YouTube Video Review version:

Information

Per the manual:

The new Esotec MW 172 is a 20 cm (8 inch) diameter mid/woofer designed for high performance two-and three way systems.

Retail price is about $600/pair.

Product Spec Sheet can be found here but I have provided a screen capture of the specs below.

Test Results

Foreword: Subjective Analysis vs Objective Data of Drive Units (click here)

While I would love to be able to confidently do so, I do not provide subjective analysis of raw drive units. Realistically, there is no easy way or meaningful way to do so. Drive units are parts of a whole. In order to test, subjectively, you would want to integrate it into a system and find what works best when mated to another driver (like a midwoofer to a tweeter, a midrange to a midwoofer, etc.). And to give it a fair shake it must be optimized in that inegration which would be a very arduous task to perform for every drive unit I review. It makes no sense to subjectively critique a single drive unit on its own because it may be used in a different configuration than someone else. One person may cross it with an LR2 HPF and LR4 LPF where another may use it in a completely different bandpass with completely different crossover and slopes. And if I were to try to create a speaker from it for the point of subjective analysis I am left with the same issue. The best implementation for a 6.5-inch midwoofer is different than it is for an 8-inch midwoofer. The data tells the story of performance on an apples-to-apples basis far better than someone's subjective imagination can.

For all the reasons listed above: What I provide here is objective-heavy analysis. However, I provide my own subjective experience and provide insight into what I believe might be positive or negative performance characteristics based on the objective data.

Small Signal Testing (Thiele-Small Results)

Using Klippel’s Distortion Analyzer 2, Linear Lumped Parameter Measurement Module, Pro Driver Stand and provided Panasonic ANR12821 Laser along with Klippel’s Training 1 - Linear Lumped Parameter Measurement tutorial, I measured this drive unit’s impedance and small-signal parameters. Below are the results.

Note: The impedance graph can be found in the Frequency Response Linearity graphic later in this review.

Electrical Parameters
Re	3.37	Ohm	electrical voice coil resistance at DC
Le	0.235	mH	frequency independent part of voice coil inductance
L2	0.288	mH	para-inductance of voice coil
R2	2.63	Ohm	electrical resistance due to eddy current losses
Cmes	703.41	µF	electrical capacitance representing moving mass
Lces	16.14	mH	electrical inductance representing driver compliance
Res	13.92	Ohm	resistance due to mechanical losses
fs	47.2	Hz	driver resonance frequency
Mechanical Parameters
(using laser)
Mms	22.005	g	mechanical mass of driver diaphragm assembly including air load and voice coil
Mmd (Sd)	19.276	g	mechanical mass of voice coil and diaphragm without air load
Rms	2.247	kg/s	mechanical resistance of total-driver losses
Cms	0.516	mm/N	mechanical compliance of driver suspension
Kms	1.94	N/mm	mechanical stiffness of driver suspension
Bl	5.593	N/A	force factor (Bl product)
Lambda s	0.034		suspension creep factor
Loss factors
Qtp	0.567		total Q-factor considering all losses
Qms	2.906		mechanical Q-factor of driver in free air considering Rms only
Qes	0.705		electrical Q-factor of driver in free air considering Re only
Qts	0.567		total Q-factor considering Re and Rms only
Other Parameters
Vas	23.6571	l	equivalent air volume of suspension
n0	0.340	%	reference efficiency (2 pi-radiation using Re)
Lm	87.52	dB	characteristic sound pressure level (SPL at 1m for 1W @ Re)
Lnom	Zn missing	dB	nominal sensitivity (SPL at 1m for 1W @ Zn)
rmse Z	2.88	%	root-mean-square fitting error of driver impedance Z(f)
rmse Hx	1.76	%	root-mean-square fitting error of transfer function Hx (f)
Series resistor	0.00	Ohm	resistance of series resistor
Sd	180.00	cm²	diaphragm area

Large Signal Modeling (Linear Xmax Results)

Using Klippel’s Distortion Analyzer 2, Large Signal Identification Module, Pro Driver Stand and provided Panasonic ANR12821 Laser along with Klippel’s Training 3 - Loudspeaker Nonlinearities tutorial, I measured the linear, nonlinear and thermal parameters of this drive unit.

Nonlinearities

Traditionally, Xmax has been defined in one of the following ways:

• the physical overhang of the voice coil (height of the voice coil relative to height of the gap)
• 115% times the physical overhang above
• the point where displacement limit(s) is/are exceeded

The third option is where the Klippel LSI module comes in to play. It permits a more “apples to apples” approach of defining the displacement (Xmax) limits based on the XBL, XC, XL and Xd. The displacement limits XBL, XC, XL and Xd describe the limiting effect for the force factor Bl(x), compliance Cms(x), inductance Le(x) and Doppler effect, respectively, according to the threshold values Blmin, Cmin, Zmax and d2 used by the operator.

There are one of two sets of thresholds which can be used to define linear excursion:

1. Non-Subwoofer Drivers: The thresholds Blmin= 82 %, Cmin=75 %, Zmax=10 % and d2=10% generate for a two-tone-signal (f1=fs, f2=8.5fs) 10 % total harmonic distortion and 10 % intermodulation distortion.
2. Subwoofer Drivers: The thresholds Blmin= 70 %, Cmin=50 %, Zmax=17 % create 20 % total harmonic distortion which is becoming the standard for acceptable subwoofer distortion thresholds.

These parameters are defined in more detail in the (Klippel) papers:

• “AN04 – Measurement of Peak Displacement Xmax”
• “AN05 - Displacement Limits due to Driver Nonlinearities”
• “AN17 - Credibility of Nonlinear Parameters”
• “Prediction of Speaker Performance at High Amplitudes”
• “Assessment of Voice Coil Peak Displacement Xmax”
• “Assessing Large Signal Performance of Loudspeakers”

Below are the displacement limits’ results for this drive unit obtained from Klippel’s LSI module:

Displacement Limits
X Bl @ Bl min=82%	3.3	mm	Displacement limit due to force factor variation
X C @ C min=75%	3.4	mm	Displacement limit due to compliance variation
X L @ Z max=10 %	>5.8	mm	Displacement limit due to inductance variation
X d @ d2=10%	22.3	mm	Displacement limit due to IM distortion (Doppler)
Asymmetry (IEC 62458)
Ak	33.90	%	Stiffness asymmetry Ak(Xpeak)
Xsym	-0.64	mm	Symmetry point of Bl(x) at maximal excursion

Per the above table, this drive unit’s linear excursion is limited to 3.3mm due to exceeding the Bl displacement limit of 82% (as well as 3.4mm displacement limit for compliance variation limit) for the distortion limit of 10%.

We can break the above information down further. The below text is written by Patrick Turnmire of Red Rock Acoustics and used with his permission, substituting data from this drive unit’s test results where applicable.

Large Signal Modeling

At higher amplitudes, loudspeakers produce substantial distortion in the output signal, generated by nonlinear ties inherent in the transducer. The dominant nonlinear distortions are predictable and are closely related with the general principle, particular design, material properties and assembling techniques of the loudspeaker. The Klippel Distortion Analyzer combines nonlinear measurement techniques with computer simulation to explain the generation of the nonlinear distortions, to identify their physical causes and to give suggestion for constructional improvements. Better insight into the nonlinear mechanisms makes it possible to further optimize the transducer in respect with sound quality, weight, size and cost.

Nonlinear Characteristics

The dominant nonlinearities are modelled by variable parameters such as

Bl(x)	instantaneous electro-dynamic coupling factor (force factor of the motor) defined by the integral of the magnetic flux density B over voice coil length l as a function of displacement
KMS(x)	mechanical stiffness of driver suspension a function of displacement
LE(i)	voice coil inductance as a function of input current (describes nonlinear permeability of the iron path)
LE(x)	voice coil inductance as a function of displacement

Nonlinear Parameters

Bl change with excursion

The electrodynamic coupling factor, also called Bl-product or force factor Bl(x), is defined by the integral of the magnetic flux density B over voice coil length l and translates current into force. In traditional modeling this parameter is assumed to be constant. The force factor Bl(0) at the rest position corresponds with the Bl-product used in linear modeling. The red curve displays Bl over the entire displacement range covered during the measurement. You see the typical decay of Bl when the voice coil moves out of the gap. At the end of the measurement, the black curve shows the confidential range (interval where the voice coil displacement in this range occurred 99% of the measurement time). During the measurement, the black curve shows the current working range. The dashed curve displays Bl(x) mirrored at the rest position of the voice coil – this way, asymmetries can be quickly identified. Since a laser was connected during the measurement, a coil in / coil out marker is displayed on the bottom left / bottom right.

Suspension Stiffness change with excursion

The stiffness KMS(x) describes the mechanical properties of the suspension. Its inverse is the compliance CMS(x).

Inductance change with excursion

The inductance components Le (x) and Bl(i) of most drivers have a strong asymmetric characteristic. If the voice coil moves towards the back plate the inductance usually increases since the magnetic field generated by the current in the voice coil has a lower magnetic resistance due to the shorter air path. The nonlinear inductance Le(x) has two nonlinear effects. First the variation of the electrical impedance with voice coil displacement x affects the input current of the driver. Here the nonlinear source of distortion is the multiplication of displacement and current. The second effect is the generation of a reluctance force which may be interpreted as an electromagnetic motor force proportional to the squared input current.

The flux modulation Bl(i) has two effects too. On the electrical side the back EMF Bl(i)*v produces nonlinear distortion due to the multiplication of current i and velocity v. On the mechanical side the driving force F = Bl(i)*i comprises a nonlinear term due to the squared current i. This force produces similar effects as the variable term Le(x).

Fs shift with excursion

Qts change with excursion

Asymmetrical Nonlinearities

Asymmetrical nonlinearities produce not only second- and higher-order distortions but also a dc-part in the displacement by rectifying low frequency components. For an asymmetric stiffness characteristic the dc-components moves the voice coil for any excitation signal in the direction of the stiffness minimum. For an asymmetric force factor characteristic the dc-component depends on the frequency of the excitation signal. A sinusoidal tone below resonance (f<fS) would generate or force moving the voice coil always in the force factor maximum. This effect is most welcome for stabilizing voice coil position. However, above the resonance frequency (f>fS) would generate a dc-component moving the voice coil in the force factor minimum and may cause severe stability problems. For an asymmetric inductance characteristic the dc-component moves the voice coil for any excitation signal in the direction of the inductance maximum. Please note that the dynamically generated DC-components cause interactions between the driver nonlinearities. An optimal rest position of the coil in the gap may be destroyed by an asymmetric compliance or inductance characteristic at higher amplitudes. The module Large Signal Simulation (SIM) allows systematic investigation of the complicated behavior.

Bl symmetry xb(x)

This curve shows the symmetry point in the nonlinear Bl-curve where a negative and positive displacement x=xpeak will produce the same force factor Bl(xb(x) + x) = Bl(xb(x) – x).

If the shift xb(x) is independent on the displacement amplitude x then the force factor asymmetry is caused by an offset of the voice coil position and can be simply compensated.

If the optimal shift xb(x) varies with the displacement amplitude x then the force factor asymmetry is caused by an asymmetrical geometry of the magnetic field and cannot completely be compensated by coil shifting.

Kms Symmetry xc(x)

This curve shows the symmetry point in the nonlinear compliance curve where a negative and positive displacement x=xpeak will produce the same compliance value kms(xc(x) + x) = kms(xc(x) – x).

A high value of the symmetry point xc(x) at small displacement amplitudes x » 0 indicates that the rest position does not agree with the minimum of the stiffness characteristic. This may be caused by an asymmetry in the geometry of the spider (cup form) or surround (half wave). A high value of the symmetry point xc(x) at maximal displacement x» xmax may be caused by asymmetric limiting of the surround.

Parameters at the Rest Position

For accurate system modelling “Large + Cold” parameters are preferable to “Small Signal” parameters because they more closely reflect the parameters in their typical operating range.

Symbol	Large + Warm	Large + Cold	Small Signal	Unit	Comment
Note:					for accurate small signal parameters, use LPM module
———————–	———	———	———	——	————————————————————————————————————–
Delta Tv [referenced]	33.6		0	K	increase of voice coil temperature during the measurement referenced to imported Re(Delta Tv=0K)
Delta Tv = Tv-Ta	29.1	0	0	K	increase of voice coil temperature during the measurement
Xprot	6.8	6.8	0.6	mm	maximal voice coil excursion (limited by protection system)
Re (Tv)	3.82	3.44	3.44	Ohm	voice coil resistance considering increase of voice coil temperature Tv
Le (X=0)	0.32	0.32	0.29	mH	voice coil inductance at the rest position of the voice coil
L2 (X=0)	0.25	0.25	0.26	mH	para-inductance at the rest position due to the effect of eddy current
R2 (X=0)	1.49	1.49	1.36	Ohm	resistance at the rest position due to eddy currents
Cmes (X=0)	788	788	757	µF	electrical capacitance representing moving mass
Lces (X=0)	19.42	19.42	15.37	mH	electrical inductance at the rest position representing driver compliance
Res (X=0)	11.77	11.77	9.30	Ohm	resistance at the rest position due to mechanical losses
Qms (X=0, Tv)	2.37	2.37	2.06		mechanical Q-factor considering the mechanical system only
Qes (Tv)	0.69	0.62	0.76		electrical Q-factor considering Re (Tv) only
Qts (X=0, Tv)	0.54	0.49	0.56		total Q-factor considering Re (Tv) and Rms only
fs	40.7	40.7	46.7	Hz	driver resonance frequency
Mms	22.492	22.492		g	(calculated from imported Bl) mechanical mass of driver diaphragm assembly including voice-coil and air load
Rms (X=0)	2.426	2.426	3.411	kg/s	mechanical resistance of total-driver losses
Cms (X=0)	0.68	0.68	0.48	mm/N	mechanical compliance of driver suspension at the rest position
Kms (X=0)	1.47	1.47	2.06	N/mm	mechanical stiffness of driver suspension at the rest position
Bl (X=0)	5.63	5.63	5.63	N/A	(imported) force factor at the rest position (Bl product)
Vas	31.0607	31.0607	22.1410	l	equivalent air volume of suspension
N0	0.289	0.321	0.282	%	reference efficiency (2Pi-sr radiation using Re)
Lm	86.8	87.2	86.7	dB	characteristic sound pressure level
Sd	180.00	180.00	180.00	cm²	diaphragm area

Frequency Response

Frequency Response data is generated using Klippel’s Transfer Function Mueasurement module in conjunction with Klippel’s In-Situ Compensation module. This pairing enables me to generate anechoic-quality measurements in the farfield with a resolution of response down to 20Hz increments; far better than splicing nearfield with gated farfield data (the latter of which is often limited to 200Hz or 300Hz resolution and will not show high-Q resonance in the midrange and bass frequencies). Data is represented at 2.83v/1m.

On-Axis Linearity and Impedance

On and Off-Axis Frequency Response

Harmonic Distortion:

Measurements were completed in the nearfield (approximately 0.30 meters with room correction applied via Klippel’s ISC module) using Klippel’s TRF module. Multiple output levels were tested to provide the trend of distortion component profiles and to provide a comparison against other drive units I have tested. The SPL provided is relative to 1 meter distance, averaged in the noted bandpass region.

Intermodulated Distortion (IMD):

Klippel’s 3D-DISTORTION MEASUREMENT (DIS) module is used to calculate the Intermodulated Distortion for this drive unit.

Measurements were completed in the nearfield. Multiple output levels were tested to provide the trend of distortion component profiles and to provide a comparison against other drive units I have tested. The SPL provided is relative to 1 meter distance, averaged in the noted bandpass region.

Unlike Harmonic Distortion - which is a measure of only harmonics from a single tone - IMD is tested with two tones at the same time: a low frequency “bass tone” near Fs and a higher frequency “voice tone” much greater than Fs. For example a speaker driver plays 30Hz at the same time it plays 200Hz. Any distortion artifacts created by the sum and/or difference of the speaker playing both tones at the same time is a result of IMD. In this example, the speaker is supposed to play only 30Hz & 200Hz at the same time. Thanks to IMD, it plays 200Hz ± 30Hz. Second order IMD would be 200 ± 30Hz = 170Hz & 230Hz. Third order IMD would be 200 ± 60Hz = 140Hz & 260Hz. If these ‘side bands’ are high enough in output then they are heard as distortion. If not, they are not.

With that in mind, I used Klippel’s DIS module to test this drive unit in two ways:

1. “Bass tone” fixed at the driver’s Fs, with a “voice sweep” where the 200Hz - 6kHz region is played, one tone at a time (over 50 individual tones).
2. The same as above, but the “bass tone” fixed at 80Hz.

The purpose of me testing with two methods (different “bass tones”) is to see the difference between what happens when the driver plays with high(er) excursion vs when a typical HPF is used. All similarly sized and similarly purposed speakers are tested in the same manner. For better or worse. This means a 6-inch midwoofer is tested the same way an 8-inch midwoofer is. Ultimately, this is for my sanity, because having numerous measurement methods for all sizes of speakers would muddy the waters quickly and wouldn’t give us an idea of when performance is great (say, a 6-inch midwoofer that has much less distortion than an 8-inch) or vice-versa.

The above is tested at 3 voltages each. The first voltage is always 2.83v. The other two voltages are increased to provide higher output (usually targeting at least 96dB for one). As is the case with the multiple HD tests, the multiple IMD levels provides an idea of what the speaker’s IMD profiles look like as the output of the speaker is increased.

Results are provided in GIF form to help understand how the increased output levels impact the distortion profiles and levels. Also, I have provided the (calculated) excursion at the provided tests’ output level so you can see how much excursion the speaker is under at the bass tone. Naturally, with a lower frequency there is higher excursion than with a higher frequency bass tone. This also helps when you are comparing performance against another drive-unit because different speakers have different response profiles; one drive unit may have 2x the excursion from 30Hz to 80Hz while another may have 3x the excursion. Just something to keep in mind.

Test 1: Bass Tone at Fs, Voice Tones from 200-6000Hz

Test 2: Bass Tone at 80Hz, Voice Tones from 200-6000Hz

Maximum Long Term SPL (Multitone Distortion Testing) & Compression

Klippel’s Multi-Tone Measurement (MTON) module is used to calculate the maximum SPL for this drive unit.

Unlike IMD testing, Multitone testing incorporates a complex stimulus, used to emulate actual music. However, it is a bit more limited in evaluation purposes so I am using it here to characterize the maximum SPL of a drive unit at 1 meter distance as well as provide how much compression it exhibits with an increase in voice coil temperature.

The below data provides the metrics for how Maximum Long Term SPL is determined. This measurement follows the IEC 60268-21 Long Term SPL protocol, per Klippel’s template, as such:

• Rated maximum sound pressure according IEC 60268-21 §18.4
• Using broadband multi-tone stimulus according §8.4
• Stimulus time = 60 s Excitation time + Preloops according §18.4.1

Each voltage test is 1 minute long (hence, the “Long Term” nomenclature).

The thresholds to determine the maximum SPL are:

• -30dB Distortion relative to the fundamental
• -2dB Compression relative to the reference (1V) measurement

When the speaker has reached either or both above thresholds, the test is terminated and the SPL of the last test is the maximum SPL. In the below results, the legend indicates the average SPL within the same passband as is provided for the Frequency Response measurements. The highest SPL in the legend is the maximum SPL referencd to 1 meter distance. I provide the data showing which threshold was exceeded. The graphic(s) with a red line indicate the threshold that failed and capped the maximum SPL.

This measurement is conducted twice (with a 30-minute break between to let the voice coil cool down):

1. “Typical” - 80Hz to 1600Hz
2. “Extended” - 40Hz to 3200Hz

The purpose of me testing with two methods is to see how a driver performs in a more “typical” passband vs when it plays an “extended” passband. All similarly sized and similarly purposed speakers are tested in the same manner. For better or worse. This means a 6-inch midwoofer is tested the same way an 8-inch midwoofer is. Ultimately, this is for my sanity, because having numerous measurement methods for all sizes of speakers would muddy the waters quickly and wouldn’t give us an idea of when performance is great (say, a 6-inch midwoofer that has much less distortion than an 8-inch) or vice-versa.

You can watch a demonstration of this testing via my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/iCjJufvW0IA

Test 1: Typical

Multitone compression results.

Multitone distortion results.

Test 2: Extended

Multitone compression results.

Multitone distortion results.

The maximum SPL referenced to 1 meter for each test are:

• Max SPL for Test 1 is 100.2dB. The compression threshold was exceeded above this SPL.
• Max SPL for Test 2 is 100.2dB. The compression threshold was exceeded above this SPL.

Does this mean the speaker will not play above this level? No. It simply means, within a set of limits, the above values are the maximum the speaker output is. Above that SPL, the limits are further and further exceeded.

Bottom Line

T/S Parameters and Linear Excursion:

• The product spec sheet states a linear xmax of 9mm peak-to-peak; or 4.5mm one-way linear excursion.
• My measured linear excursion is limited to about 3.3mm one-way. This is based on 10% THD limits. So, if you try to play this speaker with a lot of power at low frequencies, you’ll hit that distortion limit pretty quickly. Both the motor force and suspension components reach their maximum linear output around this value which indicates the motor and suspension are actually engineered to operate within their limits to the same degree. Whereas, other drive units I have tested will typically run out of either motor force or compliance at different points. So, even though this number is very low for midbass duty, this looks to be a well-engineered design in my opinion based on how it operates within the Bl and Kms components’ bounds in the same manner.
• The suspension offsets the coil approximately 1.4mm forward. The coil is about 0.55mm inset with respect to the motor but varies from 0.50mm to 0.63mm from rest to maximal excursion, respectively.
• The maximum mechanical excursion is close to about 6mm one-way.
• From what I can tell, there is no shorting ring used here which will create a problem as the driver plays frequencies close to (and at) Fs. Drivers without inductance mitigation (such as a shorting ring) will display higher levels of distortion higher in frequency (the midrange, for example) when asked to play near/at Fs. Another reason to not cross this driver near Fs.
• For the most part, my results reflect what Dyn provides in their spec sheet other than the 1-2mm difference in excursion (linear and max).

Frequency Response:

• The sensitivity is quite good at about 90.2dB from 300Hz to 1000Hz. The response exhibits a resonance around 65Hz.
• The F3 measured on my 21 x 10 foot baffle (yes, feet) is 53Hz with respect to the mean SPL provided above.
• The frequency response looks usable for midbass application and maybe as a midwoofer crossed to a large dome tweeter or wideband speaker. Above 1kHz it exhibits what I assume is a compliance issue between the cone and surround, based on the resonance shown in the impedance, the dip in response and the correlating distortion profile shown in the Harmonic and Multitone distortion plots.
• Using this site’s online enclosure volume calculator yields 1.0 ft³ (~28.71 liters) with a Qtc = 0.707 and an F3 = 59Hz. EBP = 65.6. Seems this driver is suited more for an IB-type install rather than a small sealed enclosure. Below is the graph using those parameters (blue line) vs a true infinite baffle installation (red line).

Distortion, Compression and SPL:

• Harmonic Distortion: Below 3% THD above 100Hz even up to 102dB output. High 3rd-order distortion based at ~1.2kHz, which will show up at ~3.6kHz (1.2kHz * 3). 3rd-order distortion dominates above 300Hz through the midrange/lower treble which will be a problem above 900Hz, audible (300Hz * 3). Below 100Hz 3rd-order dominates. I am harping on 3rd-order here because that distortion tends to dominate the non-linear distortion profile other than in the 70-300Hz, which will be audible between 210-900Hz.
• Generally speaking, IMD reveals lower 3rd-order distortion, so, it seems to make sense that with more complex music that this is less of a problem. The distortion is dominated by 2nd-order distortion with increasing volume no matter which test method I applied. Doppler distortion (created when the movement is large enough to create an actual time delay of high-frequencies as the cone moves forward/backward) doesn’t seem to be an issue in either test method case. As was the case with HD, the cone/surround seem to be creating issues around the 1.2kHz region as well. Comparing the two tests’ results, you can see how using a proper high-pass filter will alleviate IMD. At 100dB output Test 1 (Bass Tone @ Fs = 47Hz) the cumulative distortion (blue line) is above -20dB from 200Hz - 2kHz. -20dB is equal to 10% distortion. Now, compare that to Test 2 where I fixed the Bass Tone @ 80Hz. At 100dB the cumulative IMD is at about -25dB, with the exception of the cone/surround resonance. -25dB = 5.6% distortion. So, about half the amount by increasing the bass tone to something closer to what most will use as a high-pass filter.
• Multitone testing tells us that the maximum SPL is limited to about 100.2dB, using the parameters I gave. The cone edge/surround resonance keeps this speaker from being as good as it can be.

I know many who have used this driver and loved it (or love it as they are still using it). I have never used it myself but I was hoping for better results in regards to the linear excursion because I was thinking of ways to shoehorn this in to my car’s doors. While the Dyn spec itself indicates not to expect much, with their stated 4.5mm one-way linear excursion, I was hoping maybe they were just being cautious with the number. Unfortunately, my results show even lower linear excursion than the already low value stated in the spec. Obviously, using this with a proper high-pass filter will make the low linear excursion less of an issue but you don’t have a lot of room to play around here. 80Hz is always a good starting point in car audio for midbass; adjust from there to your own needs and liking. Above this, however, the response is quite linear until the 1kHz region where issues start to propogate. The linearity between the 100-1kHz region is excellent so as long as you cross it properly as a midbass I think you can get some fine performance. Just don’t expect to cross it too low and get earth-shattering bass.

And, as always, how you use the speaker and what you need it to do will determine what works best for you. If you aren’t a recovering basshead and listen only at mild volumes (say, in the 80-85dB range) then crossing over at 60Hz is more feasible than if you are the kind of person who wants to wail on bass heavy music at 95dB. As they say, YMMV (your mileage may vary). Use the data as a guide to make an informed decision.

Contribute

If you like what you see here and want to help me keep it going, you can donate via the PayPal Contribute button at the bottom of each page. If you can help by chipping in, I would truly appreciate it.

You can also join my Facebook and YouTube pages if you’d like to follow along with updates.