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Build Quality and First Impressions
"When I first received the speakers, I noticed the nice, pretty cast
baskets. Nice. The Tweeter is mounted on a little recessed half-bridge.
The overall build quality of the drivers is definitely up to high standards.
The cast basket is the Euro-type basket, which means it's slightly
oversized (170 mm) and has 4 mounting holes instead of the common 6. Most
people would have to make custom baffles to fit these drivers, but in my
opinion, it's well worth the extra effort.
Sound Quality and Road Testing
The first thing I noticed about these speakers was the unbelievable amount
of midbass. I'm talking about serious, chest-pounding thump at levels so
high you'd think you were at a concert. I believe that there are three
types of good-sounding midbasses: fat, lean, and attacking. Fat midbass is
that soft, deep, warm type, while lean is the type to blend in with the
music. Attacking is how I'd describe the CDT's. Definitely one of the
best midbasses I've ever heard, it's extremely easy to keep the bass up
front when using these.
The second thing that I noticed about these speakers was the unbelievable
SPL capability. These speakers are very efficient (the simple mid
crossover helps with that, no doubt). When I cranked the volume knob, they
just kept getting louder, and louder, until I thought my ears were going to burst. an occasional SPL freak, I was very
impressed that this single set of 6.5" components could produce so much
sound. These are about as loud as a conventional car loudspeaker will ever
get.
The third thing that I noticed was that the speakers sound silky smooth.
These speakers are very laid-back, neutral, with all types of music. After
fumbling around with the Tweeter polarity a little bit, I found a good
combination and the speakers really started to sing, equally impressive
with all types of music. However, I thought that they sounded a little
soft, especially on female vocals. While the speakers have good detail, it
seems like there was a little less "life" in the recording than I' m used
to.
For a speaker to have deep extension, high efficiency, and high output is
simply outstanding. That covers three major goals that a good speaker
designer shoots for, and to have all three in this price range (not to
mention ANY price range) is a commendable achievement.
Lastly, the imaging was above par, but not spectacular. I suspect that
this has largely to do with the combination of braxial mounting and my
speaker locations. I mounted these in the doors of a '98 Nissan
Maxima, and if you' ve worked with the car before, you'll know that they have VERY
weird grilles, and the speaker opening is a little small for a 6.5". This
would probably cause diffraction and reflection problems that would be
absent if I have mounted the Tweeter in the kick, or some other
unrestricted area. If you have a car that has more ideal door locations,
the imaging will probably be improved over my install.
THE VERDICT
I STRONGLY suggest these speakers to people who want smooth-sounding, loud
speakers that keep the bass strongly up front. Those wanting a little more
flexibility with Tweeter placement (such as myself) can pick up the
component set instead of the braxials.
While the detail can be a little bit lacking, the speakers make up for it
in other areas. The total package of brutal SPL capability, overall sound
quality, and midbass capability were unreal.
The braxial would be a great choice for drop-in replacement in stealth
locations, with good imaging. These speakers work very well with pop,
rock, classical, electronic (ESPECIALLY dance), and just about every other
genre, they're that flexible.
The components would be a great choice for the serious competitor who needs
a little more flexibility, especially in cars like mine where the door
locations are not ideal for Tweeters. These speakers are of extremely high
quality, and with good tuning and a great install, they could put you in
the winner's circle.
Tonality-22/25 (deducted for slightly soft treble) Imaging-20/25 (deducted
for holes in the stage: my car had a lot to do with it) Extension-15/15
(they go all the way down!) SPL capability- 15/15 (best I've heard with low
compression) Value- 20/20 (in this price range, it kills most others) Overall-92/100
(unbelievable) Final Note- I learned after the testing period that, in the Tweeters, the
ridged wires are positive and the smooth wires are negative.
Michael Kim |
