Soundstream Technologies 5.2 User Manual

Coaxial
Speaker System

OWNER’S MANUAL

1

Coaxial Speaker System

INTRO­DUCTION
AND
REGISTRATION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Soundstream EXACT5.2 Coaxial 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 EXACT5.2 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.

EXACT5.2 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
12 each - #8 x 1" sheet metal screws (for mounting speakers and crossovers)

Connectors
8 each - gold spade connectors (for connecting to crossover)

16 each - vinyl insulators
2 each - coaxial wiring harness with gold connectors

2

EXACT5.2
DESIGN

FEATURES

The EXACT5.2 Coaxial Speaker System is the result of highly focused engineering effort. Each
element of the EXACT5.2 represents several advances in automotive speaker technology.
When the 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 EXACT5.2 has been designed to provide
extremely consistent on and off-axis response in the automobile. The high output capability and
low frequency extension of the EXACT5.2 are atypical of 5 1/2” drivers due to the excursion
capabilities of the EXACT 5 and the steep crossover slopes of the EXACT5.2X.

These efforts have resulted in an extremely flexible speaker system that performs flawlessly in a
variety of installation locations in virtually any vehicle.

EXACT5.2 Midrange / Woofer

The EXACT5.2 represents a departure from typical midrange/midbass drivers by combining
massive midbass and exceptionally smooth midrange.

•Copper Inductance Cap for smoother midrange response and lower distortion

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

25mm Soft Dome Neodymium Tweeter

The EXACT5.2's tweeter is an ultra-high performance 25mm 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

EXACT5.2X Passive Crossover Network

The EXACT5.2X Passive Crossover represents a new concept in crossover philosophy. The
EXACT5.2X crossover consists of high quality, multi-element components with two switchable
functions. First is a three position tweeter level control. Second, is a two position midrange
“presence” control. 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

• 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 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:

•Choose a location that offers the least obstruction of sound to your ears.

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

obstructions (e.g., trunk springs, gas tank, window tracks) or wires in the way, as well

as to make sure that there is ample support on which to mount the components.

4

INSTALLING
THE EXACT 5.2
DRIVER

The EXACT5.2 Driver can be mounted on the front or rear of a panel; gaskets are
provided for both options. The bolt hole configuration will fit a variety of standard
American, Asian and European OEM patterns making it ideal for direct replacement.
Best performance is achieved when the speaker is securely mounted to a door panel or
rear deck. There should be no gaps between the speaker and the mounting surface,
as this will impair its low frequency performance. Be certain that both the panel and the
speaker are securely mounted to prevent unwanted vibration.

1) Mark the speaker location by using the template provided.

2) Cut the opening and debur the edges with a file.

3) Hold the speaker in place against the mounting surface and mark the mounting bolt

holes.

4) Drill the appropriate size hole for the screws provided.

5) Make all speaker connections prior to mounting the speaker to the panel.

6) Place the EXACT5.2 into the trim ring, make the speaker wire connections, then

install the speaker/trim ring assembly to the panel using the screws provided. Affix
the grille.

7) When routing speaker cables to the EXACT driver, it is important to form a drip loop

in the cable below the level of the speaker to keep water from reaching it. See

EXACT CROSSOVER

5

EXACT DRIVER

1" TO 2" DRIP LOOP

FIGURE 1

MOUNTING
THE
EXACT5.2X
CROSSOVER

The EXACT5.2X Passive Crossover can be mounted in virtually any location inside the
vehicle. Be sure not to mount the EXACT5.2X outside the vehicle, or in a location
where it may be exposed to dirt or moisture (e.g., the engine compartment, inside a
wheel housing, inside a door, at the bottom of a leaky trunk).

TWEETER
LEVEL
CONTROL

MIDRANGE
LEVEL
CONTROL

Tweeter Attenuation

The EXACT5.2 system has been designed to provide optimum sound in a variety of
installation locations. The provided crossover allows for three positions of tweeter level
control: HIGH, MED and LOW. The LOW position is useful for using the EXACT5.2 in
rear-fill applications. A switch under the clear plastic crossover cover sets one of the
three positions. See Figure 2.

Midrange Attenuation

The provided crossover also allows for two positions of midrange level control. A
switch under the clear plastic crossover cover sets one of the two positions -­MIDRANGE PRESENCE -- ON/OFF. The ON position provides increased midrange, a
feature useful for adjusting midrange vocal presence. See Figure 2.

Tweeter Control

Midrange Control

FIGURE 2

6

DYNAMIC
TWEETER
LEVEL
CONTROL

Tweeter Protection Activation

Under high power/high volume conditions, the dynamic tweeter level control (DTLC)
circuit may activate. The purpose of DTLC is to prevent failure of the tweeter by
reducing its output when necessary. You will notice a decrease in high frequency
output and the light bulb on the crossover board will light up (see Figure 3). The circuit
is self-resetting -- if the DTLC activates, turn the volume down and normal operation will
resume in a few minutes.

DTLC Light Bulb

FIGURE 3

7

WIRING

EXACT5.2 Wiring Diagram

Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating the wiring of the EXACT5.2 Component Speaker
System. It is important to make sure that all connections are in phase; that is positive
(+) is connected to positive (+), and negative (-) is connected to negative (-), since an
out-of-phase connection will cause a dislocated image and low bass output. The
provided cable harness is color coordinated to aid proper connection of crossovers to
speakers; wire colors should match speaker terminal tab colors. For amplifier to
crossover connection, we suggest using a minimum of 16 gauge (ideally 12 gauge)
premium cable. The connectors provided with this system will accommodate wire from
12 gauge to 16 gauge.

Head Unit

EXACT5.2X
Crossover

EXACT5.2

Amplifier

EXACT5.2X
Crossover

EXACT5.2

FIGURE 4

8

NOTES
ON
BI-AMPING

Bi-Wiring

The EXACT5.2 system includes the
EXACT5.2X passive crossover which
is optimized for the speakers. The
EXACT5.2X allows for dual amp
inputs. See Figure 5.

This feature allows for a 4 channel
amplifier or two 2 channel amps to
power the four individual drivers of an
EXACT5.2 system. The benefit of this
is added dynamics and level setting
flexibility. For example, a head unit’s
fader control could be used as a
tweeter level control. (See note
about crossover modification for bi-

IMPORTANT!

CUT THE TWO JUMPER WIRES IN THE 5.2X

CROSSOVER FOR ANY

BI-AMP OR BI-WIRING APPLICATION

Figure 5

Dual Amp
Bi-Wire

Head Unit

Amp Amp

Exact5.2X

Crossovers

EXACT5.2 Drivers

9

NOTES
ON
BI-AMPING
(CONT'D)

Bi-Amping

True bi-amping can also be
accomplished with an external electronic
crossover. See Figure 6. Even greater
dynamics can be realized with bandwidth
limited amplifiers. If you decide to bi-amp,
please follow the recommendations
below :

1)Use at least a 12dB/octave high pass
filter no higher than 1500 Hz on the
tweeters.

2)Use at least a 12 dB/octave low pass
filter no lower than 6000 Hz on the
woofers.

This “staggered” active arrangement
allows one full octave of bandwidth
between the amp’s active range and the
speaker’s passive range. This stagger
allows the purpose-designed passive
network to operate as intended. You will
gain the benefit of dedicated amplifiers

IMPORTANT!

CUT THE TWO JUMPER WIRES IN THE 5.2X

CROSSOVER FOR ANY

BI-AMP OR BI-WIRING APPLICATION

Figure 6 Active/Passive
Bi-Amp

dB

Head Unit

Woofer

Active LP and Passive LP dB

Active

Passive

100 500 20 K 5K 1K 20 frequency

Active Crossover

Amp Amp

Tweeter

Active HP and Passive HP

Active

Passive

100 500 20 K 5K 1K 20 frequency

5.2 Driver

10

5.2 Driver

SPECIFICATIONS

EXACT5.2 System Specifications

Frequency Response 50 Hz - 20,000 Hz ±3dB
Sensitivity 90 dB SPL at 1 meter (2.83v)

Continuous Power Handling 65 watts
Peak Program Power Handling 120 watts

Nominal Impedance
Crossover Slope Rate 24 dB/octave ASC
Crossover Dimensions 3.25” (W) x 1.5” (H) x 5.125” (D)

96 dB SPL at .5 meter (2.83v)

4Ω

EXACT5.2 Midrange/Woofer

Frequency Response 50 Hz - 6,500 Hz ±3dB
Continuous Power Handling 65 watts with EXACT5.2X Crossover

Peak Program Power Handling 120 watts with EXACT5.2X Crossover
Sensitivity 90 dB SPL at 1 meter (2.83v)

Nominal Impedance
Nominal Driver Diameter 5 1/4”

Mounting Cut-Out Diameter 4 5/8”
Mounting Depth 2 5/8”

4Ω

Soft Dome Neodymium Tweeter

Frequency Response 3,000 Hz - 20,000 Hz ±3dB
Sensitivity 90 dB SPL at 1 meter (2.83v)
Nominal Impedance

Nominal Tweeter Diameter 25mm

4Ω

11

(Rev A, 4/14/97)

120 Blue Ravine Road  Folsom  California 95630 USA

tel [phone] fax [phone]

12

MOUNTING TEMPLATE

CENTER

CUT-OUT

PILOT HOLES

EDGE OF
GRILL RING

120 Blue Ravine Road  Folsom  California 95630 USA

tel [phone] fax [phone]

13

(Rev A, 4/14/97)