The new SEAS W12CY006 (E0091-08) continues SEAS high-end paper cone heritage with the 2-layer Nextel coating technology and brings the newly updated linear low-distortion magnet system design with a titanium voice coil former for maximum sound quality into the company's range of paper cone woofers and midranges.
The Nextel coating was first introduced at the CES Show 2005, in the W15LY001 and W18NX001, and instantly received appraisal for its natural and pleasant sound quality. The two layers are completely different, with a base-layer underneath and a topcoat applied in a second operation. The result is a cone which is a bit heavier than a classical paper cone, but the damping properties are unparalleled.
The new motor-design represents the state-of-the-art regarding linearity and low distortion. Low and symmetric inductance obtained through careful design of copper rings and caps in the magnet system underscores our focus on low distortion and maximum sound performance. Low mechanical and electromagnetic damping ensure high quality reproduction of even the finest micro details in music. At the same time, the high-performance titanium voice coil former and its connection to the cone has very high power-handling, suitable for modern amplifiers (e.g. Class-D).
The W12CY006 is featured with an edge-coating on the surround. It maintains a smooth response with no disturbances in the critical midrange and a roll-off profile allowing simple crossover networks to be used. In principle with the high bandwidth allowing for simple electrical 1st order crossovers.
Once more, the W12CY006 was developed by SEAS in cooperation with the famous loudspeaker kit designer, Troels Gravesen. In fact, the edge coating follows his quite detailed request on how he wants it done - following his own experience on coating the previous W12CY003 model.
During 2020, Gravesen worked on updating his existing speaker designs and converted two projects to make the best possible use of SEAS's recent Excel Nextel products, including also the new W18NX003 woofers. Those two high-quality projects are now available in two kits available from Jantzen Audio:
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/CNO-GRANDE.htm
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/CENTER-641.htm
"Overall, the W12CY006 provides a remarkable balance, with a synergy of resolution of details and a non-aggressive presentation, that provides the listener with both a naturalness and ease of listening. It is one of the most linear midrange drivers I have ever had, which particularly on vocals bear fruit and to my ears it presents a deeper soundstage with a better portrayal of the recording room. Allowing to utilize a 1st order crossover adds to the fidelity and correct timbre of all instruments," says Troels Gravesen. His own impressions of the update SEAS driver are also available here.
For designers it will be also important to note that the color of the coating on the W12CY006 membrane is a bit lighter than previous designs and it now matches the color of existing Excel Graphene products, such that paper and magnesium cone drivers can be combined in one loudspeaker.
www.seas.no
