Sony introduced their new XS-GS1631C 3-way component speaker system at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The system includes a pair of 6.5-inch woofers, a set of 3.5-inch midrange drivers, a pair of 1-inch soft-dome tweeters and a set of passive crossover networks. This system is designed as a premium upgrade for vehicles with door and dash speaker locations. The system offers a 3-year warranty for long-term peace of mind. Let’s take a close look at what Sony has come up with.
Benefits of the Sony XS-GS1631C
A trait common to all speakers is directivity. Based on the cone diameter alone, the sound coming from a speaker becomes more directional as frequencies increase. One of the key benefits of a 3-way front speaker set is that each driver is operated below the frequencies where they become directional. As a result, the speakers provide evenly distributed sound throughout the vehicle. When the midrange and tweeters are mounted high in the doors or dash, the soundstage will typically be higher compared to a conventional 2-way speaker configuration.
6.5-inch Woofer Features
The woofers from the set are based on a stamped steel basket. Mounting holes and tabs are provided for 6.5 and 6.75-inch bolt circles. The cones of the woofers are made from Sony’s proprietary MRC (Mica Reinforced Cellular) polypropylene. In this application they are reinforced with aramid fibers. The result is a low-mass design with rigidity more than ten times higher than competitor polypropylene cones, but just a fraction of the mass. Rubber surrounds and poly dust caps round out the moving component features. Sony includes trim rings and a set of grilles with the woofers.
3.5-inch Midrange Design
The midrange drivers in the XS-GS1631C set also feature stamped steel baskets. Two mounting tabs are provided and serve as a direct fit for Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram as well as many GM and Ford vehicles without the need for modification. In some cases, the midrange drivers use the factory mounting bolts. Each midrange speaker uses a compact neodymium magnet that helps keep the overall mounting depth to a diminutive 1-7/16 inches.
The cones of the midrange drivers use the same aramid fiber reinforced MRC poly cone material as the woofers. They also feature a rubber surround. Rubber surrounds last longer than foam. They help to ensure these speakers will continue to sound great for years.
1-inch Tweeter Technologies
The tweeters in the set include provisions for flush, surface and angled installations. Unlike the midrange, the tweeter design includes a grille that is optimized for installations where the unit will be visible. The tweeter has a 1-inch synthetic fiber design for smooth and detailed sound.
Passive Crossover Networks
As mentioned, the set includes a pair of passive crossover networks. The networks filter the speakers at 500 and 5000 Hz. A switch inside the crossover allows the installer to set the tweeter level at -2, 0 or +4dB to compensate for different installation configurations and listener preferences. The crossover can be wired in a bi-amplified configuration to provide independent control over the woofer level. Alternatively, you can jumper the inputs and drive the entire speaker set from a single amplifier channel.
Sony uses a combination of air and iron-core inductors, electrolytic capacitors and a premium mylar capacitor for the tweeters. Sony took the time to mount each inductor to the circuit board securely to prevent any reliability issues.
Specifications
Sony rates the speaker set as being capable of handling 120 watts of power using the CTA-2031 standard. Efficiency is specified at 87dB (+/- 2dB) and frequency response at an impressive 30 to 30,000 Hz range.
Sony XM-GS6DSP Compatible
For a truly amazing listening experience, combine the XS-GS1631C with Sony’s new six-channel XM-GS6DSP amplifier. The GS6DSP amp can be used to power the system speaker in a fully-active 3-way configuration or in combination with the passive crossovers and a dedicated subwoofer, to create an amazing four-way system. In either case, the signal delay and equalization capabilities of the GS6DSP will allow your installer to create an impressively accurate soundstage across the dash of your vehicle. A good tech can further tune the system for a smooth and natural frequency response.
Premium Speaker Upgrade Solution
The new XS-GS1631C three-way speaker set is a bold step forward for a Japanese company like Sony. As is evident from their other recent product introductions, Sony is focused on developing cost-effective, high-performance solutions to make car stereo systems that sound great! If you are in the market for speaker upgrade for your vehicle, and it has room for a three-way speaker set, drop by your local Sony dealer and audition the XS-GS1631C system today.
