Martin Poulin
2x 18" subwoofer tested on DATS
Two 18" subwoofers tested on DATS
On left is the Mach 5 Audio UXL18 (older version with a paper cone but the rest is same)
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On the right, is the Stereo Integrity HST18 (MK1) dual 4 Ohm VC
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Please disregard MMS and VAS predicted value.
I only had 150 grams weight on hand and the software generated an error, as 150 grams was too low relative to the subwoofer cone weight.
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HST18 was measured with both coils in serie for an 8 Ohm load.
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Despite similar construction, the HST has higher QES (less magnetic strenght) and would require a bigger box for the same F3 as the UXL18 would.
Mach 5 ILX 18 (paper cone)
Stereo Integrity below
Mach 5 UXL 18 (real carbon fiber cone, on top of a paper cone...)
disregard dust, I was lazy...
Magnet and frame same as IXL18.
disregard dust, I was lazy...
As per my belief, the UXL18 carbon cone and the older UXL18 paper cone actually measure only a tad differently.
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The carbon fiber cone is fake!!! Its actually paper cone with a thin carbon fiber overlay.
So, the carbon fiber of the UXL18 is all for show, 100% useless, and used only justify a 200% increase in price compared to the plain paper cone.
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For 60Hz and below, cone material does no difference whatsoever as any cones material are stiff enough to operate in pure pistonic mode.
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Different breakups of cone material are very far outside of the useful pass band of the driver and do not change results .
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The QES is lower on the carbon cone version. (could be a newer version with better magnet, production date is 5 years apart)
FS is about the same, as expected and within tolerance of mfg specifications.
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Carbon fiber cone is a great conversation starter :)