Mach 5 Audio IXL 10" subwoofer
[IXL-10.2.2]

As part of the car audio build for my new car I was looking for a subwoofer that had to live up to certain requirements. These included a small box size, ability to play approx 100hz & below properly and with clear quick reproduction. No one note wonders need apply.
This led me to find the Mach 5 Audio products by chance as I read a build log on a forum. After further research I choose to try the IXL10.2.2. (Stepping down from a 12in well regarded home audio sub)

Asthetics (for those that care!) - Not the prettiest subwoofer out there but that isn't what its designed for! The Mach 5 description of "stout" is spot on, a chunky motor like that on a 10, who couldn't love it?

Installation - After playing with the specs in various modelling software and researching other builds I decided on an initial box of approx 0.77cubic feet nett after the driver and ports. Not a huge box by any means but this sub models well in VERY small sealed boxes but even better in Smallish ported boxes. Port tuning is to 31hz (but you can tune lower if you can fit the ports or to approx 38hz for a higher output).

Power – Initially I had the sub on 1000w @ 1Ohm but after a week or so I dropped it back to 450wrms @4Ohm. Very rare to find this sub wanting for output at normal listening levels even at the lower power level.

Sound - What can I say, it is accurate, punchy and loves the lows. Amazingly so, from a 10inch driver. For daily listening I have had no problems and can only give praise for the sub, it is genuinely enjoyable to listen to even with a very wide range of music. We’re talking everything from hip hop to the opposite direction of Rock and Classical. Even in a ported enclosure it is neither sloppy nor uncontrolled one would assume is thanks to a nice tight suspension. The lows notes are certainly not missed with low tuning, it is happy to play to 30hz or just below (when tuned at 31).
During a back to back listening session an experienced friend and I sat in the car and listened to a huge range of tracks back to back, 9/10 tracks the sub was very good or better with only the most hyperactive bass lines from early 90’s dance tracks really showing signs of strain. This could be any number of things including enclosure, power etc… But overall an extremely impressive showing.

Overall – To finish I would not hesitate in recommending this sub to anyone if they want an accurate and punchy subbass. I could not be happier. Thanks to Mach 5 (and their Aussie Distributor) for a great product at a terrific price.

PS.I competed in a car audio sound quality competition a couple of weeks ago with very good results. Judges commented that it was the best subbass on the day (clarity etc... score of 9/10) including verses the professionally built cars with much more expensive setups. They were very impressed.