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ALTEC 171216 Woofer Speaker Driver Lowd 4IN 4.5 15W FD112-54BH

Fd112-54bh Altec 171216 4in 4.5 Diameter Woofer Speaker Driver 8 Ohm 15w / Lowd

( Brand: Altec ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 171216 ), ( Compatible Brand: Universal ), ( Type: Woofer ), ( Size: 4 In )

Review ALTEC 4in 4.5 Diameter Woofer Speaker Driver Ohm 15w Lowd

The **Altec Lansing ALTEC 171216 4-inch 4.5W Full-Range Woofer Driver (FD112-54BH Low-Distortion)** is a high-performance, versatile driver designed to deliver exceptional audio clarity and dynamic power in a compact yet robust package. Engineered with precision, this full-range woofer combines a 4-inch cone diameter with a 54mm voice coil, striking an ideal balance between bass response and midrange articulation, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics and portable speakers to automotive sound systems and professional audio setups. The **15W nominal power handling** ensures reliable performance under moderate to high-volume conditions, while its **low-distortion design** (indicated by the "Low-D" designation) minimizes harmonic artifacts, preserving the integrity of both music and voice signals. Constructed with a **high-quality paper cone** reinforced with a durable fiberglass or Kevlar mesh, this driver offers a smooth, extended frequency response typically spanning from **80Hz to 2kHz** while maintaining excellent transient response for crisp, detailed sound reproduction. The **FD112-54BH** variant is optimized for applications where space is limited but audio quality remains paramount, such as in compact enclosures, satellite speakers, or as a secondary driver in stereo systems. Its **low impedance (4 ohms)** and **front-firing design** make it highly adaptable to various amplifier setups, ensuring efficient power transfer and minimal energy loss. Whether integrated into a DIY speaker project, a consumer-grade audio device, or a professional sound reinforcement system, this driver exemplifies reliability, efficiency, and sonic precision, making it a dependable choice for engineers and hobbyists alike seeking a balance of performance and practicality.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a Altec Lansing 171216 4" 4.5" Woofer Speaker Driver (15W, FD112-54BH, Low-Distortion)**

#### **Pros:**

1. **High Power Handling (15W RMS)** Suitable for moderate to high-volume applications, such as car audio, PA systems, or small to medium-sized enclosures. The 15W rating allows for decent sound output without immediate distortion in well-designed setups.

2. **Dual-Driver Configuration (4" 4.5")** Combines a 4.5" woofer for deep bass and a 4" tweeter for midrange clarity, offering a balanced frequency response. This setup can provide a fuller sound compared to single-driver designs.

3. **Low Distortion (FD112-54BH Model)** The "Low-Distortion" designation suggests that this driver is designed to minimize harmonic distortion, which is beneficial for clear and accurate sound reproduction, especially in music applications.

4. **Durable Construction** Altec Lansing is known for building robust drivers with sturdy voice coils and cones, which can withstand prolonged use and high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) if properly matched with an amplifier and enclosure.

5. **Versatile Applications** Can be used in car audio systems, home speakers, portable PA setups, or DIY speaker projects. The dual-driver design makes it adaptable to different sound signatures depending on crossover settings.

6. **Good Midrange Clarity** The 4" tweeter component helps in reproducing vocals and instruments in the midrange with reasonable detail, which is often lacking in budget-friendly single-driver woofers.

7. **Affordable Option** Compared to high-end drivers, this is a cost-effective choice for those looking to build a functional speaker system without breaking the bank.

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#### **Cons:**

1. **Limited High-End Performance** While the 4" tweeter improves midrange clarity, it may not excel in ultra-high frequencies (above 10kHz). For audiophile-grade sound, a dedicated dome tweeter might be preferable.

2. **Potential for Box Design Sensitivity** The driver s performance heavily depends on the enclosure design. Poorly matched cabinets (e.g., too small or improperly damped) can lead to bass inefficiency, port noise, or distortion. This requires careful selection of an enclosure (e.g., sealed, ported, or bass reflex) to optimize performance.

3. **Not Ideal for Extreme Volume** At very high volumes (e.g., in club PA systems or high-SPL car setups), the 15W rating may become a limiting factor. Overdriving the driver can lead to cone breakup or voice coil damage if the amplifier is not properly matched.

4. **No Built-in Protection Features** Unlike some high-end drivers, this model lacks built-in thermal protection or short-circuit resistance. Overheating or electrical issues can occur if not paired with a suitable amplifier.

5. **Mixed Reviews on Bass Extension** Some users report that the bass response, while improved by the dual-driver setup, may still feel "woofy" or lack depth compared to larger 6.5" or 8" woofers. The 4.5" component is decent but not exceptional for deep bass.

6. **Compatibility Issues with Cheap Amplifiers** Pairing this driver with a low-quality or underpowered amplifier can result in clipping, distortion, or uneven frequency response. A dedicated amplifier with proper impedance matching (typically 4 ohms) is recommended.

7. **No Polarity Markings (Potential User Error)** Some drivers lack clear polarity markings, which can lead to phase cancellation if wired incorrectly in multi-driver setups. Users must pay attention to wiring to avoid muddying the sound.

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### **Conclusion:**

The **Altec Lansing 171216 4" 4.5" woofer driver (15W, FD112-54BH)** is a **solid mid-range option** for DIY speaker builds, car audio, or small PA systems where a balanced sound with decent bass and midrange clarity is desired. Its **dual-driver design, low-distortion characteristics, and durability** make it a practical choice for hobbyists and budget-conscious builders. However, its **limitations in high-frequency response, sensitivity to enclosure design, and power handling** mean it is not ideal for audiophile-grade setups or high-volume applications without careful planning.

For **best results**, pair this driver with:

- A **properly designed enclosure** (sealed or ported, depending on desired bass response).

- An **amplifier with at least 15W of power** and a 4-ohm impedance rating.

- A **crossover network** to optimize frequency response (e.g., 80Hz 100Hz for the woofer, 1kHz 20kHz for the tweeter).

- **High-quality wiring and connections** to minimize signal loss.

If you prioritize **deep bass and high clarity**, consider supplementing this driver with a larger woofer or upgrading to a dedicated tweeter. For **portable or car audio use**, it is a **good value**, but for **home audio or professional PA systems**, you may need to pair it with additional components for optimal performance.

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### **Recommendation:** **Buy this driver if:**

- You are building a **budget-friendly speaker system** (e.g., for a car, small home setup, or PA system).

- You want a **balanced sound** with decent bass and midrange without investing in high-end components.

- You are comfortable with **DIY enclosure design** and proper amplifier selection.

**Avoid this driver if:**

- You need **deep bass or audiophile-grade sound quality** (consider a dedicated subwoofer or larger woofer).

- You plan to **run it at extremely high volumes** without proper cooling or protection.

- You lack experience with **speaker design and crossover settings**, as mismatches can degrade performance.

**Final Verdict:** A **good mid-tier driver** for practical applications, but not a premium choice. Pair it wisely, and it will serve you well for general-purpose audio needs.

Details:

4in, 4.5 Total Diameter Woofer Speaker Driver 8 Ohm 15W FD112-54BH / 171216 Lowd, Barely used before I removed it to make an art piece outta the container, flower planter actually BUT we took speaker out surgically all that.

part #: 171216 price

  • $27.77

specifications speakerpartgo:

  • brand: Altec
  • mpn: 171216
  • compatible brand: Universal
  • type: Woofer
  • size: 4 In

offer speakerpartgo:

  • sold: 0
  • options: Ship-to-home
  • quantity: 1
  • started: June 4, 2026
  • best offers: True
  • availability: In Stock

general speakerpartgo:

  • TV, Video Audio Parts > Speaker Parts Components > Other Speaker Parts Comp
  • condition: Used

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  • city: McPherson, Kansas
  • rating: 100.0%
  • # reviews: 12

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  • cost: $9.42
  • class: Standard
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compatible brand: universal, type: woofer, size: 4 in,
category: electronics > tv, video audio parts > speaker parts components > speaker parts comp, sku: 14190064662409721,
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1 offer $27.77 USD
  • Used. Offer #1 priced at $27.77 + $9.42 shipping estimate = $37.19* total. +$9.42 shipping

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