Critical Mass SS6
MSRP: $199.95
Petite they are not. Part of the Reference SS series, the Critical Mass SS6 speakers are full figured, with a true 6.5-inch frame and a mounting depth of nearly 2 7/8 inches deep. Being of a large format, and so deep, it's not going to fit into vehicles with 160mm speaker openings or those with limited depth. However, the frame does allow for additional surface area on its titanium deposition polypropylene cone and a sizable roll on the Santoprene surround. The motor is also on the large size and uses a beefy protective rubber boot around its circumference. To improve performance, a copper-shorting cap is used to reduce distortion while an aluminum voice coil reduces mass for quicker response and to boost output.
The tweeter uses a sizable 25mm titanium deposition dome and ferrofluid in the magnetic gap to maintain lower operating temperatures, thus increasing power handling. The tweeter stands in a fixed position upon a stationary standoff. A -12dB crossover is used on the highpass to the tweeter, which is rather uncommon without the use of an outboard unit. If users choose, jumpers connecting the two sets of inputs-one for the tweeter and one for the woofer-can be cut and the system can be bi-amplified.
No manual is provided with the SS6-only speaker descriptions on the outside of the packing box and a sole mounting template inside. Consumers may want to look toward professional installation with these.
Listening
I really thought I was going to be blown away as I started with "Money" by Pink Floyd. The cash register, ticker, coins, and ripping paper were fantastic, exhibiting strong focus as the sounds swap from side to side. Just as I started to get into the music, the vocals hit with a thinness that was unrealistic, only to be topped by the tinny sound of the hi-hats. I quickly changed to "Clocks" by Coldplay to see how they did with midrange information. Playback of the pianos produced a harsh rasp from the tweeters when the volume was twisted to a moderate level. Next track. Listening to "Everybody" by Raul Midon, the SS6's somewhat redeemed themselves by producing a wonderful soundstage with perfect placement of Midon's vocals. Still, tonally they were not perfect. After my time spent listening to them, I would place the Critical Mass SS6 in the "average" category for this price range.
| SUBJECTIVE SCORE CHART |
| Points Possible | Critical Mass SS6 |
| Sound Quality | 5 | 3 |
| Treble | 5 | 2.5 |
| Midrange | 5 | 3.5 |
| Bass | 5 | 3.5 |
| Value | 5 | 2.5 |
"Average" is half points possible
Additional sizes: 4", 4x6, 5.25", 5x7, 6x9