DS18 Car Midrange Loudspeakers User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing DS18 Car Midrange Loudspeakers. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your new audio system components. These speakers are designed to deliver clear, powerful midrange frequencies, enhancing your vehicle's audio experience.

The DS18 PRO-X698BM (6x9") and PRO-X6BM (6.5") models are engineered for high performance, featuring robust construction and advanced audio technology to ensure a superior sound output in your car, truck, or motorcycle stereo system.

2. Safety Information

Please read all safety instructions carefully before installing or operating your speakers. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in injury or damage to the product or vehicle.

Professional Installation Recommended: For optimal performance and safety, it is highly recommended to have these speakers installed by a qualified car audio professional.
Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before beginning any electrical installation to prevent short circuits.
Proper Wiring: Ensure all wiring is correctly connected according to the polarity markings. Incorrect wiring can damage the speakers or your audio system.
Secure Mounting: Mount speakers securely to prevent them from becoming loose during vehicle operation, which could cause injury or damage.
Avoid Overpowering: Do not exceed the maximum power handling ratings of the speakers. Overpowering can lead to distortion and permanent damage.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the speakers and amplifier (if used) to prevent overheating.
Hearing Protection: Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause hearing damage. Use caution when adjusting volume.

3. Package Contents

Your DS18 Car Midrange Loudspeakers package should contain the following items:

DS18 Car Door Speakers with Tweeter (Quantity: 2 pairs, total 4 speakers)
Mounting Hardware (screws, clips - may vary by model)
User Manual (this document)

Two pairs of DS18 car midrange loudspeakers, one pair 6.5-inch round and one pair 6x9-inch oval, both with red bullet dust caps.

Image: Contents of the DS18 Car Midrange Loudspeakers package, showing both 6.5-inch and 6x9-inch speaker pairs.

4. Product Features

The DS18 Car Midrange Loudspeakers are designed with advanced features to provide superior audio performance:

Midrange Optimization: Specifically engineered to handle the critical midrange frequencies, ensuring clear vocals and instrumentals.
High Power Handling:
- PRO-X698BM: 550W Max Power / 275W RMS Power
- PRO-X6BM: 500W Max Power / 250W RMS Power
8-Ohm Impedance: Compatible with a wide range of car audio amplifiers.
Bullet Dust Cap: Red aluminum bullet dust cap for enhanced sound dispersion and aesthetic appeal.
Durable Construction: Features a glossy red steel basket and ferrite magnet material for longevity and consistent performance.
Kapton Voice Coil: High-temperature Kapton voice coil material for reliability under demanding conditions.

Close-up of a DS18 6.5-inch midrange loudspeaker with a red bullet dust cap, showing specifications like 500W MAX Power, 250W RMS Power, 8 Ohms Impedance, and 125Hz-12KHz Frequency Response.

Image: Detailed view of the 6.5-inch PRO-X6BM speaker highlighting its key specifications and built-in bullet design.

5. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your speakers. If you are not familiar with car audio wiring and installation, please seek professional assistance.

5.1 Tools and Materials Required

Wire strippers/crimpers
Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
Drill (if new mounting holes are needed)
Speaker wire (appropriate gauge for your system)
Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
Multimeter (for checking polarity and impedance)

5.2 Installation Steps

Disconnect Power: Before starting, disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle's battery to prevent electrical shorts.
Remove Existing Speakers: Carefully remove the door panels or speaker grilles to access the factory speakers. Disconnect their wiring.
Check Fitment: Ensure the DS18 speakers fit into the existing openings. The PRO-X698BM is 6x9 inches and the PRO-X6BM is 6.5 inches. Refer to the mounting depth specifications.
- PRO-X698BM Mounting Depth: 3.35 inches
- PRO-X6BM Mounting Depth: 2.44 inches
Prepare Wiring: Strip a small amount of insulation from the ends of your speaker wires. Identify positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both the speaker and your vehicle's wiring harness.
Connect Speakers: Connect the positive terminal of the speaker to the positive wire from your amplifier/head unit, and the negative terminal to the negative wire. Ensure a secure connection using crimp connectors or soldering, then insulate with electrical tape or heat shrink.
Mount Speakers: Align the speaker with the mounting holes. Use the provided screws to securely fasten the speaker to the door or mounting location. Do not overtighten.
Test System: Before reassembling the door panels, reconnect the vehicle's battery and test the audio system to ensure all speakers are functioning correctly and sound balanced.
Reassemble: Once confirmed, carefully reassemble the door panels and speaker grilles.

Side view of a DS18 6.5-inch midrange loudspeaker, showing the depth and connection terminals.

Image: Side profile of the 6.5-inch speaker, illustrating its mounting depth and terminal connections for installation reference.

Angled view of a DS18 6x9-inch midrange loudspeaker, showing the depth and connection terminals.

Image: Angled view of the 6x9-inch speaker, providing a perspective on its size and terminal layout for installation.

6. Operating Your Speakers

Once installed, your DS18 Midrange Loudspeakers will integrate with your existing car audio system. Here are some tips for optimal operation:

Break-in Period: Allow a short break-in period (approximately 10-20 hours of normal listening) for the speaker components to loosen up and achieve their full sound potential.
Gain Matching: If using an external amplifier, ensure the amplifier's gain is properly matched to your head unit's output to prevent distortion and speaker damage. Consult your amplifier's manual for gain setting instructions.
Equalization (EQ): Adjust your head unit's or amplifier's equalizer settings to fine-tune the sound. These speakers excel in midrange frequencies, so you may want to adjust bass and treble accordingly to achieve a balanced sound.
Crossover Settings: If your system includes a crossover, set it to filter out frequencies below the speaker's recommended frequency response (65Hz for PRO-X698BM, 118Hz for PRO-X6BM) to prevent damage from excessive low-frequency signals.
Listen for Distortion: If you hear any distortion, reduce the volume immediately. Distortion indicates that the speakers or amplifier are being overdriven, which can cause permanent damage.

7. Maintenance and Care

Your DS18 speakers are built for durability, but proper care will ensure their longevity and continued performance:

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the speaker grilles and surrounds. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Avoid Moisture: These speakers are not waterproof. Keep them away from excessive moisture and direct water exposure.
Inspect Connections: Periodically check all wiring connections to ensure they remain secure and free from corrosion.
Protect from Debris: Ensure speaker grilles are properly in place to protect the cones from physical damage and debris.

8. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your DS18 speakers, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No Sound from Speaker	Loose or disconnected wiring Incorrect polarity Blown fuse in amplifier/head unit Damaged speaker	Check all speaker connections at both the speaker and amplifier/head unit. Verify correct positive (+) and negative (-) wiring. Check and replace any blown fuses. Test speaker with a known good audio source or another speaker.
Distorted Sound	Volume too high / Overdriving amplifier Incorrect gain settings on amplifier Loose speaker mounting Damaged speaker cone or voice coil	Reduce volume. Adjust amplifier gain settings according to manufacturer's instructions. Ensure speakers are securely mounted. Inspect speaker for physical damage.
Weak or Muffled Sound	Incorrect polarity (speakers out of phase) Poor quality audio source Incorrect EQ or crossover settings	Double-check speaker wiring polarity. Try a different audio source. Adjust EQ and crossover settings for optimal sound.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact DS18 customer support or a qualified car audio technician.

9. Technical Specifications

PRO-X698BM (6x9" Midrange Loudspeaker)

MAX Power Handling: 550 Watts
RMS Power Handling: 275 Watts
Frequency Response: 65Hz-12Khz
Voice Coil Diameter: 1.5"
Voice Coil Material: Kapton
Impedance: 8-Ohms
Sensitivity (1W/1M): 98dB
Magnet Weight: 27 Oz
Magnet Material: Ferrite
Mounting Depth: 3.35"
Speaker Type: Coaxial
Color: Red
Model Name: PRO X698BM

Top-down view of a DS18 6x9-inch midrange loudspeaker with a red bullet dust cap.

Image: Top view of the 6x9-inch PRO-X698BM speaker, showing its oval shape and bullet dust cap.

PRO-X6BM (6.5" Midrange Loudspeaker)

MAX Power Handling: 500 Watts
RMS Power Handling: 250 Watts
Frequency Response: 118Hz-17Khz
Voice Coil Diameter: 1.5"
Voice Coil Material: Kapton
Impedance: 8-Ohms
Sensitivity (1W/1M): 90dB
Magnet Weight: 30 Oz
Magnet Material: Ferrite
Mounting Depth: 2.44"
Speaker Type: Coaxial
Color: Red
Model Name: PRO X6BM

Top-down view of a DS18 6.5-inch midrange loudspeaker with a red bullet dust cap.

Image: Top view of the 6.5-inch PRO-X6BM speaker, showing its round shape and bullet dust cap.

10. Warranty and Support

DS18 products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For specific warranty information regarding your DS18 Car Midrange Loudspeakers, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official DS18 website.

Customer Support: If you have any questions, require technical assistance, or need to report an issue, please contact DS18 customer support through their official website or the contact information provided on your purchase receipt.

Online Resources: For additional resources, FAQs, and product updates, visit the official DS18 website: www.ds18.com

11. Official Product Videos

No official product videos from the seller were provided in the product data for this manual.

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DS18 PRO-X698BM, PRO-X6BM