What's the Best Budget Car Audio System?
Audio Intensity What's the Best Budget Car Audio System? Maximum performance per dolla...
Read Article →
Audio Dynamics
Audio Dynamics 4000 Series 3″ Point Source Full Range Driver - Pair
$ 299.99
Closeout Item
Free Shipping
On Orders over $99
Final Sale
No Restocks. No Returns
Don-t miss out on this deal!
20 people are viewing this right now
Audio Dynamics 4000 Series 3″ Point Source Full Range Driver - Pair
Regular price
$ 299.99
Sale price
$ 299.99
Regular price
$ 299.99
Unit price
Product Details
Specifications
Related Products
Point Source Architecture: The Holy Grail of Automotive Midrange
The Audio Dynamics ADPS343 represents a paradigm shift in automotive midrange engineering—abandoning the compromises of separate component drivers for the acoustic purity of true point source architecture. Where conventional 3-way systems position tweeter and midrange in different physical locations (creating time alignment challenges and complex phase interactions), the ADPS343 integrates a 5/8″ (16mm) titanium dome tweeter concentrically within a 3″ (75mm) wool pulp cone, ensuring that all frequencies from 300 Hz to 20 kHz emanate from a single acoustic center. At $299.99, this 4000 Series flagship driver delivers the coherent soundstage depth and imaging precision that defines reference-grade active 3-way systems—where the entire midrange and high-frequency spectrum originates from a singular point in space, eliminating the arrival time discrepancies and phase anomalies that compromise conventional component architectures.
Why Point Source Matters: Acoustic Coherence Fundamentals
In conventional component systems, tweeters and midranges occupy separate physical locations—tweeters often mounted in A-pillars or sail panels, midranges in doors or dashboards. This spatial separation creates arrival time differences and phase interference patterns that the human auditory system perceives as diffuse imaging, vague soundstage boundaries, and tonal inconsistencies across the listening area. Point source architecture solves this fundamental problem by ensuring that all frequencies emerge from the same acoustic origin, maintaining phase coherence and arrival time unity across the entire operating bandwidth.
The ADPS343 Advantage: When tweeter and midrange occupy the same mounting plane with concentric voice coils sharing a common motor structure, the resulting acoustic wavefront arrives at the listener's ears with perfect time alignment—no DSP delay compensation required, no phase rotation adjustments needed. This inherent coherence creates a soundstage where vocalist images appear precisely localized in three-dimensional space, instruments occupy distinct spatial positions, and harmonic overtones integrate seamlessly with fundamental tones. For enthusiasts building championship-caliber active 3-way systems, the ADPS343 eliminates the single greatest challenge in component integration: making separate drivers sound like a unified acoustic source.
Wool Pulp Cone: Audio Dynamics' Authentic Tonality Philosophy
Audio Dynamics' engineering conviction centers on a singular material truth: wool pulp cones deliver superior harmonic accuracy and natural timbral realism compared to synthetic alternatives. This isn't subjective preference—it's materials science. Wool pulp's cellular structure creates non-uniform damping characteristics across the audible spectrum, suppressing high-order harmonics and resonant modes that aluminum, polypropylene, or carbon fiber cones amplify. When the ADPS343's wool pulp cone accelerates to reproduce transient peaks, the material's natural damping prevents cone breakup modes and metallic ringing, resulting in a neutral, uncolored midrange reproduction that reveals the authentic timbre of human voices, acoustic instruments, and orchestral textures. Audio Dynamics applies an acoustically-transparent chemical treatment to resist moisture, extending durability in automotive environments while preserving wool pulp's inherent damping advantages—the same material philosophy that defines their entire speaker lineup from entry-level 1000 Series to flagship 5000 Series.
Wool Pulp vs. Competing Midrange Cone Materials
Wool Pulp Cone (ADPS343): Natural fiber damping suppresses breakup modes and metallic resonances. Excellent transient response with authentic vocal reproduction. Requires moisture-resistant treatment for automotive durability. Ideal for: vocal clarity, acoustic instrument reproduction, jazz, classical, audiophile-grade tonality. Trade-off: Lower maximum SPL vs. metal cones (adequate for midrange duty in 3-way systems).
Aluminum Cone (Common in Competition Midranges): Maximum rigidity extends pistonic range to 5-6 kHz before cone breakup. High SPL capability. Trade-off: Sharp breakup modes at upper frequency limit create harshness. Metallic timbre colors midrange. Requires aggressive crossover filtering (24 dB/octave minimum) to prevent audible artifacts. Suitable for: high-SPL competition, electronic genres, systems prioritizing output over tonal accuracy.
Carbon Fiber / Rohacell Sandwich (Premium European Midranges): Aerospace-grade composite construction provides exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio with internal damping. Trade-off: Exotic material costs drive pricing to $300-600 per driver. Suitable for: flagship systems where budget isn't a constraint, European sound quality competitions (EMMA judging).
Paper Cone (Budget Midranges): Natural damping similar to wool pulp but lower manufacturing quality control. Trade-off: Moisture absorption changes compliance and resonance frequency with humidity. Inconsistent fiber density creates batch-to-batch tonal variation. Suitable for: budget builds where consistent performance isn't critical, casual listening applications.
16mm Titanium Dome Tweeter: High-Frequency Extension and SPL Capability
The ADPS343's integrated 5/8″ (16mm) titanium dome tweeter provides a strategic balance between the smooth response of silk domes and the high SPL capability of metal domes. Titanium's low mass and high stiffness enable extended high-frequency response to 20 kHz without the premature rolloff typical of soft dome materials, while the material's inherent damping (superior to aluminum or beryllium) suppresses the sharp breakup resonance that creates harshness in lesser metal tweeters. The concentric mounting within the wool pulp cone's acoustic center ensures that high-frequency transients and midrange fundamentals arrive at the listener's ears in perfect phase coherence—no time smearing, no comb filtering, no spatial disconnect between treble detail and midrange body. A polypropylene capacitor high-pass filter (included) protects the tweeter from midrange energy while providing a flexible foundation for active crossover integration in DSP-controlled systems.
Complete Technical Specifications & Thiele-Small Parameters
Midrange Power & Efficiency
Power (RMS): 150W per driver*
Power (Peak): 300W estimated
Sensitivity: 85.045 dB @ 1W/1m
Impedance (Z): 3.888Ω (4Ω nominal)
Fs: 140.500 Hz
*With 400 Hz HP (24 dB), 500 Hz (18 dB), or 600 Hz (12 dB)
Midrange T/S Parameters
Qts: 1.017 (total Q)
Qms: 6.709 (mechanical Q)
Qes: 1.199 (electrical Q)
Vas: 0.874 liters
Mms: 1.785 grams
Midrange Physical Specs
Frame OD: 3 5/8″ (91.5mm)
Cutout: 3 1/16″ (78mm)
Depth: 1 13/16″ (45.7mm)
Voice Coil: 1″ (20mm)
Sd: 29.426 cm² (piston area)
Tweeter Specifications
Type: 5/8″ (16mm) Titanium Dome
Fs: 2402.000 Hz
Dia: 18.090mm (effective)
Sd: 2.570 cm² (radiating area)
Crossover: Polypropylene capacitor
Electrical Parameters
Re (Mid): 3.240Ω (DC resistance)
Le (Mid): 0.077 mH (inductance)
Bl (Mid): 2.064 Tm (force factor)
Re (Tw): 3.527Ω
Le (Tw): 0.028 mH
Construction Features
Frame: Cast aluminum (rigid)
Magnet: Neodymium (high-energy)
Surround: 60-count yarn cloth
Shorting Ring: Included (extended response)
Terminals: Gold-plated
⚠️ Critical: High-Pass Filtering Requirement
Audio Dynamics explicitly specifies that all power ratings assume electronic high-pass crossover filtering to protect the midrange from over-excursion below its optimal operating range. The 150W RMS rating applies only when one of the following high-pass configurations is implemented:
- Option 1: 400 Hz @ 24 dB/octave (Linkwitz-Riley 4th-order)
- Option 2: 500 Hz @ 18 dB/octave (Butterworth 3rd-order)
- Option 3: 600 Hz @ 12 dB/octave (Butterworth 2nd-order)
Why This Matters: The ADPS343's Fs = 140.5 Hz, Qts = 1.017 parameters indicate this driver is optimized for midrange reproduction (300 Hz and above), not midbass operation. Attempting to reproduce frequencies below 300 Hz without high-pass filtering will result in excessive cone excursion, distortion, mechanical damage, and voice coil overheating. The 3″ format and wool pulp cone are designed for vocal fundamentals and instrumental midrange, not low-frequency bass reproduction.
Implementation: Use DSP processor high-pass filtering (Helix, Audison BitOne, Goldhorn P2/P3 series), dedicated active crossover, or amplifier's built-in crossover settings. The ADPS343 REQUIRES active 3-way system integration—it is not designed for 2-way passive crossover applications or full-range operation.
Competitive Analysis: Premium 3" Midrange Drivers
The 3″ midrange driver segment represents the most competitive category in car audio component engineering, where brands deploy their flagship technologies to capture the critical frequency band where human hearing exhibits maximum sensitivity (300 Hz – 5 kHz). The ADPS343's positioning at $299.99 places it in direct competition with established players from American, European, and Asian manufacturers. The following analysis compares the ADPS343 against three representative competitors across engineering philosophy, material science, and value proposition:
Competitive Positioning Analysis
vs. Xcelsus XXM325 ($349.99): The XXM325's aluminum cone and spiderless suspension system target high-SPL competition applications where maximum output capability justifies synthetic cone coloration. The ADPS343 counters with point source architecture and wool pulp authenticity—trading 3-5 dB of maximum SPL for superior tonal accuracy and inherent time alignment. For sound quality competitions (EMMA, IASCA) where judging emphasizes tonal fidelity over raw output, the ADPS343's natural timbre and integrated tweeter coherence deliver competitive advantages the XXM325 cannot match.
vs. Eton RSR 80 (Premium German): Eton's carbon-rohacell-glass fiber sandwich cone represents aerospace-grade engineering with exotic material costs. The RSR 80's 20W RMS power handling reflects a design philosophy prioritizing pistonic accuracy over thermal capacity—ideal for EMMA judging environments with 85-90 dB SPL constraints. The ADPS343's 150W RMS power handling and integrated titanium tweeter target enthusiasts who need higher output capability and point source convenience without carbon fiber pricing. Trade-off: Eton's shallow 33.9mm depth vs. ADPS343's 45.7mm may favor specific installation locations.
vs. Audiocircle HL-M3 MK II ($249.99/pair): The HL-M3 MK II's $125/driver price point ($50 less than ADPS343) positions it as the budget-conscious option in German-engineered midranges. Black aluminum cone and 89 dB sensitivity provide excellent efficiency, but the dedicated midrange configuration requires separate tweeter integration and time alignment. The ADPS343's $50 premium buys point source architecture eliminating time alignment complexity, wool pulp tonal authenticity, and 150W thermal capacity. For enthusiasts who value installation simplicity and acoustic coherence over raw efficiency, the ADPS343 justifies its positioning.
Installation Strategy & Active 3-Way System Integration
The ADPS343's point source architecture and 300 Hz – 20 kHz bandwidth make it the centerpiece of reference-grade active 3-way systems—handling the entire midrange and high-frequency spectrum from a singular acoustic origin. Proper installation requires strategic placement, dedicated amplification, and DSP-controlled crossover integration to realize the driver's full performance potential.
Optimal Mounting Locations for Point Source Performance
Tier 1: A-Pillars (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Optimal): Flush-mounted at windshield height creates elevated soundstage with vocalist appearing at dashboard level. Point source architecture ensures perfect time alignment between midrange and tweeter frequencies without DSP delay compensation. Minimal path length difference between driver and passenger maintains center image focus. Requires custom fabrication (cutting A-pillar trim, creating 78mm mounting hole) but delivers competition-grade imaging. Installation Difficulty: Moderate to High. Sonic Reward: Maximum.
Tier 2: Sail Panels (⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good): Triangle-shaped panels behind side mirrors provide good elevation and acceptable time alignment. The 91.5mm outer diameter fits most sail panel cavities with minor modification. Point source design maintains coherent soundstage even in off-axis locations. Installation Difficulty: Moderate. Sonic Reward: High.
Tier 3: Dashboard Corners (⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable): Forward-facing dashboard locations near windshield edges offer decent elevation with simplified fabrication. Point source architecture compensates for less-than-ideal positioning through inherent time alignment. Installation Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Sonic Reward: Moderate.
Not Recommended: Door Mounting: Positioning the ADPS343 in door panels negates its primary advantage—point source architecture's elevated soundstage capability. If door mounting is unavoidable due to vehicle constraints, consider a dedicated 3" midrange without integrated tweeter and position a separate tweeter higher in the acoustic space.
Active 3-Way System Configuration
The ADPS343 thrives in DSP-controlled active 3-way systems where electronic crossovers provide precise frequency allocation and level matching. The following configuration represents best practices derived from championship-caliber installations:
Frequency Allocation
Subwoofer: 20-80 Hz (subsonic foundation)
Midbass: 80-300 Hz (door-mounted 6.5-8″)
ADPS343: 300 Hz – 20 kHz (full midrange/treble)
Point source handles 7+ octaves from single driver
Crossover Settings
Sub LP: 80 Hz @ 24 dB/octave
Midbass BP: 80-300 Hz @ 24 dB
ADPS343 HP: 300-400 Hz @ 24 dB
Start at 300 Hz, adjust based on cabin response
Power Requirements
Minimum: 50W RMS @ 4Ω per channel
Optimal: 75-100W RMS @ 4Ω per channel
Maximum: 150W RMS @ 4Ω per channel
DSP with integrated amplification recommended
Recommended DSP Processors for ADPS343 Integration
- Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus ($1,999.99): 20-channel DSP with integrated 8×80W amplification—perfect for active 3-way + subwoofer systems. Provides sufficient power for ADPS343 without external amplifiers.
- Goldhorn P2 DSP Pro V2 ($2,499.99): 12-channel DSP/DSD player with audiophile-grade processing. Requires external amplification but delivers championship-level tuning capabilities.
- Helix DSP.3 / Audison BitOne HD: Established European DSP platforms with proven active crossover algorithms and time alignment precision.
- Alpine PXE-0850S: Budget-friendly 8-channel DSP for enthusiasts entering active system territory. Adequate for ADPS343 integration with external amplifiers.
Expert Analysis & Performance Ratings
🏆 Overall Expert Rating: 4.5/5.0
"POINT SOURCE COHERENCE WITH AUTHENTIC TONALITY"
- Sound Quality: 4.7/5.0 — Point source architecture eliminates time alignment complexity; wool pulp cone delivers authentic midrange timbre; integrated titanium tweeter extends to 20 kHz without harshness
- Power Handling: 4.4/5.0 — 150W RMS thermal capacity supports high-output active systems; neodymium motor provides efficient heat dissipation
- Build Quality: 4.6/5.0 — Cast aluminum frame, neodymium motor, 60-count yarn cloth surround, shorting ring technology represent flagship-tier construction
- Installation: 4.2/5.0 — 45.7mm depth fits most A-pillar/sail panel locations; 78mm cutout requires precision fabrication; point source design simplifies time alignment vs. separate components
- Value: 4.5/5.0 — At $299.99, delivers point source convenience + wool pulp authenticity competitive with $350-400 alternatives; integrated tweeter eliminates separate component costs
Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for active 3-way systems prioritizing soundstage coherence and tonal accuracy. The ADPS343's point source architecture represents the acoustically correct solution to midrange integration, eliminating the time alignment and phase coherence challenges that compromise conventional component configurations.
Product Information & Technical Support
Product Details
Model: ADPS343
Series: 4000 Series (Flagship)
Config: 3″ Point Source Full-Range
Condition: New
SKU: ADPS343
Package Contents
• Wool pulp cone midrange (3″)
• Titanium dome tweeter (16mm)
• Polypropylene capacitor crossover
• Mounting hardware
• Gold-plated terminals
Manufacturer Info
Brand: Audio Dynamics
Origin: Engineered in USA
Warranty: Manufacturer warranty
URL: View Product Page
Availability
Status: Contact Audio Intensity
Price: $299.99 per driver
Series: 4000 Series Flagship
Ready to Experience Point Source Coherence?
Contact Audio Intensity for current availability and active system design consultation
VIEW MANUFACTURER DETAILSAudio Dynamics ADPS343 4000 Series 3" Point Source Full-Range Driver
Wool Pulp Cone Authenticity | Integrated Titanium Tweeter | Neodymium Motor | Point Source Coherence
Manufacturer: Audio Dynamics
All specifications subject to manufacturer updates. Power ratings assume electronic high-pass crossover filtering (300-400 Hz minimum). Requires DSP-controlled active 3-way system integration. Installation by qualified professional recommended.
