Pyle PLPW6D 6" DVC Subwoofer

[TrickyTransAm]

I've been looking around for an alternative to the Delco DVC subs as a temporary install since I coughed up a 6.5" sail subwoofer.

I didn't want to spend $75-100 on a temporary sub, and in the 6-6.75" area with dual voice coils (DVC), selection is quite slim.

Just FYI - Pyle does make a claimed "6.5" dual voice coil subwoofer for around $20 each.
So I bought a pair, since Pyle has traditionally been a very good brand over the years, especially some of their pro audio drivers.
Their old stuff is undoubtably much better, but just posting my experience with this, so others can avoid wasting time.

The speakers arrived this afternoon, and I was quite pleased with the appearance of the drivers. Sewn cones, nice rubber surround, 30 oz magnet, and overall a solid looking 6" driver.

Then... came the issues:

Size does matter:
The model of these particular drivers are PLPW6D. There is quite a bit of confusion on size as the box quotes a 6" driver, yet a sticker and the advertisement claims to be a 6.5" driver. If you are using them for the sail panel subs, your holes will not line up. If you rotate the driver, you will need to drill new holes. Depth wasn't an issue as these are just shy of 3".

Quality issues right out of the box:
If you notice in the photo below... you'll see that the flange doesn't look quite right.
That's because it's bent. So much so that the cone is separating from the basket. The box was in good shape, so somebody was sleeping on the line, and they must not have any quality control..

Second sub - popped it out of the box, and at first appeared ok. So I tried to put it in the sail panel location, but would not fit unless I rotated it.
When laid flat, you could see the entire flange was improperly stamped and was bent to one side.

I did not power either sub up so I cannot speak for their performance. Pointless if they can't be mounted properly or if the manufacturing is that poor.

So, in conclusion you may want to skip this sub selection, or if you do partake - inspect very closely.
I'm going to save my coin, and upgrade all of the speakers at the same time with the amplifier rack etc.

[TrickyTransAm]

Oh, and just another note...

If and when you get a speaker that starts to rattle or is dry rotted - stop using it, and replace.

The voice coil can rub on the magnet while in use which will wear the protective coating from the voice coil.
When that happens, you'll either burn up your head unit or amplifier in a quick hurry.

[ruckusz28]

Not trying to bust your chops but Pyle is junk. They have not been of quality for the better part of 10 years. I've experienced these issues with Pyle, audiobahn, Orion, etc back when I ran the shop. Stick to cea compliant audio pieces and you will have a better time.

Now, my suggestion for something inexpensive would be to check out Dayton audio. Partsexpress.com has a plethora of quality audio components including 6 inch subs that are good quality at an affordable price. Just make sure you run a low-pass filter to them.

I have installed kicker cvt651 subs in 4th gens in the past with quality results. They are 1 ohm and I believe the oem woofers were 1 ohm as well (it's been a few years) and worked great in a free air environment. No need for fatmat.

Just my .02 - hope it helps.

[TrickyTransAm]

I agree. Dayton's from Parts Express are good.

I'm running Dayton 3 way crossovers in my home tower builds and love the build quality and sound.
I also am running their 12" 300W Woofer with the crossover. Excellent Excellent Excellent sound.

I was looking for a quick N easy pop in replacement for the bird, with a 4 ohm DVC.
I'll look again - but I didn't think Parts Express had a DVC 6.5" or 6.75" sub.

MCM also has good quality speakers. Many are "No Name" but if you look at the specs, are sometimes better than the brand name.

[ruckusz28]

Iirc audiobahn made a good 6.5 sub. Used those in a custom install in an mr2 with great results.