Neo vs. Regular Speakers

[grass132456]

Why do neo speakers cost a handful more than regular speakers? Lets say that there are two of the same model speakers and one is neo and one is not. What would be the difference that makes the neo cost so much more? And let's say the speakers is the only difference between the two speakers.

[anonymous02282011]

because China raised the priced on neodynium within the last year.

[father of fires]

They can't be the same. Neo is the type of magnet used in the speaker. You can't make a non Neo speaker that is the same as a Neo one. Engineer types will have more detail but it's like asking why a 5 lbs road bike costs more than a Huffy.

[grass132456]

Originally Posted by father of fires

They can't be the same. Neo is the type of magnet used in the speaker. You can't make a non Neo speaker that is the same as a Neo one. Engineer types will have more detail but it's like asking why a 5 lbs road bike costs more than a Huffy.

I think you might have misunderstood. The situation is that there are two different cabs, one with neo speakers, one without. What is the difference?

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by grass132456

I think you might have misunderstood. The situation is that there are two different cabs, one with neo speakers, one without. What is the difference?

Sorry, when you said speaker I thought you meant the driver. Never mind.

But Neo is more expensive technology (plus the market on Neo is going crazy). Plus, Neo cabs are generally lighter so manufacturers will charge more for the convenience.

[DBCrocky]

China increases tax on rare earth minerals, neodymium prices double :: International Powder Metallurgy Directory

[grendle]

Originally Posted by grass132456

I think you might have misunderstood. The situation is that there are two different cabs, one with neo speakers, one without. What is the difference?

The weight savings with Neo and the fact that it is a rarer earth material is what you pay for. They may sound slightly different (I have heard) also. My friend has a 2x10, 300 watt gk combo amp that weighs less than 20 lbs I would say. He's sold on the Neo. Light gear stuff. Compair that to my 50 lb 1x15 or my 100 lb 4x10 and the weight savings is where your money is being spent.

[schecter5string]

I just got a Hartke Hydrive 410, my first Neo loaded cab. I can carry it up and down stairs by myself easily, and I'm 5'5"\ 140 Lbs.

[Russell L]

If you mean sound-wise, no difference, I'm told.

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by Russell L

If you mean sound-wise, no difference, I'm told.

No difference that can be attributed solely to the driver magnet material, but the light weight allows greater engineering flexibility regarding the construction of the driver itself and therefore fewer compromises required in the balance between the various T/S parameters. There do not appear to be any commercially available ferrite-drivers that can match the Kappalite drivers for low-end extension and loudness, for example, and still be useable in an MI enclosure.

[themacinator]

Buy American...just one more reason NOT to purchase Made in China products whenever possible.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by grass132456

Why do neo speakers cost a handful more than regular speakers? Lets say that there are two of the same model speakers and one is neo and one is not. What would be the difference that makes the neo cost so much more? And let's say the speakers is the only difference between the two speakers.

If those cabs are literally identical, I'd say that something is amiss anyway, because there can't really be a 'all drivers being equal' in this. But when you get down to it, neo has always been more expensive because it costs more to produce, there's less of it made (economy of scale), less neo speakers being produced, and of course, lighter and more powerful is always more desirable, so you can charge more for that too. Then on top of it, now neodymium is selling for twice or three times what it did 6 months ago.

[indiemojoe]

+1 for the GK NEO stuff. aaannnd the Carvin BRX neo stuff.

[BurningSkies]

All politically motivated posts in this thread reported.

Lets keep to discussing the issue at hand.

[BassBrass]

I'm getting old and have gotten into neos. My guitarist claims the sound is different, that the ferrite speakers have a smoother freq. response, that the neos have spikes low and mid-high. Looking at the curve, like from the US Speaker site, and there is some truth to what he says. Although he can be like the princess and the pee. The lightness more than makes up for any differences in my opinion.

[Chef]

Mod Insert:

No politicking here at TB.

[Thor]

Chef for Animal Control Officer!

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by grendle

The weight savings with Neo and the fact that it is a rarer earth material is what you pay for.

May have just bee been a typo but just for clarity, the name rare earth refers to distribution in usable form rather than abundance. The rare earth minerals contain one or more rare earth elements, and they are typically scattered in small deposits that need to be refined, not in large concentrated and easily mined deposits. There are very deposits in almost every country - the largest being in China, Greenland, the US and Australia - and it's cost to manufacture that is the limiting factor.

Hopefully, with the discovery of new deposits by Japan and the reopening of the Mountain Pass mine in California last year, prices will start to decline soon. I'd really like to try out some fearful cabs but not for the price those neo speakers are commanding now.

[Chef]

"I'll taze you brah."

Originally Posted by Thor

Chef for Animal Control Officer!

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by BassBrass

My guitarist claims the sound is different, that the ferrite speakers have a smoother freq. response, that the neos have spikes low and mid-high.

You took the word of a guitar'd player on a technical issue? That's like asking for advice on your next car buy from an Amish buddy.
Neo does not sound different. Flux is flux. Any response differences between drivers is attributable to the dozen plus T/S specs and driver construction details that do affect response.