Test Bench: SEAS Excel Graphene W18EX003 6.5” Midbass Driver

On this edition of Test Bench, Vance Dickason continues to measure one of the most anticipated driver designs launched in the market in 2019, from SEAS's new Excel Graphene line. Following the previous Test Bench on the W16NX003 5.25” midbass woofer, this one focuses on the W18EX003 6.5” midbass driver. This article was published in Voice Coil, August 2019.

In this Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the SEAS W16NX003 5.25” midbass driver, one of the new graphene-coated magnesium cone drivers from the brand's Excel Graphene range. This product line has been an ongoing project for more than two years, combining the already highly prized magnesium cone with the desirable acoustic properties of Graphene, which also works to provide corrosion protection to magnesium. This article was published in Voice Coil, August 2019.

For this review, Ken Bird details his experience in building a set of speakers from Swans Speakers Kits, part of a new catalog created by HiVi Acoustics and Swan Speakers (HiVi's consumer brand), and that so far includes two kits: a two-way bookshelf design, the DIY 2.2A, and the slightly larger three-way design, the DIY 3.1A, the model sent to audioXpress. Both models incorporate HiVi drivers. This article was originally published in audioXpress, August 2019.

In this article, Norman Varney discusses the basic principles of unwanted vibrations in audio playback environments. "When we play back audio, we only want to hear sound waves created from the electromechanical vibrations produced by the loudspeaker. They are the result and intention of the artists. They are the original signals. These are good vibrations. However, for this article, we will focus on the basic principles of unwanted vibrations of audio playback environments," states Varney in the article introduction, originally published in audioXpress, August 2019

The Kali Audio LP-6 Powered Studio Monitors are speakers with a plain, business-like appearance, that we would easily be misled to think are just another run-of-the-mill home studio affordable offering. If it wasn't for the fact that Kali Audio is a new California-based company formed by a group of (now former) JBL employees. The Kali LP-6s are serious contenders in the studio space, and can be also formidable affordable options on any other environment. This article was originally published in audioXpress, August 2019.

Voice Coil August 2019 is now ready for you to download and it is in the mail for print subscribers. In this month’s edition, don’t miss the ALMA International Symposium & Expo (AISE) 2019 report, and the valuable Global Voice Coil Manufacturers 2019 updated directory. In Acoustic Patents, James Croft takes a closer look at two automotive patents granted to Harman and Bose. And Vance Dickason characterizes two different woofers from the new SEAS Excel Graphene product line. Download your copy now!

The August 2019 edition of audioXpress features the latest Acoustical Solutions product round-up, and several contributed articles on acoustic-related topics, including, evaluating auditorium acoustics, measuring unwanted vibrations, and frequency timing. This edition also includes Stuart Yaniger's review of the Kali Audio LP-6 Powered Studio Monitors, Ken Bird's assembly-review of the Swans Speakers DIY Kits, and Oliver A. Masciarotte's report from AXPONA 2019. Now available for download and in print!