DLS Performance Series Car Audio Speakers
Welcome to the DLS Performance Series car audio speakers. This manual provides instructions for correct installation and usage.
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a DLS Performance series speaker. This manual will guide you through the correct installation process. Please read the entire manual before beginning.
If you are confident with the instructions and have the proper tools, you can install the speakers yourself. If you feel unsure, it is recommended to seek professional installation.
Installation
Speakers can typically be mounted in the car's doors or dashboard, often fitting into pre-made mounting holes. For improved sound, consider reinforcing the mounting area with an MDF board. Mounting higher up on the door side is generally preferred. An alternative installation location is in the 'kick panels' on each side of the floor, with the speakers facing upwards and inwards towards the listener.
For two- or three-way speaker systems with separate tweeters, it is recommended to install the tweeter close to the bass/mid element. The tweeter can also be mounted on the dashboard or recessed in the door using the provided accessories.
Ensure speakers are fastened securely to prevent poor sound quality or rattling. If your system includes separate filters in boxes, these must be securely attached to the vehicle's interior to avoid rattling. Avoid placing filters near the car's internal wiring to prevent interference. Do not install filter boxes in door sides where they could be damaged by rattling or moisture. Ensure cables are not jammed, which could cause a short circuit to ground and damage the output circuits of your head unit or amplifier.
Most models come with grilles, except for the 257 and 457. Tweeter installation for kits with separate tweeters is described on the last page or in the accompanying instruction sheet.
Speaker Enclosures
For sealed enclosures, the following are general guidelines for speaker sizes:
- 4" (10 cm) speakers: 2-4 liters
- 5.25" (13 cm) speakers: 6-8 liters
- 6.5" (16.5 cm) speakers: 10-12 liters
- 8" (20 cm) speakers: 15-20 liters
- 6 x 9" speakers: 15-20 liters
- 7 x 10" speakers: 20-25 liters
These volumes are approximate and can vary. Consult your local DLS dealer for specific information regarding your speaker model.
Speaker Models and Specifications
The DLS Performance Series includes a wide range of speakers with varying specifications. Key models include:
- 125, 126, 1269
- 224, 225, 226, 257, 269
- 424, 425, 426, 457, 428
- 960, 962, 1072
- B5A, B6A, C4, C5A, C6A, C36
Coaxial Speakers 125, 126 & 1269
These are coaxial speakers with integrated filters.
Coaxial Speakers 224, 225, 226, 257, 269 & 960, 1072
Models 224, 269, 960, and 1072 feature integrated tweeter filters. Models 225, 226, and 257 use separate cable filters with lowpass for the woofer and highpass for the tweeter. It is crucial to use these filters to prevent sound degradation and tweeter damage.
Coaxial Speakers 424, 425, 426, 457, 428 & 962
These speakers come with separate filter boxes, each containing a lowpass filter for the woofer and a highpass filter for the tweeter. The tweeter level can be adjusted to high or low settings within the filter box. Install the filter box in a dry location. Using these filters is essential for proper sound and to avoid damaging the tweeter.
Two-Way Systems B5A & B6A
These systems include separate tweeters and filters (lowpass and highpass) in small plastic boxes with selectable tweeter levels. The bass/mid speaker drivers utilize DLS EFR technology for enhanced sound quality. Proper filter usage is mandatory.
Two/Three-Way Systems C4, C5A, C6A & C36
The two-way systems feature separate tweeters and filters with selectable tweeter levels (three steps). The C36 is a three-way system with a filter box for woofer, midrange, and tweeter, also with adjustable tweeter levels. The C5A and C6A models use DLS EFR technology. Correct filter usage is essential.
| Model | Woofer | Mid | Tweeter | Nom. power (RMS) | Max power | Sensitivity | Magnet size | Inst. depth | Mounting hole | Crossover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 13 cm / 5,25" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 92 dB | 70 mm / 2,75" | 50 mm / 1,97" | 120 mm / 4,72" | Integrated |
| 126 | 16,5 cm / 6,5" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 92 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 28 mm / 2,28" | 145 mm / 5,7" | Integrated |
| 1269 | 6 x 9" | 50 mm / 2" | - | 60 W | 120 W | 92 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 75 mm / 3" | 150x220 mm / 5,9x8,7" | Integrated |
| 224 | 10 cm / 4" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 93 dB | 70 mm / 2,75" | 50 mm /1,97" | 102 mm / 4" | Integrated |
| 225 | 13 cm / 5,25" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 92 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 54 mm / 2,12" | 120 mm / 4,72" | Integrated |
| 226 | 16,5 cm / 6,5" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 92 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 52 mm / 2" | 145 mm / 5,7" | Integrated |
| 269 | 6 x 9" | 50 mm | 16 mm / 0,63" | 80 W | 120 W | 92 dB | 100 mm / 3,94" | 80 mm / 3,15" | 150x220 mm / 5,9x8,7" | Integrated |
| 257 | 5 x 7" | - | 16 mm / 0,63" | 50 W | 80 W | 92 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 60 mm / 2,36" | 130 x 185 mm / 5,1x7,3" | Integrated |
| 424 | 10 cm / 4" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 50 W | 80 W | 94 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 58 mm / 2,28" | 102 mm / 4" | Separate box |
| 425 | 13 cm / 5,25" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 60 W | 90 W | 93 dB | 90 mm / 3,54" | 61 mm / 2,4" | 117 mm / 4,6" | Separate box |
| 426 | 16,5 cm / 6,5" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 60 W | 90 W | 94 dB | 100 mm / 4" | 62 mm / 2,44" | 145 mm / 5,7" | Separate box |
| 428 | 20 cm / 8" | - | 25 mm / 1" | 80 W | 120 w | 94 dB | 105 mm / 4,1" | 87 mm / 3,43" | 185 mm / 7,282 | Separate box |
| 457 | 5 x 7" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 60 W | 90 W | 93 dB | 100 mm / 4" | 58 mm / 2,28" | 130 x 185 mm / 5,1x7,3" | Separate box |
| 960 | 6 x 9" | 50 mm | 20 mm / 0,8" | 80 W | 120 W | 93 dB | 100 mm / 4" | 83 mm / 3,27" | 150x220 mm / 5,9x8,7" | Separate box |
| 962 | 6 x 9" | - | 25 mm / 0,8" | 80 W | 120 W | 93 dB | 100 mm / 4" | 83 mm / 3,27" | 150x220 mm / 5,9x8,7" | Separate box |
| 1072 | 7" x 10" | 50 mm piezo | - | 100 W | 150 W | 92 dB | 110 mm/4,3" | 87 mm/ 3,42" | 156x225 mm/6,15x8,86" | Separate box |
| B5A* | 13 cm / 5,25" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 91 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 63 mm / 2,48" | 117 mm / 4,6" | Cable filter |
| B6A* | 16,5 cm / 6,5" | 16 mm / 0,63" | - | 50 W | 80 W | 91 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 63 mm / 2,48" | 146 mm / 5,75" | Cable filter |
| C4 | 10 cm / 4" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 50 W | 80 W | 92 dB | 70 mm / 2,75" | 58 mm / 2,28" | 102 mm / 4" | Separate boxes |
| C5A* | 13 cm / 5,25" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 50 W | 80 W | 93 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 60 mm / 2,36" | 120 mm / 4,72" | Separate boxes |
| C6A* | 16,5 cm / 6,5" | - | 20 mm / 0,8" | 60 W | 90 W | 93 dB | 80 mm / 3,15" | 63 mm / 2,48" | 145 mm / 5,7" | Separate boxes |
| C36 | 16,5 cm / 6,5" | 4" | 20 mm / 0,8" | 60 W | 190 W | 93 dB | 80/70 mm | 63/58 mm | 156 mm / 5,75" | Cable filter |
* Speakers using the DLS EFR technology for improved sound quality.
Running-in Period
Allow the speakers to play for at least 15-20 hours for optimal performance.
Speaker Phasing
To ensure correct speaker polarity (phase), use a 1.5 Volt battery. Connect the positive battery terminal to the speaker's positive terminal and the negative terminal to the speaker's negative terminal. The speaker cone should move outwards for both left and right channels if connected correctly. Verify this connection at the output terminals of your car stereo or amplifier.
Connection of Speakers
For speakers with integrated filters, connect them directly, ensuring correct polarity for both left and right channels.
Diagram: A simple diagram shows a connection from a car stereo or amplifier to a filter, then to a speaker, with polarity markings (+/-).
Filter/Crossover Installations
Filter Installation and Connection of Coaxial Speakers 424, 425, 426 and 457
Speaker connection and tweeter level select: Use red, blue, and black cables to connect the filter box to the speaker terminal, noting the speaker terminal color markings. To select the tweeter level, move the jumper inside the filter box between 'high' and 'low' settings. Experiment for best results.
Diagram: Shows connections for coaxial speakers with a 2-way crossover, including filter box, speaker terminals, and tweeter level selection jumper.
Filter Installation and Connection of Coaxial Speakers 962 and 428
Diagram: Illustrates filter installation and connection for coaxial speakers, including tweeter level selection via wire connections (green to red for high, green to yellow for low).
Filter Installation B5A and B6A
Diagram: Shows filter installation for B5A and B6A systems, detailing low pass and high pass filters and tweeter level selection.
Filter Installation C5A
Diagram: Details filter installation for C5A systems, including tweeter level selection by connecting wires to different terminals.
Filter Installation C4
Diagram: Illustrates filter installation for C4 systems, showing low pass and high pass filters and tweeter level selection.
Filter Installation C6A
Diagram: Depicts filter installation for C6A systems, with connections for woofer, tweeter, and head unit/amp, and tweeter level selection via a jumper.
Filter Installation and Connection of C36
Connect/Disconnect the Midbass, Jumper J1: If using an active crossover for the midbass driver with a separate amplifier, move jumper J1 to the 'OUT' position. The default position is 'IN'.
Tweeter Level Select, Jumper J2: Select tweeter level by moving jumper J2 between 0 dB, -2 dB, or -4 dB. The lowest tweeter level is achieved at the -4dB position.
Diagram: Shows connections for the C36 system, including jumpers J1 and J2 for midbass and tweeter level control, and connections for woofer, midrange, tweeter, and head unit/amp.
Filter Installation 225, 226 and 257
Diagram: Illustrates filter installation for 225, 226, and 257 models, showing connections from speaker terminals to the filter box, with a note that the black cable is common minus for both tweeter and woofer.
Tweeter Installation T20
The T20 tweeter can be mounted on the dashboard using the plain cup (1), angled cup (2), or recessed in a doorside. These tweeters are included in the C4, C5, C6, and C36 speaker kits.
Surface Mounting
Plain Mounting: Use the plain mounting cup (1). Attach to the surface using two screws or double adhesive tape.
Angled Mounting: Remove the plain mounting cup by bending it. Attach the tweeter element to the angled cup (2) as shown. Route the cable through the center hole. Mount the tweeter using two screws or double adhesive tape.
Recessed Mounting
Drill a 48 mm / 1.89" hole in the door side. For easier installation, remove the door side panel. Insert the two metal wings through the tracks in the cup's center and secure with an M4 screw and nut. Place the tweeter element into the cup, routing the cable through the bottom hole. Use the mounting ring (C) to attach the tweeter to the cup. The metal wings (B) should be on the back of the door panel to hold the cup in place.
Tweeter Installation T16
The T16 tweeter can be mounted on the dashboard with the angled cup (1) or recessed in a doorside. These tweeters are included in the B5 and B6 speaker kits.
Surface Mounting
Route the cable through the rear hole of the angled cup. Attach the tweeter to the cup by pressing them together. Secure the cup to the surface with double adhesive tape.
Recessed Mounting
Drill a 43 mm / 1.7" hole. Insert the two metal wings through the tracks in the cup's center and secure with an M4 screw and nut. Press the metal wings against the back of the door panel to attach the cup. Place the tweeter element into the cup, routing the cable through the bottom hole, and secure it.
Facts About DLS T16 Tweeter
| Size | Nom. power (RMS) | Freq. range | Sensitivity | Magnet diameter | Mounting depth | Mounting hole | Cone material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 mm / 0,63" | 50 Watts, 80 Watts max | 2 kHz-20 kHz | 91 dB | 20 mm / 0,8" neodymium magnet | 20 mm / 0,8" (recessed mounting) | 43 mm / 1,7" (recessed mounting) | Mylar |
Facts About DLS T20 Tweeter
| Size | Nom. power (RMS) | Freq. range | Sensitivity | Magnet diameter | Mounting depth | Mounting hole | Cone material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mm / 0,8" | 50 Watts, 80 Watts max | 1,5 kHz-20 kHz | 93 dB | 20 mm / 0,8" neodymium magnet | 20 mm / 0,8" (recessed mounting) | 48 mm / 1,89" (recessed mounting) | Silk |
Warranty Service
This speaker is covered by warranty based on the conditions in the country of sale. Include the original dated receipt when returning the product for service.
Technical Assistance
For technical assistance, contact the shop where the product was purchased or your local DLS distributor. You can also contact the DLS Helpdesk in Sweden at +46 31 840060 or email info@dls.se. More information is available on the DLS website: www.dls.se.
DLS Svenska AB
P.O. Box 13029
SE-40251 Göteborg, Sweden
Tel: +46 31 840060
Fax: +46 31 844021
E-mail: info@dls.se
www.dls.se
DLS follows a policy of continuous advancement in development. Specifications and designs may be changed without prior notice.
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