The new W18NX003 (E0096-08) continues Seas high-end paper cone heritage with the 2-layer Nextel coating technology and brings the newly updated linear low-distortion magnet system design for maximum sound quality into their range of paper cone woofers.
The new W18NX003 woofer is a successor to the famous W18NX001 (E0042-08) from SEAS, and it was developed in cooperation with the famous Danish loudspeaker designer, Troels Gravesen. Not surprisingly, Gravesen built another one of its stunning loudspeaker kits using the SEAS W18NX003, and the project was announced in parallel with the driver itself (see below). As SEAS details, the W18NX003 (E0096-08) brings a newly updated linear low-distortion magnet system design for maximum sound quality into its range of paper cone woofers. The new FEA optimized magnet system applies precisely fitted copper parts and, according to SEAS, represents "the state-of-the-art regarding linearity and low distortion."
In this case, the paper cone is top coated with a unique Nextel treatment combined with a back coating for extra damping and giving an unparalleled smooth and detailed paper cone sound. For those not familiar, Nextel is a trademarked range of coatings from German company Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co., famous for its matt, suede-like results, extremely popular in electronics and speaker cabinet finishes used by many European brands.
The titanium voice coil former in the W18NX003 is another refined detail, applied with a long copper clad aluminum winding for excellent force transfer, and resulting in improved transient sound reproduction and large linear excursion. The construction of the former and its connection to the cone allows for very high power-handling, suitable for modern amplifiers (e.g. Class-D).
A unique adaptive rubber surround reduces radial resonances and prevents surround break up at large excursions, while a low mechanical and electromagnetic damping ensure high quality reproduction of even the finest micro details in music. The extremely stiff and stable injection moulded metal basket keeps the critical components in perfect alignment. Large windows in the basket, both above and below the spider, contribute to reduce sound reflection, air flow noise and keep cavity resonance to a minimum.
Data sheet