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)
On the right, is the Stereo Integrity HST18 (MK1) dual 4 Ohm VC
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.
HST18 was measured with both coils in serie for an 8 Ohm load.
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.
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 .
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.
Carbon fiber cone is a great conversation starter :)