 here, it's a joke.

http://www.parts-express.com/pdf/390-804m.pdf

Still not clear on whether or not it can also measure mids and tweeters.

Are there any devices like the SW and jig that are already made? I just don't have the time to build one.

Thanks again for replying. (Strange I never got an email that you replied).

[---k---]

The WT can NOT measure frequency response. None of the versions can. It measures impedance and T/S parameters.

The comment about the WT2 not being accurate above 2khz is in reference to impedance measurements.

For measuring T/S parameters, the WT is the easiest you're going to get. To measure frequency response, SW is the way to go, and you don't need a jig for that, just the right cables. (BTW learning to use SW and getting good measurements will likely take you 100x as long to accomplish as building the jig.)

[JonP]

Hello, thanks, I saw that when I first came here, not a whole lot of info there. I don't understand this:

The other side... the Woofer Tester is a tiny, self contained package. You plug it into any computer with USB, load the software, and you're ready. It only measures impedance, though, no frequency response. SW will do frequency response, you will have to get some kind of decent microphone and preamp to do that. The mic and preamp will be usable with any other software that measures FR, so it's an investment in the future... nothing particular to SW there.

What I put in bold above: is he saying you have to get a mic and pre-amp with SW, or with the WT3? That's hard to make out since there is no "but" in there which would indicate more he's talking about SW.

<snip>

Are there any devices like the SW and jig that are already made? I just don't have the time to build one.

Thanks again for replying. (Strange I never got an email that you replied).

Sorry if that wasn't clear... Looks like K straightened you out.

For Speaker Workshop info, find Claudio Negro's site, he's got tutorials on SW in general, Jay Butterman's invaluable SW guide, and how to make simple test cables. They are much easier to make than the Wallin Jig, only a few parts total. Simple and quick.

I think there are some commerical packages out there, doesn't Praxsis have a hardware module in the pro version? Of course, the price of that package is $1K or more, if I remember right...

[ThomasW]

Having bought it, IMO for the few things it does WT3 isn't worth the investment. It's quick and convenient but way to limited in functionality. And yes it will measure mids and tweeters

For the different in cost I think WT2 or the MCM speaker tester is a better investment if you need a plug-n-play testing setup for raw drivers.

I can't imagine that WT2 hasn't been 'fixed' given the time span since the Ray Alden '201 book' was written...

[Clint]

Having bought it, IMO for the few things it does WT3 isn't worth the investment. It's quick and convenient but way to limited in functionality.

Can you please explain exactly why?

And yes it will measure mids and tweeters

Thanks.

For the different in cost I think WT2 or the MCM speaker tester is a better investment if you need a plug-n-play testing setup for raw drivers.

I was under the impression the WT3 tested raw drivers and was plug 'n play. From what I've read about it, just plug it into the USB port, load the software and that's it. Then from then on it will recognize immediately after plugging it in to the USB port.

What does the MCM Tenma unit do that the WT3 won't do?
Thanks.

[Clint]

The comment about the WT2 not being accurate above 2khz is in reference to impedance measurements.

If that is the case then how can it measure mids and tweeters?

For measuring T/S parameters, the WT is the easiest you're going to get. To measure frequency response, SW is the way to go, and you don't need a jig for that, just the right cables.

So what is the purpose of the jig? Do you need that for the T/S parameters? If so then I guess one could use the WT3 for T/S and the SW for frequency response. ? I thought a mic was needed with SW to test frequency response.
Thanks.

[Clint]

For Speaker Workshop info, find Claudio Negro's site, he's got tutorials on SW in general, Jay Butterman's invaluable SW guide, and how to make simple test cables. They are much easier to make than the Wallin Jig, only a few parts total. Simple and quick.

Ok I found this page: https://web.archive.org/web/20091212...es/cables.html
Is a special sound card needed to test FR with SW or can a mobo's integrated audio do it? (Asus P4C800-E Deluxe w/ADI AD1985 6-channel 5.1, see attachment please).
Thanks.

[littlesaint]

Having bought it, IMO for the few things it does WT3 isn't worth the investment. It's quick and convenient but way to limited in functionality. And yes it will measure mids and tweeters

For the different in cost I think WT2 or the MCM speaker tester is a better investment if you need a plug-n-play testing setup for raw drivers.

I can't imagine that WT2 hasn't been 'fixed' given the time span since the Ray Alden '201 book' was written...

I'd be interesting in hearing what the WT3 is lacking as well. I've been using it to test some drivers and so far haven't come across anything missing other than frequency and phase which it isn't meant for anyway. Not to mention it makes for a pretty accurate resistor and inductor tester as well.

[Dennis H]

I think the point Thomas is making is measuring the T/S parameters is small potatoes when it comes to designing a speaker. You are going to need software (and hardware) to measure the frequency response and, if you have that, you already have everything you need to measure the impedance curve and T/S.

[dlneubec]

I think the point Thomas is making is measuring the T/S parameters is small potatoes when it comes to designing a speaker. You are going to need software (and hardware) to measure the frequency response and, if you have that, you already have everything you need to measure the impedance curve and T/S.

Hi Dennis,

I agree, in general, but in comparison to doing it in SoundEasy, WT3 is much easier and faster. Foir example, I can compare a half dozen drivers of the same type in just minutes and match them to one another for better driver matches from speaker to speaker, hence better imaging, etc. It's a pretty hefty price for that convenience, no doubt, but a nice preliminary design tool, before you set up to take actual FR measurements, etc. It is also better to do box modelling with good numbers than using the manufacturers published data, which is often questionable. For that you need measured TS data.

That said, it is a limited tool and in no way replaces the need or benefits of full measurement capability.

[ThomasW]

Dennis covered most if it..... :T

But if someone wants a plug-n-play tester, IMO pay the extra for either the MCM unit or get WT2. Looking at the websites for the respective products will show what they can do compared to WT3.

[NyxOne]

I agree with ThomasW. I think anyone who want a PNP tester should go with the WT2. WT3's positive points : Easy to use, compact and portable but that's all ...

I'll probably sell mine when I'm done building my test jig.

Let us know if you try WT2.
-----------
Charles D.

[---k---]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only issue with the WT2 is that it requires a serial port, while the WT3 is USB. Last couple of computers I've owned don't have serial ports.

Anyway, beating a dead horse here. I think for the people that would enjoy using a WT, the differences probably aren't an issue.

[ThomasW]

WT2 is USB

[---k---]

Really? huh. my mistake.

[Clint]

I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what the WT1 or WT2/MCM Tenma have that the WT3 does not.

Also about the other things I asked about in my posts 8, 9 and 10 above.

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382081&postcount=8

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382083&postcount=9

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382084&postcount=10

Thanks guys.

[littlesaint]

I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what the WT1 or WT2/MCM Tenma have that the WT3 does not.

Also about the other things I asked about in my posts 8, 9 and 10 above.

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382081&postcount=8

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382083&postcount=9

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php?p=382084&postcount=10

Thanks guys.

Just go to their respective websites and read about them. It's obvious the WT2 and MCM products have better software. I do wonder though if the WT3 software can be improved to support these other functions. Probably a question for the PE forums. For me I already have software that can do the other functions with a little extra work, so I'm content with the WT3.

[Clint]

Just go to their respective websites and read about them.

I've done that and they don't give enough info to make any comparisions. Since others on this thread have used them, I would think they could tell me the differences....that's what I'm waiting on. Thomas, Ryan, Charles, Dennis...?

It's obvious the WT2 and MCM products have better software.

It's not obvious to me since I'm not familiar with any of them.

For me I already have software that can do the other functions with a little extra work, so I'm content with the WT3.

So what software do you have that can do the other functions?

[Clint]

^^^^

[---k---]

Yeah, you're kind of demanding. That's a turn off.

[ThomasW]

I would think they could tell me the differences....that's what I'm waiting on. Thomas, Ryan, Charles, Dennis...?

It's going to be a long wait because none of the people you listed or anyone else posting in this thread has WT2 or the MCM tester...

[Clint]

Yeah, you're kind of demanding. That's a turn off.

I've been kind and polite to you, that is totally uncalled for.

A "turn off" is knowing people have the answers, but refuse to give it.

Kind of demanding??? I wait TWO DAYS and still no replies. I've waited more than A WEEK for replies to several other questions I've asked about clarifying some things mentioned in your (and other's) posts (see my post #19 from EIGHT days ago). Still no replies. So how many days or weeks do you think I should have to wait for a reply, or before I give a ^^^? I was under the impression that this was forum for those to ASK QUESTIONS and get help. Evidently I was mistaken.

[littlesaint]

I've been kind and polite to you, that is totally uncalled for.

A "turn off" is knowing people have the answers, but refuse to give it.

Kind of demanding??? I wait TWO DAYS and still no replies. I've waited more than A WEEK for replies to several other questions I've asked about clarifying some things mentioned in your (and other's) posts (see my post #19 from EIGHT days ago). Still no replies. So how many days or weeks do you think I should have to wait for a reply, or before I give a ^^^? I was under the impression that this was forum for those to ASK QUESTIONS and get help. Evidently I was mistaken.

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

What makes you think there are answers to be had?

Most on this forum do not own any of these tools. Those that do probably only have one of them so they can hardly offer you any comparisons.

You do seem to have somewhat of an attitude for someone who has only contributed 10 posts most of which are in this thread.