Rarely in system design, is it possible to claim that a collection of products will suit everyone's musical preferences. However, if we begin to set certain parameters like cost, flexibility and ease of install you can get very close with this Hertz Audio Joy system we have put together for the purposes of this article.
On paper and in the lab, this system delivers great joy without costing the earth and with the known expertise of Hertz behind the design of each component, I am personally quite happy to recommend this even before hearing it in a car. However, it would be unrealistic at this time to offer a review, you will have to wait until issue 4 is published for that. What I can do is offer a round up of the equipment used in this recommended Audio Joy system.
This four-channel amplifer mixes great performance with a compact size. It's five-channel big brother (HCP 5) won the European Imaging and Sound Association's (EISA) Amplifier of the year award for 2013-2014 and deservedly so in my opinion. The HCP 4 amplifier is ruggedly built and it's compact size and high-level inputs make it perfect for a discreet install taking it's input signal from the speaker outputs of any factory fitted head unit. The purpose-designed chassis is able to dissipate huge amounts of heat even when the amplifier is at full chat. In the context of this particular system configuration, the amplifier runs two channels at 65 Watts RMS into the component speakers while the rear channels are bridge to produce one 190 Watts RMS output which is plenty of power to drive the extremely efficient DS 30 subwoofer.
A highly regarded 2-way set of component speakers, the Hertz Energy ESK 165's comprise a 1" tweeter that features a treated cotton fabric dome. This choice of material known as Tetelon, produces a warm and rounded response that sets it apart from many other tweeters in a similar price bracket.
The 6.5" woofer uses a non-pressed paper or pulp cone. This once again adds "roundness" to the realistic and highly detailed sound. Much work has gone into the physical design of the shallow baskets or frames to ensure that they will install easily into the factory positions on as many cars as possible. The speakers are rated at 100 Watts continuous so make a good match for the amplifier. They are also very efficient which means they make more noise for less power.
This highly efficient Hertz Dieci 12" subwoofer is the perfect accompaniment to the component speakers and HDP 4 amplifier described above. Its high efficiency ensures that plenty of low frequency is available but without overwhelming the rest of the audio spectrum. A mica injected polypropylene cone is stiff enough to minimise cone distortion yet light enough to respond to the most sudden bass transients. The cone features four raised elements which further help to keep the cone in shape during fast forceful bass movements The sub will handle 250 Watts continuous power without over heating and the sub will be perfectly happy in a small box design.
Head to your local FOUR MASTER and book your car in for a system that will bring a joyful listening experience to any car.