Soundstream Exact 5.3 Owner's Manual

Component
Speaker System

OWNER’S MANUAL

1

Component Speaker System

INTRODUCTION
AND
REGISTRATION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Soundstream EXACT5.3 Component Speaker
System. You now own one of the finest car audio speaker systems available.

As with all high quality car audio components, professional installation is recommended.
Your dealer’s knowledge and experience can ensure a problem-free, cosmetically
integrated installation. If you plan on installing the EXACT5.3 speaker system yourself,
please review this Owner’s Manual first before attempting installation. In addition, it’s a
good idea to keep the manual for future reference.

EXACT5 Serial Number _______________________________________
EXACT1 Serial Number _______________________________________
Date of Purchase _____________________________________________
Date of Installation _____________________________________________
Dealer’s Name _____________________________________________

HARDWARE
AND
CONNECTOR
PARTS LIST

Before beginning your installation, please check to see that the number of parts
contained in your box match the list below:

Hardware
2 each - flush-mount cups

16 each - 1 1/4” #8 sheet metal screws (for mounting EXACT5)
2 each - 1/4” 6-32 machine screws (for EXACT1 flush mount cup spring clips)
4 each - stainless steel tweeter spring clips (for EXACT1 flush mount cup)
4 each - 1/2” #8 sheet metal screws (for mounting EXACT5.3X)
4 each - 1/2” flat head screws (for EXACT1 surface mounting)
1 each - template set

Connectors
4 each -

16 each - gold spade connectors (for connecting to crossover)
4 each - 1/8” gold round female connectors (for connecting EXACT1 to speaker wire)
4 each - vinyl insulators (for insulating EXACT1 speaker connectors)

1

/4” tab female gold insulated slip-on connectors (for EXACT5 woofers)

2

EXACT5.3
DESIGN

FEATURES

The EXACT5.3 Component Speaker System is the result of highly focused engineering effort.
Each element of the EXACT5.3 represents several advances in automotive speaker technology.
When the EXACT5.3 project was initiated, the following goals were established:

• High performance sound reproduction in the automotive environment

• Ease of installation

• Superb ergonomics and visual appeal

• High output capability

• Ability to “tailor” sound to each vehicle

Through extensive testing and development, the EXACT5.3 has been designed to provide
extremely consistent on and off-axis response in the automobile. Installation flexibility and
ergonomics are enhanced by the mounting versatility of both the EXACT5 midrange/woofer and
the EXACT1 tweeter. Finally, the high output capability and low frequency extension of the
EXACT5.3 are atypical of 5” drivers due to the excursion capabilities of the EXACT5 and the
steep crossover slopes of the EXACT5.3X.

These efforts have resulted in an extremely flexible speaker system that performs flawlessly in a

EXACT5 Midrange / Woofer

The EXACT5 represents a departure from typical midrange/midbass drivers by combining
massive midbass and exceptionally smooth midrange.

•Die-cast Magnesium Frame designed specifically for extra long excursion. Results in higher
output and extended low frequency response.

•Copper Inductance Cap for lower distortion and extended high frequency response.

•Natural Fiber Cone designed for optimum rigidity and damping with minimal “coloration”.

EXACT1 Soft Dome Neodymium Tweeter

The EXACT1 tweeter is an ultra-high performance 1” Neodymium tweeter designed to deliver
outstanding high frequency reproduction.

• Fourth-generation Neodymium Magnetic Assembly providing performance comparable or
superior to tweeters three times the size.

• Specially-treated Textile Dome for a natural, smooth response to 20 kHz.

• Ferrofluid-immersed Voice Coil enhances heat dissipation.

EXACT5.3X Passive Crossover Network

The EXACT5.3X Passive Crossover represents a new concept in crossover philosophy. The
EXACT5.3X crossover consists of high quality, multi-element components with two switchable
functions. A three position switch controls the tweeter level and a two position switch controls the
midrange presence. The combination of each allows for a multitude of control options. Dual
inputs allow for multi-channel amp operation of woofer and tweeter circuits.

• 24 dB/octave Acoustic Summation Crossover Slopes for smooth response.

• Variable Tweeter and Midrange Controls for added flexibility.

• Dual Inputs for multi-amp operation and further flexibility.

• Dynamic Tweeter Level Control allows for improved power handling and continuous output.

• Ultra-low DCR Inductors for minimal signal loss (High power Air-core type in woofer path).

• Mylar Film Capacitors to ensure low saturation and accuracy in the high frequencies.

3

LOCATION
AND
MOUNTING

The first step in a successful installation is thorough planning. Choose the location for

your speaker components carefully. Follow these suggestions to ensure proper
imaging and the best performance:

• Select a location where each tweeter and midrange/woofer can be mounted close to

each other. A good rule of thumb is a maximum of one foot from midrange/woofer
to tweeter.

• Choose a location that offers the least amount of sound obstruction.

• Try to mount the components on the same plane.

• Always check behind the chosen mounting locations to make sure that there are no

obstructions (e.g., trunk springs, gas tank, window track) or wires in the way, as well
as to make sure that there is ample support on which to mount the components.

INSTALLING THE
EXACT1
TWEETER

The EXACT1 tweeter can be installed in a variety of ways: a simple yet elegant
installation cup is provided for flush mounting; or the tweeter may be easily

disassembled for custom applications, such as installation in vents, custom painting, or
mounting behind a factory grille. Hardware is provided for each mounting
configuration.

For surface mounting, locate a flat mounting surface for the EXACT1. A direct “on­axis” location is not necessary, as the EXACT1 provides extraordinary “off-axis”

Flush Mounting

1) Cut a 1 7/8” diameter hole

through the mounting surface. If
the surface is covered with cloth
or carpet, be careful not to tear
or pull the material. Sometimes
it is a good idea to peel the
material away and then trim it by
hand.

2) Secure the cup in the mounting

cutout by using the spring clips
and screw provided. Slip the
spring clips through the bottom
of the cup and tighten the screw
until the cup is firmly seated.
See Figure 1.

3) Once the cup is secure, mount

the tweeter into the cup making
sure to pass the tweeter wires
through the openings in the cup.
The tweeter will lock into the cup
when turned clockwise. See
Figure 2.

FIGURE 1

1

/4” 6-32 machine screw

Flush mount cup

Mounting surface

Spring clip

Turn
Clockwise to
Lock

4

FIGURE 2