Hertz mille component set

[npdang]

Thanks to Technobug for donating this set!

My first impression is that these are beautiful, well built drivers. Nice venting under the spider with a mesh protective cover, and a pole vent in the rear. The mids are also pretty compact and light. Some noticeable features are the reverse roll surround and a super curvilinear cone with no dustcap. The cone is paper, with some kind of coating that gives it a smooth finish on top. It's pretty obvious that this driver was designed for a smooth, extended response.

The tweeters come with a solid aluminum removable chamber with 5 little felt pads. You can see the holes drilled in the top piece to allow venting to the rear chamber. The silk dome uses a heavy coating and a somewhat flatter dome profile which should yield good top end dispersion in my experience.

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/hertz1.JPG
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/hertz2.JPG
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/hertz3.JPG
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/hertz4.JPG

Klippel performance of the midbass:

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/bl.JPG
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/cms.jpg
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/le.JPG
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/ts.JPG

Excellent results, especially the low inductance and inductance variance. This is probably the lowest inductance I've measured of any 7" driver and approaches the realm of tweeters. Bl curve doesn't have as flat a plateau as the best drivers out there, but symmetry and centering is perfect. There's also quite a bit of usable excursion.

A distortion comparison between the Peerless Exclusive 830883 and the Pioneer PRS. The drive level was 10v p-p for the Hertz driver taken in the nearfield with Praxis chirp stimulus, and adjusted to match the same spl with the others.

Hertz:
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/woofthd.JPG
Pioneer:
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/prswoofthd.JPG
Peerless:
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/peerthd.JPG

All of the drivers performed very well, although there are some important distinctions. The breakup mode of the PRS mid obviously causes a sharp rise in distortion at 1 octave below. The Peerless mid has a rise in distortion between 500-1khz, and the Hertz mid appears to suffer from increasing distortion above 3khz. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't absolute given the limitations of the nearfield measurement with frequencies above 1khz, however I believe a general trend can be seen.

Also note the excellent top end extension of the Hertz mid, nearly out to 10khz.

Tweeter total harmonic distortion comparison taken at 1/4m adjusted to 96db 1m:

Hertz w/o pads inside:
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/hertznopads.JPG

Hertz w/ pads inside:
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/pics/hertzmille/hertzwpads.JPG

Again, we are looking at general trends and not so much actual numbers. Looking at the large dip in the response, I'd think you'd want to use the pads in the Hertz tweeter, although it doesn't seem to affect distortion performance. I notice the top end seems to roll off a bit earlier than I'd like as well. Excellent low end sensitivity too, rivaling that of the Scan-Speak d2904/6000.
Distortion performance seems to be good (at least on par with what I've seen so far in compact tweeters), with a rise at about 2khz which is where I'd cross them over.

So in the end how did it sound? I like the mids very much. Open, well damped, and very smooth top extension out to 10khz. Clarity is up there with the best paper cones... Peerless exclusive, Scan-Revelator, Seas Nextel etc. albeit with a bit more limited dynamic capability. Bass output is good, but a bit weak on low end sensitivity. In a car it should be much better, but expect more of a snappy midbass than a full bodied one such as the PRS.

The tweeter sounds quite amazing. Very full bodied for a compact dome. Low coloration and good transparency. No sibilance or spittiness. My only gripe is that it doesn't have the air or shimmer that you'd hear from say a pair of LPG's or Hiquphons, much less a pair of ribbons. However, I think it's a bit better than the ScanSpeak d2904/6000 (going from memory on this one) while maintaining the same low distortion and excellent low end sensitivity. In other words it's polite, but not too dull or shut in.

Overall, I think it's a great sounding set that also measures well. Could you do better for the money? Probably, given what these cost and your priorities. But it's worth mentioning that at this moment I can't really think of anything that could do what these drivers do if I was looking for a more affordable replacement.

[kappa546]

wow awesome. those are about the sexiest mids to date

[shinjohn]

Great review, thanks for the data!!!
Having heard/reviewed the Hertz tweeter myself, I thought it was pretty darn good too. Awesome job, N!

[zfactor]

awesome thanks for the review i always wondered about these.. id love to get a set of just the tweeters even, but overall the set sounds like my kind of set

[amator]

The tweeters look remarkably similar to those found on the higher range ETON DISCOVERY component set.... it has tht series of vented holes in the rear chamber.

[technobug]

SWEET! Now give `em back! :D

I'll even trade ya for a JBL W10GTi......hehehe

Next on the list to be scrutinized.

I'll grab `em when I get back from Vegas.

[zfactor]

techno hey man how much are those things??? lmk

[Boostedrex]

Aren't those the set that he scored for free recently?

[npdang]

If it were me, I'd toss out those tweeters and use a pair of Tec LSI planars at 5khz for one badass setup :D

[bdubs767]

If it were me, I'd toss out those tweeters and use a pair of Tec LSI planars at 5khz for one badass setup :D

dang whats the website for tec?

[npdang]

I have no idea... I don't even remember where I bought them from. Perfect match though for mids with such low inductance and good top end extension.

[Rbsarve]

Since we distribute Tec on this side of the pond I might help out:

http://www.ebacoustic.it

Their website is in italian only, but the spec pdf-s are in english.

"Planare" is the word to look for.

Using SQ6 - SQ3 - Surface TW in one of the cars now. Sweet!

[low]

where does npdang get those wonderful toys:)

[6spdcoupe]

So when do a set of these get tested...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/6spdcoupe/ML5004.jpg

? :D

[technobug]

So when do a set of these get tested...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/6spdcoupe/ML5004.jpg

? :D

Duhhhhh!.........

As soon as you get them in the mail!:D

[BodegaBay]

Nice to see Hertz becoming more noticeable on this side of the pond.

[bcutshall]

Where can you get them?

[metanium]

I see you're in Irving, so try Mobile Sound Systems, 1908 South Cooper Street, in Arlington. They are authorized dealers of Audison & Hertz.

[bcutshall]

thanks dude, i will try them out...

[technobug]

Just got these babies back from NPDang last night. Got the mids in my ride. Tweets soon to follow. I'll be posting up my thoughts on how these sound. Look for it.:)

[Arc]

So I was thinking about using the Mille tweeter for a two way, and called up Mobile Sound Systems to get pricing. If you are wondering the 2 way Milles run for 799...and the tweeter alone...599 a pair. Go Figure.

[BodegaBay]

The MLK 2 complete set is $2,000 MSRP.
THe MLK 165 complete set is $1,000 MSRP.

Which version did Mobile Sound quoted you at $799?

[Arc]

The MLK165. At $1000 I can see a $600 tweeter in todays Hi End car audio market.. But for 799 its not worth just buying the tweeters.

[BodegaBay]

$599 for just the tweeters? Hell, I'd just buy the complete set at that point.
I could have sworn that's the price for the MLK 2 tweeters, not MLK 165.

[Arc]

$599 was for the ML280. I don't know what set that goes too but that is the model I asked for.

[BodegaBay]

MLK 3 = ML280 tweeters + ML 500R mid + ML600 woofer
MLK 2 = ML280 tweeters + ML 1600 woofer

MLK 165 = ML28 tweeters + ML 165 woofer

[GlasSman]

I'm sorry. No tweeter is worth THAT much. You're trying to tell me that the Hertz tweeter is 20 times BETTER than a SEAS ALUM or Textile Tweeter. They can keep them at that price. Theres pricipalities involved.

[BodegaBay]

No we're not trying to tell you that. The mfg. priced it that way because of whatever reasons: R&D costs, market value, overhead/distribution/sales mark-ups, marketing, etc.

Is it better than the SEAS textile or alu entry level tweets. To my ears, definitely yes. Maybe not to someone else. And maybe not 20x better. One's man treasure might be another man's trash.

[6spdcoupe]

Agreed.

When do your pockets start dictating what your ears can hear? If you feel that you cannot tell a difference from what tweeter to another, then I can see the point in saving your money. However if you can tell tell the difference, then its fairly simple - you gotta pay to play. Not all are created equal I can appreciate that, but with different products there comes variations of costs. Hence the reason for inflated prices with products.

[bdubs767]

still IMO no compact done tweet can be worth that, when you can get a tweeter like peerless HDS which will blow it away for only $120 or say Hiq OWs for the $200 range. IMO if your going to spend big bucks on tweets go for the Scans 6600, 7100, or ring rev. At that point if your spending that much money on tweeters you'll be in for fabrication needed to fit large size tweets.

[npdang]

From an objective standpoint, the Seas is a lower distortion driver. For those looking for that certain sound however, it's difficult if not impossible to find a similar substitute for the Hertz mille.

[kskywr]

So was the set in this review the MLK 2 or the MLK 165? That woofer is pretty interesting. I like the bandwidth. Probably a good choice for a kick panel mid mated with a tweeter in the A-pillar.

Nguyen - Does the hertz play higher than the Rev 7?

[BodegaBay]

Those are the ML 280 tweeters and ML 1600 woofers from the MLK 2 set.

[npdang]

So was the set in this review the MLK 2 or the MLK 165? That woofer is pretty interesting. I like the bandwidth. Probably a good choice for a kick panel mid mated with a tweeter in the A-pillar.

Nguyen - Does the hertz play higher than the Rev 7?
I like the woofers better than the revs overall, and I do believe they play noticeably higher. They just don't have the brute force output below 80hz. Price aside, this is a really nice sounding set.

[kskywr]

Did you find them to be closer to the detail and transparency of SEAS, or the warmth and laidback sound of the scans?

[GlasSman]

I got a little carried away and I do understand a few things. MAnufacturers would rather you purchase the component set which is why seperate drivers are usually priced dissproportionately to the component set. And there are manufacturing costs that contribute to MSRP.

I'm looking at it like this and I think Bdubs pointed the same thing out. There are SO MANY tweeters that can be purchased for ALOT less. Top notch tweeters that are proven performers. Unless they only want to appeal to a very narrow market segment how do they expect their products to get into enthusiasts hands? Well I guess it doesn't matter. We all have countless choices and one of those choices is to just not buy their product. ;)

[calponte]

I know this was an old thread but , what was the MLK 2..the newest revision of the MLK165 set?

[3.5max6spd]

I know this was an old thread but , what was the MLK 2..the newest revision of the MLK165 set?

Tts an odd arrangement in that Hertz line. The MLk165 set doesnt use any of the drivers of the Actual Mille high end components (MLK2), yet its labeled as part of the 'Mille' line. Its more like a lower end/priced, entry level Mille offering.

[calponte]

gee... i see now. Nice

["that boy asad"]

Tts an odd arrangement in that Hertz line. The MLk165 set doesnt use any of the drivers of the Actual Mille high end components (MLK2), yet its labeled as part of the 'Mille' line. Its more like a lower end/priced, entry level Mille offering.

consider it higher than the Hi Energy HSK 165, but lower than the Mille MLK2...

[Biowaste]

Beautiful drivers.

Thanks for the review! A local dealer here is about to pick up Hertz and I'm doing as much research as possible on them. Though, unfortunatly, the Mille's may be out of my budget.

-Bio

[Et Cetera]

You can do better for the price IMHO

[GlasSman]

You can do better for the price IMHO

Examples?

[Et Cetera]

Examples?

Well there are plenty of options; ones I have compared and found more to my taste: SEAS Lotus Reference, Dynaudio System 242, Rainbow Profi

[MajorChipHazard]

Nice review there:)

[khanhfat]

Hey , do u have a guidlines for me to understand the graphing lines? Anyway this is a really good driver . I own a lower end MLK165 and very satisfy with the sound quality it gives. One of a very strong mid bass out there that is hard to distort even at high volume and full rage crossover.

[blackwolf]

Hey , do u have a guidlines for me to understand the graphing lines? Anyway this is a really good driver . I own a lower end MLK165 and very satisfy with the sound quality it gives. One of a very strong mid bass out there that is hard to distort even at high volume and full rage crossover.

Look in the section directly above this. You'll find a "sticky" about "Read Me First" data. It'll be in there.

[my89_928gt]

Love to here them. Anyone in DFW have them installed?

[Megalomaniac]

Love to here them. Anyone in DFW have them installed?
there is a dealer in arlington. he might have a demo car

[taxi]

any review for the hertz ml 500r, ribbons MR-TW?

It will be great!

Been searching threads here and DIYMA, found http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2&highlight=ribbon.

Thanks

[lyttleviet]

I wonder if you guys will do the mLK165s :).

[ninogui]

hi there guys

couldn´t let pass some comments on mlk-165, which i have.

the term lower end or low end is subjective. with a propper burn in they play beatifully, so great in fact they helped leading me to a first place in my class at the local emma competition. i certainly doubt the "higher" end ml1600 / ml280 would make a noticeable difference, i´ve heard them too and.. well.. easier to save the difference and latter on add the ml-380 mid tweeter driver to the set, if need be, for a 3 way front.

All people that have heard it where astonished with the sound they make.

band crossover for the mid range/mid bass is from 50Hz/24 slope to 3200Hz/18 slope and it fills is the bass quite well blending seemlessly with the trunk sub which is at 63Hz/18 slope (and phase inverted), and both with 0db attenuation! meaning pure as it is.
Tweeter picks up at 2500Hz (that´s what the factory passive crossover does, if i had it in, which i don´t) slope 24, and depending on the music/cd media quality i go from 0 to -3 db attenuation.


well that´s about it.. as u see i´m a big enforcer of the mlk´s.

[Locke]

I love my ml280s tweeters, they are very smooth and clear but not laidback, somewhere in the middle of laidback and forward.