Image Dynamics CTX-6.5
MSRP: $169
Image Dynamics is known for treading a different path. And, like the company's HLCDs and iDMax subs, the CTX-6.5 coaxial won't be confused as run of the mill. To start, there's a total disregard to ease of mounting with a depth just shy of 3 inches and a motor hanging from its backside that is subwoofer large. Its size is so immense that each driver weighs nearly twice that of most others in its price range. Unconventional as it may be, the guys at Image Dynamics had design objectives to adhere to: achieve competition-level sound quality, high output, and reliability. So, if you're purchasing them for your Honda Civic, know that fitment wasn't high on the priority list as you space, cut, and structurally reinforce the mounting area to secure the drivers.
Support for the speaker comes by way of a black, standard stamped-steel frame with an installation-restrictive four-hole mount pattern. It's limiting and a bit awkward, but enabled Image Dynamics to use a good-sized, stiff mica-polymer composite cone and well-damped butyl-rubber surround to reach its high-excursion, high-output goal. I really like the swivel silk-dome tweeter that can be aimed for better on-axis response, but dislike that it protrudes far above frame, which could be a problem when installed behind factory door panels. The crossover for the tweeter is only -6dB, complements of a less-than-desirable low-voltage electrolytic capacitor, while the woofer rolls off naturally-pretty standard stuff for this price range.
Included with the CTX-6.5 is wire, a pair of grilles, and the manual. The grilles take on the look of five-spoke, cast wheels featuring a mesh center to protect the tweeter. The manual provides good information about the CTX coaxial line, including specific minimum and maximum power requirements, and sound installation advice, but lacks diagrams orillustrations.
Listening
Mounted to my newly reinforced enclosure baffles, I released the hounds. OK, I eased into an acoustic version of Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind." The first notable evidence this was going to be a good audition was the soundstage. Nelson's vocal was center and focused with his guitar just left, harmonic immediately right. There was also a pleasing amount of depth and width captured by the reflections of the studio's bounding walls. So far, so good.
With the time ticking away, I headed for Coldplay's "Clocks." Again, the overall soundscape was commendable. I was equally pleased with the tonal balance of the system, but that's not the reason I listen to this track. It's the piano, and systems without the proper equipment tend to falter, just as the CTX-6.5 did. Symptomatic of cheap electrolytic capacitors, the low end of the tweeter became harsh as the volume increased. Both Martin's voice and the piano succumbed to distortion, making for a less-than-stellar listening experience.
Last up was the Ziggy Marley bass check. Here it seems the oversized lot yielded dividends. The kicks and barrel drums were forceful and tight. At full tilt, the CTX-6.5 handled the bass instruments like a track runner jumping speed bumps instead of hurdles. For a second there I forgot I was listening to a pair of coaxial drivers.
If you couldn't already tell, I'll spell it out for you. The Image Dynamics CTX-6.5 coaxials are good. Factor in the $169 retail price and you can bump their standing to exceptional. Sure there are minor issues (cheap crossover components and directional tweeters), but you could spend double and not get the same performance. Now all you have to figure out is how to fit them into your vehicle.