The Diamond Audio Technology M5 Series Subwoofer Manual provides comprehensive details for the M5101 (10" / 250mm diameter) and M5121 (12" / 300mm diameter) subwoofers, both featuring a Mag-Alloy Cone. These subwoofers are designed for high-performance audio applications, emphasizing accurate, linear control and robust construction.
Function Description:
The M5 Series subwoofers are designed to reproduce low-frequency audio, commonly known as bass, in car audio systems. They are primarily intended for use in small sealed-box enclosures, but can also achieve good results in vented and bandpass enclosures. While not explicitly recommended, they can be used in "free-air" (infinite-baffle) applications for low-power systems (200W or less per sub). The manual highlights the installation flexibility of these subs rather than providing rigid, case-specific installation methods.
Important Technical Specifications:
General Features:
- Mag-Alloy Cone: Provides high rigidity for accurate, linear control of sound reproduction.
- Die-Cast Alloy Chassis: Ensures high strength to maintain alignment of moving parts, contributing to durability and consistent performance.
- Symmetrical Air Gap: Enhances magnetic and inductive linearity, crucial for precise audio output.
- Machined Backplate/Pole: Precision machining ensures tight tolerances, which is vital for the subwoofer's mechanical integrity and performance.
- Aluminum V.C. Former: 400% stronger than Kapton, offering superior heat transfer capabilities, which helps in managing thermal stress during high-power operation.
- 3" (75mm) 4-Layer Copper Coil: Features high conductivity and current capacity, allowing for efficient power handling and robust sound.
- Long Throw Suspension: Enables enormous linear stroke length, contributing to deep and impactful bass reproduction.
- Interior Chamber Venting: Utilizes forced-air flow behind the spider to cool the voice coil, preventing overheating and extending the life of the component.
- Integrated Trim Gasket: A butyl rubber gasket ensures a secure seal for front mounting applications.
- Rubber Magnet Protector: Guards against accidents and provides a clean, finished aesthetic.
- Warranty: Comes with a 3-year warranty if sold and installed by an Authorized DAT Dealer, or a 1-year warranty if purchased from an authorized DAT retailer.
Thiele/Small Parameters (for M5101.4 / M5101.4D and M5121.4 / M5121.4D):
- Nominal Impedance (Znom): 4.00 Ω (for both single and dual voice coil models).
- DC Resistance (Re): 3.10 Ω.
- Resonance Frequency (Fo): M5101: 23.8 Hz; M5121: 23.5 Hz.
- Electrical Q (Qes): M5101.4: .319; M5101.4D: .388; M5121.4: .319; M5121.4D: .388.
- Mechanical Q (Qms): M5101.4: 5.49; M5101.4D: 5.75; M5121.4: 5.49; M5121.4D: 5.75.
- Total Q (Qts): M5101.4: .301; M5101.4D: .364; M5121.4: .301; M5121.4D: .364.
- Equivalent Volume (Vas): M5101: 54.4 L; M5121: 89.8 L.
- BL Product (BL): M5101: 14.4 T-M; M5121: 15.6 T-M.
- Cone Area (Sd): M5101: .035 M²; M5121: .053 M².
- Suspension Compliance (Cms): M5101: 312.6 µM/N; M5121: 223.4 µM/N.
- Moving Mass (Mms): M5101: 142.6 g; M5121: 205.7 g.
- Voice Coil Inductance (Le): M5101: 2.78 mH; M5121: 2.79 mH.
- Mechanical Resistance (Rms): M5101: 8.49 Ω; M5121: 8.80 Ω.
- Krm/Kxm: M5101: 11.70/96.87; M5121: 13.11/90.94.
- Erm/Exm: M5101: .753/.594; M5121: .744/.603.
- Linear Excursion (Xmax): 10.5 mm (for both models).
- Sensitivity (SPL): M5101: 86.4 dB; M5121: 86.2 dB (at 100W input).
- Continuous Power (Pwr): 300 W (for both models).
Enclosure Recommendations (for M5101.4 / M5121.4, single-driver, including driver/vent displacements):
M5101.4:
- Sealed-SM: Volume 0.50 Ft³ [14 L], Cont. Power 500W.
- Sealed-LG: Volume 0.88 Ft³ [25 L], Cont. Power 300W.
- Vented-SM: Volume 0.68 Ft³ [19.3 L], Tuning 35Hz, Vent (D x L) 2.5" x 15.75" (63mm x 400mm), Cont. Power 500W.
- Vented-LG: Volume 0.92 Ft³ [26 L], Tuning 35Hz, Vent (D x L) 2.5" x 9.75" (63mm x 248mm), Cont. Power 400W.
- Bandpass-SM: Volume 0.53s/0.8v Ft³ [15/23 L], Tuning 73Hz, Vent (D x L) (2) 4.0" x 14.0" (100mm x 356mm), Cont. Power 350W.
- Bandpass-LG: Volume 0.73s/0.98v Ft³ [21/28 L], Tuning 63Hz, Vent (D x L) (2) 4.0" x 15.5" (100mm x 394mm), Cont. Power 300W.
M5121.4:
- Sealed-SM: Volume 0.60 Ft³ [17 L], Cont. Power 750W.
- Sealed-LG: Volume 1.0 Ft³ [28 L], Cont. Power 400W.
- Vented-SM: Volume 0.98 Ft³ [28 L], Tuning 35Hz, Vent (D x L) 3.0" x 14.7" (75mm x 375mm), Cont. Power 750W.
- Vented-LG: Volume 1.2 Ft³ [34 L], Tuning 30Hz, Vent (D x L) 3.0" x 15.0" (75mm x 380mm), Cont. Power 600W.
- Bandpass-SM: Volume 0.67s/0.93v Ft³ [19/26.3 L], Tuning 78Hz, Vent (D x L) 6.0" x 8.0" (152mm x 203mm), Cont. Power 750W.
- Bandpass-LG: Volume 0.97s/1.3v Ft³ [27.5/38 L], Tuning 62Hz, Vent (D x L) 6.0" x 8.75" (152mm x 222mm), Cont. Power 450W.
Mechanical Data (All Dims in IN.[mm]):
M5101 (10" / 25cm Subwoofer):
- Mounting Depth [A]: 4.62 [117.3].
- Cutout Diameter [B]: 8.89 [225.7] THRU HOLE.
- Overall Diameter [C]: 10.45 [265.5].
- Recess Depth [D]: 0.86 [21.8].
- Driver Displacement [Dd]: 0.128 Ft³ [3.6 L].
M5121 (12" / 30cm Subwoofer):
- Mounting Depth [A]: 5.11 [129.8].
- Cutout Diameter [B]: 10.77 [273.5] THRU HOLE.
- Overall Diameter [C]: 12.38 [314.5].
- Recess Depth [D]: 0.86 [21.8].
- Driver Displacement [Dd]: 0.168 Ft³ [4.8 L].
Usage Features:
- Enclosure Construction: The manual strongly recommends consulting an Authorized DAT Dealer for enclosure building and/or professional installation. Enclosures should be constructed from a minimum of ¾" (19mm) MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Quality wood glue and fasteners are advised. Adequate internal bracing is crucial, especially for panels 2.0ft² or larger, with a "rule-of-thumb" to brace in all three directions (F-R, T-B, S-S) where practical. All inside joints must be sealed with a silicone rubber sealant to prevent air leaks, allowing sufficient drying time before use. For high-power (high SPL) multi-subwoofer setups, each woofer should be mounted in its own chamber. Adding fiberglass batting (R-22, R-30) loosely fills the enclosure to reduce internal reflections, improve damping, and achieve a "tighter" bass response.
- Mounting: The supplied trim gasket or foam weather strip should be used for mounting the subwoofer. WARNING: Do not use silicone rubber sealant to mount the subwoofer, as this will void the warranty.
- Thiele/Small Parameters: These parameters are provided for users with access to computer-based loudspeaker simulation programs (e.g., LEAP™, BassBox™, Term PRO™) to design custom sealed, vented, or bandpass enclosures.
- SPL Graphs: Graphs showing SPL at 100W input are included for various enclosure types (Sealed-SM, Sealed-LG, Vented-SM, Vented-LG, Bandpass-SM, Bandpass-LG) for both M5101 and M5121 models, illustrating their acoustic power response.
- Safety Precaution: Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels exceeding 100dB can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Users are advised to exercise restraint in operating these high-performance speaker systems.
Maintenance Features:
- Warranty Service: In case a DAT product requires servicing, the user should either visit an authorized DAT retailer or call the DAT Service Dept. at (310) 582-8942. For the 3-year warranty period, proof of dealer installation from an authorized DAT retailer is required.
- Return Authorization (RA): Products returned for repair/service must be properly packaged and clearly marked with an RA number issued by DAT. Products without a clearly marked RA number may be refused upon delivery. DAT does not assume responsibility for lost or misdirected products.
- Exclusions: The warranty does not cover damage resulting from negligence, improper use, abuse, unauthorized modification or service, improper or inadequate packaging during shipment, installation by a non-authorized dealer, accident, or use for purposes other than intended. It also excludes products with removed, altered, or defaced serial numbers.
- Covered Items: The warranty covers parts and labor for repair or replacement of malfunctioning or defective parts or the entire system, including return freight via ground transportation within the United States.
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