Originally posted by dnewma04:
The definition has everything to do with freq response and nothing to do with size. But, typically, bigger size equals lower bass at higher levels. There are most definitely 8" woofers and subwoofers, just as there are 15" midranges. Most car subs, when played in a anechoic environment would not be considered subwoofers, but with the effects of cabin gain, they can be.
There were no subwoofers, by name, in the 1970's but there were 15" speakers.
Until Audio Engineers for Pioneer coined the phrase (which was used to reference different size speakers) the title "subwoofer" didn't exist.
By populaur usage in the late 80's and early 90's, subwoofers became known as speakers that played lower freq range effectively. As you pointed out, there are 15" midranges, and they can play down around 20Hz, but sound like complete cr@p, because they don't play the lower freq ranges effectively.
So, as I know it, the origin and original meaning of the word, had to do with size. Populaur usage, which has turned into definition, is in refenece to freq range.
