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Audio Dynamics
Audio Dynamics 2000 Series 5.25″ Coaxial Set – CX524
SKU: ADCX524
$ 139.99
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Audio Dynamics 2000 Series 5.25″ Coaxial Set – CX524
Regular price
$ 139.99
Sale price
$ 139.99
Regular price
$ 139.99
Unit price
Product Details
Specifications
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$139.99
The Audio Dynamics 2000 Series CX524 5.25" Coaxial Speaker brings audiophile-grade wool pulp cone technology to a plug-and-play coaxial design—delivering realistic tonal accuracy and detailed timbre without the complexity of separate component installation. Featuring the same meticulously engineered wool pulp cone found in the CS524 component set, paired with an integrated 13mm polymer film tweeter, the CX524 offers natural, fatigue-free sound reproduction at an entry-level price point. Perfect for factory system upgrades or rear-fill applications, this 100-watt RMS coaxial speaker pulls you into the musical performance with astonishing realism—no external crossover required.
Technical Specifications
System Type
2-Way Coaxial
Woofer Size
5.25" (130mm)
Tweeter Size
13mm (1/2")
Power Handling (RMS)
100 Watts*
Sensitivity
90.85 dB @ 1W/1m
Impedance
4 Ohms
Woofer Cone Material
Wool Pulp (Moisture-Protected)
Woofer Surround
60-Count Yarn Cloth
Voice Coil (Woofer)
25mm (1")
Tweeter Type
Polymer Film Dome
Frame Material
Steel
Mounting Depth
2 1/8" (54mm)
Mounting Diameter
4 11/16" (119mm)
Tweeter Protrusion
3/8" (10mm)
Crossover Type
Integrated Passive
Terminals
Gold Plated
Condition
New
*Power ratings calculated using electronic high pass crossover with minimum crossover point of 80 Hz @ 24 dB/octave, 100 Hz @ 18 dB/octave, or 120 Hz @ 12 dB/octave
Wool Pulp Cone Technology in Coaxial Format
Component-Level Performance, Coaxial Convenience
The CX524 brings Audio Dynamics' acclaimed wool pulp cone technology—typically reserved for premium component systems—to a simple, plug-and-play coaxial design. This means you're getting the same astonishing realism and detailed timbre found in the $269.99 CS524 component set, at nearly half the price, with dramatically simplified installation.
- Same Wool Pulp Cone — Identical material formulation and hand-coating process as the CS524 component woofer; no performance compromise on the critical midrange driver
- Natural Damping Characteristics — Wool pulp's fibrous structure eliminates resonance peaks and coloration found in polypropylene or aluminum cones
- Harmonic Accuracy — Reproduces overtones and harmonics with exceptional fidelity, preserving the natural timbre of acoustic instruments and vocals
- Moisture Resistance — Acoustically-transparent chemical treatment protects against humidity without compromising sonic purity
Why Coaxial Format Matters
While component systems offer ultimate flexibility in tweeter placement and imaging, coaxial designs provide practical advantages that many listeners prefer:
- Simplified Installation — No separate tweeter mounting or external crossover wiring; direct replacement for factory speakers
- Point-Source Imaging — Woofer and tweeter share the same acoustic center, eliminating phase issues and creating coherent sound
- Factory-Friendly — Works with factory head units (no amplifier required) thanks to 90.85 dB sensitivity
- Cost Efficiency — $139.99 vs. $269.99 for component set; significant savings for comparable midrange performance
13mm Polymer Film Tweeter
Integrated High-Frequency Driver
The CX524's center-mounted 13mm (1/2-inch) polymer film tweeter provides smooth high-frequency extension without the harshness or sibilance common in budget coaxial speakers.
- Polymer Film Dome — Lightweight diaphragm material extends high-frequency response while maintaining controlled dispersion
- Minimal Protrusion — 3/8" (10mm) tweeter height reduces the risk of damage during installation or use
- Integrated Crossover — Built-in passive crossover network ensures proper frequency division without external components
- Balanced Tonality — Tuned to complement wool pulp cone's natural midrange character without artificial brightness
CX524 vs. CS524: Which Should You Choose?
Coaxial vs. Component: Performance & Value Analysis
| Feature | CX524 Coaxial | CS524 Component |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 | $269.99 |
| Woofer Cone | Wool Pulp (Identical) | Wool Pulp |
| Tweeter | 13mm Polymer Film | 20mm Transparent Silk Dome (Neodymium) |
| Crossover | Integrated (No External Box) | External with Tweeter Attenuation |
| Installation | Plug-and-Play | Separate Tweeter Mounting + Wiring |
| Sensitivity | 90.85 dB | 89.98 dB |
| Best For | Factory upgrades, rear fill, budget builds | Audiophile front stage, custom installations |
Decision Guide:
- Choose CX524 (Coaxial) if: You want wool pulp midrange quality with simple installation, factory head unit compatibility, or need rear-fill speakers. Budget-conscious without compromising midrange tonality.
- Choose CS524 (Component) if: You're building a dedicated front stage with separate tweeter placement for optimal imaging, have amplification available, and want the superior 20mm silk dome tweeter.
Value Verdict: The CX524 delivers 85% of CS524's midrange performance (identical woofer) at 52% of the cost. The trade-off is a simpler tweeter and no external crossover adjustability—acceptable compromises for most listeners.
Build Quality & Construction
Steel Frame Foundation
The CX524 uses the same rigid steel frame as the CS524 component woofer, providing a stable mounting platform and eliminating basket flex.
- 60-Count Yarn Cloth Surround — Durable, flexible surround material provides long excursion capability with linear compliance
- 25mm Voice Coil — 1-inch diameter voice coil provides adequate power handling and thermal capacity for 100W RMS operation
- Gold-Plated Terminals — Corrosion-resistant connections ensure long-term signal integrity
- Shallow Mounting Depth — 2 1/8" (54mm) depth fits most factory speaker locations without extensive modification
Installation Considerations
Drop-In Factory Replacement
The CX524's 5.25-inch form factor and shallow mounting depth make it an ideal direct replacement for factory speakers in most vehicles.
- Factory Door Locations — Fits most vehicles with 5.25" factory speaker cutouts (Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, etc.)
- Rear Deck/Parcel Shelf — Excellent choice for rear-fill applications in sedans and coupes
- Dashboard Locations — Compact size allows installation in dash-mounted factory speaker positions
- No External Crossover — Integrated crossover eliminates the need to find mounting space for external components
Power Requirements
The CX524's 90.85 dB sensitivity means it works well with both factory head units (25–35W RMS) and aftermarket amplifiers (50–100W RMS). No amplification is required to achieve satisfying output levels.
Use Cases & Applications
Ideal For:
- Factory System Upgrades — Direct replacement for worn-out or low-quality factory speakers without amplifier investment
- Rear-Fill Applications — Maintain tonal consistency with CS524 component front stage using identical wool pulp cones in rear
- Budget-Conscious Builds — Audiophile-level midrange performance at entry-level pricing
- Compact Vehicle Installations — Perfect for vehicles with 5.25" factory locations where component installation is impractical
Competitive Analysis
How the CX524 Compares
At $139.99, the Audio Dynamics CX524 sits in the entry-to-mid-tier coaxial speaker category. Here's how wool pulp cone technology stacks up:
- JBL GTO529 (5.25" Coaxial) — $149.99 | Polypropylene cone with edge-driven tweeter; $10 more but lacks wool pulp's natural tonality
- Focal RCX-130 (5.25" Coaxial) — $199.99 | French engineering with polyglass cone; 43% more expensive for comparable performance
- Polk DB522 (5.25" Coaxial) — $99.99 | Budget alternative with polypropylene cone; lacks wool pulp's harmonic accuracy
Value Verdict: The CX524 offers the best wool pulp cone performance-to-price ratio in the 5.25" coaxial category. It's the smart choice for listeners seeking natural midrange tonality without paying premium prices or dealing with component installation complexity.
Expert Review & Rating
Recommended System Configurations
The CX524 works beautifully in multiple system configurations, from simple factory upgrades to complete audio overhauls. Contact Audio Intensity for system design guidance and component pairing recommendations.
Factory System Upgrade (No Amplifier)
- Front: (2) Audio Dynamics CX524 — $139.99 each
- Rear: (2) Audio Dynamics CX524 — $139.99 each
- Total: $559.96 for complete 4-speaker upgrade
- Result: Natural, fatigue-free sound from factory head unit; massive improvement over factory paper cone speakers
Hybrid System (Component Front + Coaxial Rear)
- Front Stage: (2 pairs) Audio Dynamics CS524 Component — $269.99 each
- Rear Fill: (2) Audio Dynamics CX524 Coaxial — $139.99 each
- Total: $819.96
- Result: Audiophile front stage with tonally-matched rear fill (identical wool pulp cones); optimal staging with simplified rear installation
Warranty & Support
- Manufacturer Warranty: Contact Audio Dynamics for warranty details and coverage information
- Audio Intensity Support: Expert installation guidance and system design recommendations—contact Audio Intensity for assistance
- Manufacturer Resources: Full specifications and technical data available at AD Car Audio
Final Verdict
Recommended For: Anyone seeking natural, realistic sound reproduction in plug-and-play coaxial format. The CX524 is an excellent choice for factory system upgrades, rear-fill applications, budget-conscious audiophiles, and vehicles where component installation is impractical.
Skip If: You're building a dedicated front stage where imaging precision is paramount (use CS524 components instead), or you need maximum high-frequency extension and want a larger, more refined tweeter.
Bottom Line: The Audio Dynamics CX524 is a revelation—wool pulp cone authenticity at coaxial pricing. At $139.99, it delivers 85% of the CS524 component woofer's performance in a simple, factory-friendly package. It's the smart buy for listeners who value natural midrange tonality over artificial enhancement and want hassle-free installation.
Ready to Transform Your Factory Audio?
Contact Audio Intensity for current availability, professional installation guidance, and expert recommendations on upgrading your vehicle's sound system with the Audio Dynamics CX524.
