The DS18 Elite 2 Speakers are a series of car audio speakers designed to enhance the in-car listening experience. This owner's manual provides detailed specifications and installation instructions for various models within the Elite 2 series, including the Z-354, Z-44, Z-464, Z-5254, Z-574, Z-654, and Z-694. These speakers are engineered for a range of vehicle applications, offering different sizes and configurations to suit diverse installation needs and sound preferences.
Function Description:
The DS18 Elite 2 Speakers are designed to reproduce audio signals from a car stereo system, converting electrical signals into sound waves. The series includes both 1-way and 2-way speaker designs. The 1-way design (Z-354) is a full-range woofer, while the 2-way designs integrate a woofer and a tweeter to cover a broader frequency spectrum, providing a more balanced and detailed sound reproduction. The woofers handle lower and mid-range frequencies, while the tweeters are responsible for high frequencies, ensuring clarity and crispness in the audio output. These speakers are intended as replacements or upgrades for factory-installed car speakers, aiming to deliver higher power handling, improved sensitivity, and a wider frequency response.
Important Technical Specifications:
The Elite 2 series offers a variety of models with distinct specifications:
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Speaker Design:
- Z-354: 1-Way
- Z-44, Z-464, Z-5254, Z-574, Z-654, Z-694: 2-Way
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Woofer Sizes:
- Z-354: 3.5"
- Z-44: 4"
- Z-464: 4 x 6"
- Z-5254: 5.25"
- Z-574: 5 x 7"
- Z-654: 6.5"
- Z-694: 6 x 9"
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Tweeter Size (for 2-way models): All 2-way models feature a 20 mm tweeter.
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Nominal Impedance: All models maintain a 4 Ohm impedance, making them compatible with most car audio amplifiers and head units.
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Power Handling (RMS Power):
- Z-354: 40 Watts
- Z-44: 50 Watts
- Z-464: 60 Watts
- Z-5254: 60 Watts
- Z-574: 70 Watts
- Z-654: 80 Watts
- Z-694: 150 Watts
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Power Handling (MAX Power):
- Z-354: 100 Watts
- Z-44: 120 Watts
- Z-464: 120 Watts
- Z-5254: 150 Watts
- Z-574: 150 Watts
- Z-654: 180 Watts
- Z-694: 240 Watts
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Sensitivity:
- Z-354, Z-44, Z-5254: 91 dB
- Z-464: 92 dB
- Z-574, Z-654: 93 dB
- Z-694: 94 dB
This indicates the efficiency of the speakers in converting power into sound, with higher dB values generally meaning louder output for the same power input.
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Frequency Response:
- Z-354: 150-20KHz
- Z-44, Z-464, Z-5254: 50-25KHz
- Z-574, Z-654: 45-25KHz
- Z-694: 40-25KHz
A wider frequency response indicates the speaker's ability to reproduce a broader range of sounds, from deep bass to crisp highs.
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Mounting Dimensions:
- Mounting Hole Diameter: Varies from 75 mm (Z-354) to 154 x 221 mm (Z-694).
- Top Mount Depth (without Grill): Ranges from 41 mm (Z-354) to 95 mm (Z-694).
- Top Mount Depth (with Grill): Ranges from 70 mm (Z-464) to 115 mm (Z-694). The Z-354 does not have a grill.
- Bottom Mount Depth: Ranges from 54 mm (Z-354, Z-44, Z-464) to 84 mm (Z-694).
These dimensions are crucial for ensuring proper fitment in various vehicle locations.
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Tweeter Protrusion (for 2-way models): All 2-way models have a tweeter protrusion of 40 mm.
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Grill: All 2-way models include a grill, while the Z-354 does not.
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Material Composition:
- Tweeter Magnet Material: Neodymium (for 2-way models). Neodymium magnets are known for their strong magnetic field in a compact size, contributing to efficient tweeter performance.
- Tweeter Dome Material: PEI (Polyetherimide) (for 2-way models). PEI is a lightweight and rigid material often used in tweeter domes for clear high-frequency reproduction.
- Woofer Cone Material: Fiber Glass. Fiber glass cones offer a good balance of stiffness and lightness, which helps in accurate sound reproduction and durability.
- Woofer Surround Material: Rubber. Rubber surrounds provide flexibility and durability, allowing the woofer cone to move freely for optimal bass response and extending the speaker's lifespan.
- Woofer Magnet Material: Ferrite. Ferrite magnets are commonly used in woofers for their cost-effectiveness and good magnetic properties, contributing to powerful bass.
Usage Features:
The DS18 Elite 2 Speakers are designed for straightforward integration into existing car audio systems.
- Versatile Sizing: With a range of sizes from 3.5" to 6x9", these speakers can fit into various factory speaker locations in different car models, including dashboards, doors, and rear decks.
- 2-Way Design Benefits: The 2-way models (all except Z-354) provide a more complete audio experience by separating high and low frequencies, resulting in clearer vocals and instruments, and more defined bass.
- High Sensitivity: The relatively high sensitivity ratings mean these speakers can produce significant volume levels even with moderate power from a car stereo's built-in amplifier, though they are also capable of handling higher power from aftermarket amplifiers for even greater output.
- Durable Construction: The use of materials like fiber glass for woofer cones, rubber for surrounds, and Neodymium/Ferrite magnets ensures durability and consistent performance over time, even in the demanding automotive environment.
- Grill Inclusion: For models that include a grill, this provides protection for the speaker cone and tweeter from physical damage, which is particularly useful in exposed mounting locations.
Maintenance Features:
The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, but based on the typical design of car audio speakers and the materials used:
- Durable Materials: The choice of rubber surrounds, fiber glass cones, and robust magnet structures implies a design intended for long-term reliability with minimal maintenance.
- Protection from Elements: While not explicitly stated, car speakers are generally designed to withstand typical in-car conditions, including temperature fluctuations and moderate humidity. The grills on most models offer protection against dust and accidental physical contact.
- Cleaning: General maintenance would likely involve occasional gentle cleaning of the speaker surface and grill to remove dust and debris, using a soft, dry cloth. Care should be taken not to apply excessive pressure or use harsh chemicals that could damage the cone or surround materials.
- Professional Installation Recommended: The manual advises referring to the car stereo owner's manual for installation, and the visual aids suggest a degree of mechanical aptitude is required. For optimal performance and to avoid damage, professional installation is often recommended, especially for those unfamiliar with car audio wiring and panel removal. This also helps ensure proper sealing and mounting, which can impact sound quality and speaker longevity.
- No User-Serviceable Parts: Like most sealed speaker units, these speakers are not designed for user repair or internal maintenance. Any issues beyond basic cleaning would likely require professional assessment or replacement.
In summary, the DS18 Elite 2 Speakers offer a comprehensive range of car audio solutions, combining robust construction with varied technical specifications to cater to different vehicle types and audio preferences, all while aiming for improved sound quality and power handling compared to standard factory speakers.
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