Hi Hawkson,

The circle at the woofer's center is the dust cap, and normally if it gets indented, it does not affect performance or sound quality.

If the woofer cone were misaligned from a defect, it would negatively change performance. Even a serious ripple or unevenness in the cone surface might alter breakup characteristics. The cone must work as a piston, and remain stiff (ahem).

Regards,

Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)