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CDT M6 Mid/sub bass driver Review
By Don S. Sound Labs |
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Intro - While many companies try to push the limits of
the larger sized subwoofers on the market today, CDT has done the
opposite in this case. The new M6 6.5" midbass/sub driver is CDT's new
plain for the midbass lover and for those who have very limited space
for a subwoofer application. The M6 is designed to be used infinite
baffle (in a well deadened door), sealed, or even ported. Not only is it
very versatile on application but it is also able to be used in a
conventional 2 way component/braxial system due to its wide range
response. Inspection - These drivers are shipped in a white box with great packaging. One thing that stands out is the plastic covers that rest on the front of the mid to protect the cone. This is an ingenious idea from CDT! Once removed from the packaging I started to look the drivers over. The cones are made of a woven fiber blend which is light and rigid and yes it looks awesome! The surround is made of butyl rubber for long life and low loss. The frame is solid cast powder coated in the signature CDT red. The drivers use gold plated push terminals for easy connections. The tinsel leads are woven into the spider to prevent slap against the cone. This is a feature that I always hope to see in high excursion designs. The motor has a decent size to it with a weight of 30 oz and still the mounting depth is only 2.94" which is pretty shallow for a driver of this type. Listening-First I installed the M6 infinite baffle in a well deadened door of an 02 civic si. For power I used a JL audio 300/2 which is rated at 150x2rms @ 4 ohm. I crossed the drivers from 50-300hz with a 12db slope for pure midbass duty to see what kind of output they have. I used just about every type of music you could think of like Bass cd's, Reggae, Reggaetone, Rap, House, Techno, Jazz etc. In the lower frequencies (50-100hz) it was extremely impressive for a 6.5" driver. Output was solid definitely way above average for any 6.5" but the key is no mechanical noises just clean bass at this low of frequencies! Above 80hz these drivers are loud and when used with a sub it will let you know just how much you are missing in the midbass area. It blended perfectly with the subs crossed at 60 hz and also the ES-04 midranges as well. I've even tried them sealed in kicks and they perform just as well but with a tighter sound to them. For midbass duty these will far exceed your expectations and will definitely satisfy even the most demanding midbass nut out there. I also got a little curious to see how well this driver would perform in a conventional 2 way component setup. I matched the M6 to a pair of CDT drt-26 aluminum tweeters and ran the setup active. The M6 was crossed at 60-3khz with a 12db slope and the tweeters crossed at 3khz up with a 18db slope. For this test I used my Jl audio 450/4 which sends 150x2rms @ 4ohm to the M6 drivers and 75x2rms @ 4 ohm to the tweeters. I played many of my favorite songs that I know extremely well and when I played Evermore's - It's to late (dirty south remix has to be this version) I couldn't get enough! The start of the song when the piano is playing is so precise with such great depth and clarity I repeated it a few dozen times. Midbass and midrange is very impressive for a driver that has so many uses. The part of the song that really shines is after the first part of the vocals are through and the beat bass line kicks in, The M6's reproduce how it should sound. Awesome punch, solid depth, and all the output you could ever want (at least for me). Now this driver is without a doubt great but do to its mounting depth, many will have to either mod there car doors or use a baffle/spacer to make it fit. Also if running this driver infinite baffle sound deadening is a must not only for ideal performance but also so you don't just hear the doors rattling away cause these drivers move air for a little 6.5". Many people that are not crazy about big subs and tons of bass or that just don't want to give up much room can also benefit from these drivers as they are a great way to get solid bass without the use of a larger sized subwoofer(s). If your thinking about running a 2 way setup and want the best midbass output you can find, You must give these a try and if your running a 3 way setup and need a dedicated midbass driver, look no further cause the M6 is the perfect solution! Don S. Sound Labs |