Large magnet vs small magnet speakers

Neither determines sound quality very much. Small magnets are usually rare earth or have a higher flux density than larger magnets which are typically ceramic.
Vendors that specialize in loudspeakers give other specifications. Two to note are sensitivity which is given in db per watt. The higher number the better. Look for 82-84db. The other is free air resonant frequency, sometimes given as Fs. The lower number the better. For a 2”/50mm driver anything below 200hz is excellent. The lower the number the better the low frequency response. Any driver rated 1 watt or better is OK as most model train audio amps only put out about 1 watt.

Pete

The main problem you can run into is if the magnet is to big it might not fit inside your engine your tender depending which engine your modifying ! typically the bigger speaker magnets give much better deep low sounds like train whistles etc more BASEY !

Alan

Thanks Pete and Alan.

For this project, I am upgrading all the Lionel F-3 derelicts I have had sitting in my spare parts box. The speaker ring is molded into the top of the shells below the screen vents. I normally use the included speaker that comes in the RS kits but they are to small, 57mm (2.25") are what fit the ring.

Lionel fatboys are usually way too tall. A good source for speakers is Parts Express. Most all drivers have specifications for size and performance.

This is a good place to start.

https://www.parts-express.com/...eeters/mini-speakers

Pete

I buy a lot of speakers on Digikey, they have a great assortment and also have full specifications for the speakers, makes the selction easier.

Parts express does not carry the 2.25 ones. I'll check digi-key.

Thanks Pete and John