Stereo Integrity Shallow 6.5 XBL^2 Prototype

Stereo Integrity the company behind Obsidian Audio have been developing a shallow 6.5" mid/woofer. The mid/woofer speaker has rumored to be less than 2.36" deep,10mm xmax, low inductance, an solid copper shorting ring, utilize an XBL^2 motor for linear BL. With an 6 layer voice coil, weather resistant/treated paper/wool cone, rubber surround, cast aluminum basket, neo disk magnet motor.

That information was released around July. And, it seems as if Stereo Integrity has keep their word. But, with some chances. As of recent Stereo Integrity has updated, and confirmed the stats on this prototype. This shallow 6.5 prototype stats have now been updated to an dual 4 ohm voice coil, 2.3 inch mounting depth, and rated for 9mm xmax.

Stereo Integrity even released a small excursion video of the prototype. Which can be viewed below. No pre-order information, or pricing has been released yet on the mid/woofer speaker. But, a video of an excursion test has been released. That can also been seen below.

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Top 5 Affordable Subwoofers

The search for subwoofers can be a difficult task. And, some subwoofers can be amazing subwoofers, but have a steep price. That maybe out your price range.

Well let us help you out with our top 5 affordable subwoofers list. As our previous top 5 list. This list is in no spefic order. With the situpations of 100 watts 1500 watts RMS. Within the price range of 100 to 500 dollars. 

So, with no further ado. We give you.. the TOP 5 AFFORDABLE SUBWOOFERS..

#5 Obsidian AudioV3

Obsidian Audio came on the scene very quietly, but now that some budget builders have caught onto this brand, and started building major SPL systems with it. Obsidian Audio has really taken off. A little back story about Obsidian Audio is that it's a merger between Sundown Audio, and Stereo Integrity. Now this is not a entire company merger, but some big wigs at both companies got together to make an effective yet affordable subwoofers. And, thus Obsidian Audio was born. Now you can't go wrong with any size subwoofer from Obsidian. All of their subwoofers are rated 600 watts RMS, 2.5 inch dual voice coil, 4 gauge speaker terminals, and comes in  dual 2 and 4 ohm configuration. Ranging from 10 inches, all the way to 18 inches. And, if that doesn't excite you. then the price will. With their 10 inch subs coming in at $135 + shipping, 12 inch coming in at $145 + shipping, 15 inch coming in at $165 + shipping, and their 18 inch coming in at $195 + shipping. Making these subs affordable for any basshead on a budget, and the enclosure specs make them even better for those who have small amounts of area to spare.

#4 Shok Industries Triton 

Another new comer to the car audio world Shok Industries is slowly gain steam with their products. Creating both subwoofers, and amplifers. But, today we're focusing on is their Triton line. Coming in with a configuration of 12 inches, and 15 inches. These subwoofers may just be your best friend. Starting at 500 watts RMS, with a 3 inch voice coil, and the enclosure specs to fit the smallest area available. The Shok Industries Trition subwoofers is a whole lot of bang for a cheap price. Coming in at $149 + shipping for their 12 inch model , and $159 + shipping for their 15 inch model. These subs are perfect for the basshead who is just trying to get some bang in their daily driver, or one who is trying to build a all SPL system.

#3 Pure Audio 2X

It seems as this list is full of new comers. But, Pure Car Audio has been on the rise as of late. With products ranging from subwoofers, mids and high speakers, and amplifers. That all are pretty powerful, and affordable. But, we're going to focus on their 2X line. Which comes in a dual 2 ohm, and 4 ohm configuration. But, finally we have some 8 inch subwoofers in this lineup for those who love them. The 2X line from Pure Car Audio is rated at 750 watts RMS, sports a 2.5 inch dual voice coil, and dual spider assembly. The 2X line is perfect for a daily driver setup, or a SPL setup. And, the price isn't bad either. With their 8 inch model coming in at $129.00, 10 inch coming at $179.00, 12 inch coming in at $189.00, and 15 inch coming in at $209.00. Sorry, but they don't have a 18 inch model. But, with its strong built assembly, and its affordable price. You can't go wrong with the 2X line from Pure Car Audio. 

#2  B2 Audio IS

Okay, this should be no surprise. But, yet another new up and coming company B2 Audio is a Danish company who has just started making their mark in the states. And, just as Pure Car Audio. B2 Audio makes all type of car audio goodies ranging from mids and high speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers. Now they have more than just the IS line, but we choose this line for its affordability, and flexibility. The IS line from B2 Audio comes in 3 configuration sizes of 10 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches. All rated at 600 watts RMS, with a dual 2.5 inch voice coil, and 8 gauge speaker terminals. These subwoofers are built tough, but light in the weight department, and are perfect for SQL setups. Which make them perfect in small sealed enclosures, and bandpass enclosures. Or, you can go big with buying multiple of these subs, and create a very musical SPL setup. But, at the price of these subs why not? With their 10 inch model coming in at $155.00, 12 inch coming in at $182.00, and 15 inch model coming in at $199.00. You can go wrong with picking any size subwoofers, and building the perfect system for you.

#1 SoundQubed HDS300 

Here we are at the final product on our list, and again we feel as if we've saved the best for last. Which is the HDS300 series from SoundQubed. Which is hands down the top affordable, and well proven subwoofer on the market right now for daily driver use, and SPL use. The HDS300 subwoofers come in 3 configuration sizes of 10 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches. Coming in with 1200 watts RMS, dual 3 inch voice coil, 10 gauge speaker terminals, and high roll surround. These subwoofers was designed to take abuse from the user, but still provide clean SQ reproduction. But, then can be used for high SPL numbers. The HDS300 series from SoundQubed is the perfect all around subwoofer for daily use, and SPL. And, with all that greatness. The price is great too. With their 10 inch model coming in at $149.00, 12 inch model coming in at $159.00, and 15 inch coming in $169.00. And, if you order directly from SoundQubed. You get free shipping. Which is even more icing on the cake. 

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Top 5 Affordable Powerhouse Amplifers

There are many amplifiers on the market that have a nice price tag on them, and come up short in the power promised department. But, this list is the Top 5 powerhouse amplifiers that are affordable for the basshead on a budget.

Now some of these amplifiers have been mentioned, but they're so good its hard not to mention them again. For those who are wondering this list is no arranged order. With the stipulations of providing power of 1000-5000 watts, and a price range from $100.00 to $400.00. So, lets dive into this list with...



 5. Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1

The Sonido Mask brand is slowly making its come up in the car audio world. And, not many people know about this affordable powerhouse of an amplifer. Most are afraid to give it a try. Now we've previously mentioned. and reviewed the ZX-1500.1 from Sonido Mask. You can view that article here. And, with all the information we stated in that review. You can see why this amplifier made this list. For the power output of this little amplifier that could. And, the price tag. There is no doubt about it. That if your budget is kind of tight, and you need some power. This is the amplifier for you. Now, the retail price of this amplifier varies. Some sites sell for $199.00, then others sell for a little higher. But, it won't break the budget like some amplifiers who promise this type of output, and come up short with a steep price tag. 

4. Audiopipe APCL-1500.1

Another amplifier we've previously discussed in an article is the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1 amplifier. Which can be found here. This is possibly the best budget amplifier on the market carrying a nice price tag of around $150.00, and can be found cheaper through some sites. And, many budget builders have taken notice of the power contained in this unit. With it sleeper ability to provide more than rated power, and being strappable with another APCL-1500.1 to double its output to above 3000 watts. The Audiopipe APCL-1500 is an amplifier to definitely look into when it comes down to looking for raw power with a price that won't hurt the wallet. 

3.  Lanzar OPTI3201D

Now this is one amplifier that will make you wonder.

If your not familiar with the Lanzar brand. You may have heard through word of mouth that this is a sub par company when it comes down to their products. In some fashion that is very true. But, when you try the OPTI3201D you will see why the rest of the Lanzar's products is sub-par. It seems as if when Lanzar created the Optidrive line they put all of their resources into created a line that can compete with some of the best on the market. And, the Lanzar OPTI3201D is one of those amplifiers that shows the power of the series. Now, this amplifier does carry a little steeper price than some of the other amplifiers on our list. With a price tag of $379.00 But, it's well worth the price tag for the power this amplifier does deliver. As we say with some amplifiers with correct power the amplifier will deliver. Well this is one of those amplifiers. Plus this amplifier is rated to be a half ohm stable. And, who doesn't want a amplifier that is a half ohm stable. But, with correct power this amplifier will go a little above what you think. And, that makes this reason a nice addition to a basshead's system who is looking for an amplifier on a bang for the buck situation. 

2.  Hifonics BRX-2400.1

It would be wrong not to mention a budget company who mainly focus into created products for the budget consumer. So, with that being said the BRX2400.1 from Hifonics is disputably one of the best budget amplifiers known for their affordability, durability, and power. Hifonics amplifiers are hard to disappoint anyone who purchase them. And, the BRX2400.1 is the leader of the pack delivering what Hifonics' amplifiers are known for with a price that yet again steep compared to some of the other amplifiers on our list, but still in an affordable range at $250.00 which the price varies through distributors. But, when it comes down to price per watt. This amplifier is still a steal for anyone looking for an amplifier that can take some abuse.

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1. NVX JAD1200.1

As we've previously stated this list is in no certain JAD1200.1 amplifier from NVX. When space is an issue, and you need real power. This just may be the amplifier for you. This amplifier is a power on tap type amplifier. With its rated wattage of 1200 watts at 1 ohm, but don't let the small max power rating fool you. This amplifier is a power house of true, and clean power. Its build quality is impeccable. Sporting all aluminum body, fitting up to 1/0 gauge power, and ground wiring. This amplifier screams premium quality with its simplistic stealth design, and small foot print. But, among the other amplifiers on our list this amplifier is the least strongest coming in with its 1200 watts, and yet somewhat most expensive coming in with a $259.00 price tag. But, with this amplifier there is no if, and, or buts that your getting the power that is on the spec sheet, and possibly more.

We do have 3 honorable mentions in the Audiopipe APSM-1500, American Bass PH4000MD, and DB Drive A3-1500.1D

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New Aye Kaye Audio Build Announced!

Kaye Khaos announces his new build for the AKA Silverado via his Instagram page. He played the "Guess My Next Build" game with the followers of his page.

Until one of followers guess something close to what his next build maybe pertaining. He then followed up the post with a proper listing of what his next build is going to consist of.

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PowerBass M124D Subwoofer Review

Looking for subwoofers can be a task when building a new system. There is so many out  for so many different applications. It's almost as frustrating as finding a amplifier.

But, what if you have what type of subwoofer your looking for in mind? Something like a entry level subwoofer. A little boom for your car. Now, there are many companies that make subwoofers, and coin them as their subs as entry level woofer.

And, this little entry level subwoofer can have some crazy RMS, and peak numbers. It sounds too good to be true. Well, most likely it is. Alot of companies will overrate their products to make it more pleasing to consumers. Those who see big numbers with a cheap price will most likely buy this subwoofer. When in actuality this subwoofer can not even take half of the rated power.

Well, the M124D from PowerBass is not that type of subwoofer. Rated at 375 watts RMS and 750 watts peak. This subwoofer is affordable, and built true. Sporting a 2 inch, 4 ohm voice coil, 4 layer non-paper pressed cone, a large santoprene surround. This subwoofer is built with great sound quality in ported, and sealed enclosures.

Even with the specs from PowerBass. This subwoofer proves more than what the specs can tell. So, lets break down into greater detail the power, and build quality of the M124D from PowerBass. In a optimal sealed enclosure with a amplifier of 375 watts. The M124D delivers an accurate bass reconstruction of the music being played. From 29Hz to 250Hz, and above. The bass is punchy, tight and hard hitting as it should be. But, don't think because this woofer is in a sealed enclosure the lower hertz is out the question. Even with more bass heavy songs with lower notes. The M124D will perform above, and beyond expectations. With these certain songs the M124D performs as if it in a ported enclosure. Letting these long, low bass notes release with precise precision.

Now, placing the M124D into a ported enclosure with its rated 375 watts. This woofer is performs at all most peak. Allowing the reconstruction of bass to be played back lively with great quality. And, with heavy bass songs, that have longer bass notes. The M124D pushes larges amounts of air through its ported enclosure going below its rated frequency of 29Hz into the lower 20Hz area with no problem at all.

With all that said, and your enclosure chose. It comes down to how your going to power the M124D from PowerBass. As previously stated the RMS of this woofer is 375 watts, and the peak is 750 watts. How much power that is going to this woofer is the choice of application. For more sound quality setups. The recommended 375 to 500 watts will work. Now, for a little more boom, but not truly SPL setups. Recommended wattage is from 500 to 750 watts. But, the M124D can take a more power than its peak. About 200 to 300 watts more depending on the amplifier used, and how clean the signal is. Trying to reach this extra power mark with a amplifier that is clipping, an distorting will fry this woofer. But, a clean signal this woofer will more than surpass its peak rating.

So, is this woofer recommended? Yes, this woofer is highly recommended for its sound quality, and affordability as previously stated. The build of this subwoofer is that what is found on woofers that retail at 100.00 dollars, and up. But, with some shopping around online. The M124D can be found as low as 54.00 dollars without including shipping. The M124D is a steal for those who are budget building, looking to add a little low end rumble, and just have some punch with their SQ setup.

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Sonido Mask Amplifers Overview

Finding a amplifier for a great price with great power can be a great task. Most problems car audio builders run into finding a amplifier that does deliver great power, but the price can be costly.

Well, maybe Sonido Mask has a answer for this problem. Although being a new name in the car audio world. Sonido Mask may prove to be a real contender in budget car audio with their amplifiers. But, being a new contender many people may be turned off by a brand that has yet to prove itself.

Hopefully a little light can be shed on Sonido Mask. So, let start off with the Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1 monoblock amplifier. The ratings on this amplifier from Sonido Mask says this amplifier does 600 watts at 4 ohms, 950 watts at 2 ohms, and 1500 watts at 1 ohm. Now with the rated specs listed. The question that stands is will this amplifier do what its rated?

Thanks to the SMD AD-1 those questions can be answered. The Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1 was tested at 1 ohm. And, the results at 1 ohm on a certified run to 1% distortion. The Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1 produced 1330 watts of power. That's a 170 watts off of its rated wattage. Which is close to its rated power, but not yet there. Maybe an uncertified run to clipping will produce that rated number. And, the ZX-1500.1 produced 1502 watts of power. But, the real test of the ZX-1500.1 is in the dynamic run. The dynamic run on the SMD AD-1 is to simulate real world playing of music on the amplifier. And, the ZX-1500.1 produced 2121 watts of power.

Now with all the numbers put out there. What do they exactly mean for the Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1? They mean that this amplifier can produce its rated power, and above under certain situations. Like using this amplifier for a daily driver system. The ZX-1500.1 will perform beautiful with stable power. But, using the ZX-1500.1 for a strictly SPL system. It comes up short on the list.

Is this amplifier recommended? Yes, the ZX-1500.1 is a affordable amplifier that will deliver power with the correct electrical in your daily driver system. It has a beautiful look appearance. Will fit in with just about any daily driver system that requires 1500 watts. The only setback with the ZX-1500.1 from Sonido Mask is that this amplifier will not go lower than 0.5 ohm. Which is like many amplifiers that is not 0.5 stable, and not recommend to do with amplifier that are not 0.5 ohm stable.

Now, moving onto the heavyweight class with the ZX-3000.1 (FX-3000.1) amplifier from Sonido Mask. The ZX-3000.1 is the largest amplifier that Sonido Mask makes with rated specs of 1100 watts at 4 ohms, 2000 watts at 2 ohms, and 3000 watts at 1 ohm. Lets see what the ZX-3000.1 does on the SMD AD-1. With the first test being a certified run to 1% distortion at 2 ohms. The ZX-3000.1 produced 2100 watts of power. And, now the uncertified run to clipping at 2 ohms And, the ZX-3000.1 produced 2156 watts of power. The dynamic run of the ZX-3000.1 produces 2187 watts of power at 2 ohms.

Lets see what the ZX-3000.1 produces at 1 ohm on the AD-1. With a certified run to 1% distortion the ZX-3000.1 produces 2600 watts of power. And, the uncertfied run to clipping. The ZX-3000.1 produces 2770 watts of power. Now, for the results of the test that counts. The dynamic run of the ZX-3000.1 which produces 3851 watts of power at 1 ohm.

Now with all the numbers out there of the ZX-3000.1 (FX-3000.1) monoblock amplifier. What does it mean? It means this amplifier is a power house. The ZX-3000.1 does fall short of its rated wattage at 4 ohms, but comes through strong at 2 ohms, and 1 ohms. Which is great for Sonido Mask who is a new comer to the amplifier market.

Is this amplifier recommended? Yes, the ZX-3000.1 is a recommend amplifier for systems that require high power. What is great about the ZX-3000.1 is that this amplifier can be strapped with another ZX-3000.1, and produce even larger amounts of power. Another upside to the ZX-3000.1 is that it can be ran not only with 14 volt systems, but with 16 volts systems. And, at 16 volts the ZX-3000.1 can possibly provide even more power. Now, just like the ZX-1500.1 this amplifier can not be ran at 0.5 ohms. But, with all the added extras of being strappable, and can be ran with 16 volt systems. Not being 0.5 stable is not a major lost.

And, just like the ZX-1500.1 monoblock amplifer. The ZX-3000.1 will perform best in certain situations. But, can be used for SPL, and daily driver with the right tweaks, and power.

Now, with all this said. What does it mean for Sonido Mask as a manufacturer? For Sonido Mask as a company, and manufacturer it has potential to be something great amongst the other car audio companies. With reasonable prices, and well built products. Sonido Mask may just be around for a long time if consumers give the company a try. Now, getting a Sonido Mask product is not as easy as finding any other.

At the moment Sonido Mask products is only available from Sonido Mask website.

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Crunch PowerONE 6.5 Component Speakers Review

For car audio there are many products on the market. Some made for the extreme car audio enthusiast, some for the audiophiles, and some for the newcomers who are just trying to increase their listening experience from stock.

And, with so many products its hard to pick which product is made for that type of person. Well, put one product into category with this review of the PowerONE 6.5 Component speaker set from Crunch. 

For most applications the PowerONE 6.5 Component speaker set would fit in with those who are trying to increase their listening experience from stock speakers. These speakers are affordable, and perfect replacement speakers for a stock system.

But, with a reasonable price there are some setbacks. The construction of these speakers is not the best to begin with. The passive crossovers on this unit is very small, not something you'll usually see in a higher priced component set. The 2 inch impact resistant dome tweeters are nicely built, but the mounting parts are made of very light plastic. So installation wise, one must be very careful or the parts may break. The 6.5 component itself is constructed nicely. With a steel stamped basket, alpha-cellulose woofer cones, and a mounting depth 2 1/8 inches. These speakers will fit in just about any vehicle with any depth problems.

So, with all that said. What's the good about the PowerONE 6.5 Component speaker set? Although as previously stated the unit itself feels cheaply made. This product definitely performs better than it looks. The 6.5 mid-range speaker reconstruct mid-level frequencies almost perfectly. The dome tweets complements the mid-range with a nice clear high range frequency. Each working together, and not against. But, these speakers lack great bass reconstruction. If bass is added to the equation. These speakers seem to sound muddy, and un-crisp like. Reaching distortion levels at the mid-level volume.

Recommendation? As previously stated these speakers are perfect for someone who is just looking to replace their stock speakers. With some minor adjustments on frequencies these speakers can really shine, and perform. On a amplifier these speakers will get very loud. Spec wise these speakers are to handle 55 watts RMS, and 800 watts peak. But, 800 watts peak seems a little overkill. At minimum these speakers will sound great around 55 to 100 watts. Anything over that will be overkill.

As of now the PowerONE P1-6.5C is discontinued. But, with a little searching there are some that are still hanging around waiting to be added to your system.

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