[Mike P.]

I came across this new driver from Mach 5 Audio while doing comparison modeling of IB drivers.

http://www.istonline.ca/xmass-18.html

The website states this is a Christmas special and quantities are limited.
It's a 18 inch, 13mm Xmax, 400 watt, 2 ohm driver that models well in Infinite Baffle. It's also recommemded in 3 cu.ft. sealed. The $108 shipped to Canada and $130 shipped to the U.S. pricing make it an excellent value.

Here's 4 of them modeled against the Dayton IB385-8 15" which are $160 each.

An email to Mach 5 resulted in him stating that a order of 4 can be clam-shelled in a custom box to save on shipping charges.

Here is the WinISD file if anyone wants to do some modeling.

View attachment Mach 5 Audio XMass-18.wdr

 

[sub_crazy]

Thanks for the heads up Mike:T

How well do you think these will do in a ported or sealed application? I don't have any modeling software on this computer to check it out my-self.

 

[Quijibo]

Well, I've put a couple on order (for local pickup -$75 each).
getting excited for sub project, as the theater room has come together nicely.
now I just need amplification....

 

[GranteedEV]

I'm very tempted...

is this XBL?

 

[Mike P.]

How well do you think these will do in a ported or sealed application?

Looks like 5 cu.ft. sealed with 500 watts and 10 cu.ft. tuned to 20 hz with 500 watts would be about right for this driver.

is this XBL?

I don't think so, I imagine if it was it would have been stated on the website.

​

 

[sub_crazy]

This is so tempting to pick up a 4-pack, must fight temptation:gulp:

I wish I lived close enough to pick it up, that would be an easy decision to make.

 

[deathinc]

would this be better than a RSS390HO-4 in sq? I was about to purchase one.

 

[Mike P.]

I can only guess that SQ would be about the same. What were your plans for the RSS390HO-4 as in box size and tuning frequency?

 

[nht1259]

How about putting two in isobaric? Could reduce box size by 50%. Double up on power. Still only have $150 tied up in drivers. Sometimes I wish I lived in Canada (except for the winters...).

Using an EP4000 + 4 drivers would deliver about 700 watts to each pair. This would be a very affordable setup.

 

[deathinc]

I can only guess that SQ would be about the same. What were your plans for the RSS390HO-4 as in box size and tuning frequency?

The one that would let me put it in the smallest box (sealed would be best )and get the lowest tuning frequency that can be driven with a 500w oaudio bash amp. If i can use to 18s ported with a medium to small size box id perfer that.

 

[Bus_Boy]

Would someone mind modelling what 8 of these might be like and the enclosure options? It would seem i am out of luck with the UXL-18 out of stock, and still no word on the production date of the 21''.

For not much more than a single UXL-18, i could get 8 of these.

 

[Mike P.]

8 drivers in a IB with 1500 watts.

 

[gperkins_1973]

For $8-900 and an amp, WOW! bargain of the century. If I had room for an IB they would defo be on my list.

 

[nht1259]

That is great performance. Hmmm... I was thinking about building another subwoofer similar to my Maelstrom 18" & 2 PR build. But an IB with 4 of these is tempting.

Major concern - how bad is IB for the neighbors and everyone else in the house?

 

[black_z]

Wow!

 

[deathinc]

could two of the xmass drivers be powered by the oaudio 500w bash amp in sealed enclosures or would an inuke dsp 1000 be better?

 

[Mike P.]

As long as the pair are wired for a 4 ohm load the O Audio amp will work. I haven't heard any reviews on the iNuke.

 

[deathinc]

As long as the pair are wired for a 4 ohm load the O Audio amp will work. I haven't heard any reviews on the iNuke.

would the oaudio 500w bash amp be enough to power 2 xmass-18 in a sealed/ ported at 4ohm load?

 

[Mike P.]

It would do, more power would be better.

 

[nht1259]

I gave into temptation and ordered 4. It will be my first time to play with IB. They will supplement my Maelstrom / PR build. These model to meet or exceed the Maelstrom at all frequencies, but especially below 20 Hz.

Only thing that "worries" me - should I have ordered 8 instead? An EP 2500 at 2-ohm per channel would send almost 250 watts to each. Two manifolds with 4 x 18" in each one... Too much is just right!

I went to my neighbors house last night. He recently had a HT room installed. Sound was okay - with the usual cranked up too much and overbearing subwoofer with a lot of output in the 40-50 hz range. I couldn't see what it was, but size looked like a 12" unit. I don't know him well enough to turn off the lights and start taking off grills! I have been spoiled with my DIY subwoofers that reach much lower. My system to the casual listener doesn't even sound like it has a subwoofer until something happens in the movie.

The IB install should be fun. Maybe just get the Maelstrom out of the room and put in my old Kenwood 10" that someone gave me to tease folks!