| | Points Possible | Kenwood KFC-X1710 |
| Sound Quality | 5 | 3.5 |
| Treble | 5 | 2.5 |
| Midrange | 5 | 3.5 |
| Bass | 5 | 4 |
| Value | 5 | 3.5 |
Average" is half points possibleAdditional sizes: 5.25" and 6x9
Panasonic CJ-DA1633U
MSRP: $69.95
I have to hand it to the folks at Panasonic. They've come up with a clever design to maximize the surface area of the woofer's cone called Discrete Edge Design. If you look at the front of the three-way CJ-DA1633U you'll notice something's missing-the surround. By positioning the surround's rolled edge inside and below the outer periphery of the cone, the effective diaphragm area is increased by 18 percent. Panasonic says this not only enhances the low-range efficiency, but it also helps block spurious edge radiation that could cause distortion.
Thanks to its discrete surround, the composite Aramid fiber and polypropylene cone is considerably larger than the driver's construction would otherwise permit. The cone is similar in size to drivers measuring 6.75 inches, yet the frame is a standard 6-inch (160mm) stamped-steel unit. Atop the frame's mounting platform is an injection-molded plastic trim piece that encases the edge of the cone while also allowing the Star Trek-looking grille to snap directly to the speaker without requiring an extra trim ring. Nice.
High frequencies are fulfilled by a dynamic duo comprised of a titanium-dome tweeter and a super tweeter. While the website calls them 1 3/8 inches and 5/8 inch, respectively, I measured them with my calipers only to find they were closer to 7/8 inch and 3/8 inch. Both sit beneath a textured chrome grille/mount over the cone.
Again, I found the installation instructions illustrated on the backside of the packing box, which also includes perforations with the speaker cutout dimensions. A one-year warranty and registration card is located inside along with mounting supplies and speaker wire.
Listening
Turn the CJ-DA1633U's off-axis and they just sound better. Playing "Clocks" from Coldplay, the piano went from nauseatingly stuffy to reasonably delightful depending on my listening angle. Turn them too far off-axis and the details of the guitar would fade out, so there has to be a happy medium to get the best experience with these drivers.
I continued my listening with the set at their optimum position and "Shadowless" by Toni Braxton spinning in the player. Her image was decently planted and the overall soundscape broad but with limited depth. Braxton's voice was well sorted, but moderate volume would disrupt the playback with harsh overtones in her upper range. Distinction between the guitars was difficult as they all seemed to originate from the same area. I also noticed similar issues when playing Pat Coil with the variety of instruments, and the big drums weren't as big as I'm used to hearing. Overall, though, I wasn't displeased with the Panasonics. At $70, they're a good value, just as long as they're used properly.