The PC components come in 2-way and 3-way models with all individual drivers using rare-earth Neodymium motors for high BL, light weight and compact size. Traditionally only tweeters use Neo motors, but we used Neo on the 2.5" midrange and 6.5" midbass as well making the drivers very strong and compact. The 6.5" uses a Kevlar composite paper cone with laminated foam backing. Paper cones traditionally yield the most natural, uncolored sound reproduction possible. We embedded Kevlar fibers into the paper for rigidity which reduces cone flexing and radiated distortion. The 2.5" midrange uses an aluminum cone for lightweight and strength while the tweeter uses a 20mm inverted aluminum diaphragm. The shallow depth of the midrange allows it to mount with the tweeter on the dash, or in the A-pillar, for phenomenal staging, rather than being limited to using a 4" midrange with the tweeter and being forced, in most cases, to fabricate kickpanel pods.
The crossover, thought by many to be the most important part of any component set, are truly phenomenal. There is one model that is used for both 2-way and 3-way sets. In two way more the crossover sends a high-pass signal to the tweeter at 4kHz, away from the sensitive and critical 1kHz point.
The low-pass signal goes to the 6.5" midbass and is also limited to 4kHz and down. When the switch is flipped for 3-way application a 400Hz high-pass for the 2.5" midrange band. The previously empty midbass terminals now send a low-pas signal at 400Hz to the 6.5" midbass. The crossovers use top quality inductors and capacitors. The tweeter circuit includes both a bulb and PTC switching capacitor for unparalleled protection.
These speakers along with the crossovers are incredibly designed and well thought out. Build quality was poor. The soldering on the tweeters were EXTREMELY poor and were not adequately insulated on one of them, raising concerns about a possible short: the fix was easy enough but build quality like that on pricey components is UNACCEPTABLE. The mid-range was almost worth the price of the whole system and build was flawless: what I liked about these was that they fit PERFECTLY in the door pods of my MACH 360 system in my Mustang. I accidentally "tested" them at almost full range (more on that later) and saw that they had great excursion. The mid-bass/woofers were another example of great design and FAILED execution due to build quality: I could see some glue smeared behind the surround of one of the woofers and that would normally not be a cause for concern but seeing how poorly the tweeters were built, I decided to test the compliance of the speaker by gently pushing the cone in: one of the speakers was stiffer than the other: this was another MAJOR disappointment for me: how can PPI put out such poorly built speakers? I decided to run the woofers on a 60hz test tone, free air to "break them in" and found that it did not help. The crossovers are INSANELY well thought out except for one MAJOR issue: there is a button the PPI proudly points out that converts the crossover from a two way to a three way: bravo for PPI except that this switch is VERY EASY to accidentally be hit and switch the crossover resulting in sending very low and potentially damaging frequencies to the mid-range drivers. WOW. that is how I saw the mids handle lower frequencies. Fixed that as well by permanently securing the switch in the proper position (jumpers would have been a better idea). Installed the system according to PPI's recommendation with the mids and tweets high up (contrary to what I normally do) and found that the whole system was the worse sounding system I have ever heard! No imaging. Peaks and valleys thru out the frequency response.at this point, I can't tell if this is due to speaker placement or poor crossover design: I'll give PPI the benefit of the doubt and chalk this issue up to speaker placement. Thankfully I have a four way amp (a PPI PCX 480 from back in the day) and could passively control the crossover points: but this added a level of complexity I wanted to avoid. I am STILL trying to tune the system and believe that speaker placement may have added some phase issues (for all I know, the speakers may not all BE in phase). Power handling is phenomenal and is the systems saving grace. After three weeks with this product, I hope to get this system in tune: if you are an advanced user, you might find this challenge fun... ... If you are an average user or don't want to mess around with EXTENSIVE tuning issues, get a co-axial. Truly a mixed bag from PPI: neodymium motors deliver 2 inch woofer VC deliver the mids fit in tight spaces build quality is SERIOUSLY flawed and should be a major concern for the average Joe I advise anyone who buys this system to try to place all the drivers in close proximity to each other and hope that the crossover is not the issue.
Harshgalre everyone else, You can check the "phase" of your drivers with a "D cell battery". Touch briefly do not hold (you can burn out the voice coil) the speaker wires coming from the speakers + to + - to - accordingly. They should "jump outwards" if they're "in phase". I like to place my midstweets down low in the doors or kick pannels contrary to what PPI might say because if you don't, the wave lengths will hit yoursyour front passenger''s ears at different times per driver causing the peaksvalleys to color the music so it doesn't sound right. You can also try using a passive equalizer I.E. slider band control for individual frequencies to boost or cut the frequencies that are lacking or too bright to help you tune your systemacheive a flatter response to eliminate those nasty peaksvalleys.
Honestly was skeptical at first but now all PPI speakers have won my heart. I love them and the beautiful sound they create. Only reason for not giving them a 10 was the crossover is a little temperamental at times.
