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The key word is quantified. That is associated with ways to calculate and determine a base reference from which to control the extent or degree a method or process should be applied. One of the FAQ pages on the M&D website provides some insight into the control method as being some kind of built-in 'soft clipping' rev limiter:
"This new 5.5 "SX driver with QMA design has a 'comfort zone' of ±7.5mm dynamic range under full piston strength control and total linearity to provide distortion-free playback during audition. This ±7.5mm excursion is capable of satisfying probably over 95% of music reproduction demands and can create 102.5dB SPL output at 50Hz, which is very loud for a single driver and far exceeds the capacity of most conventional, high quality 5" to 6" woofers (whose Xmax is normally no greater than ±5.0mm).
"Occasionally and under very high volume playback with exceptionally deep bass, the woofer's pistonic swing may exceed the ±7.5mm points until reaching the two extreme points of ±12.5mm (which is sufficient to pump out a stunning 107dB SPL at 50Hz). To achieve a natural roll-off, the pistonic moving strength has been gradually diminished from 100% to about 80% with M&D's QMA design."
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The cabinet of the Maximus-Diamond+ is marginally bigger and heavier than the Sapphire and enjoys the privilege of a reinforced compound marble enclosure with a diamond-cut front panel for effective wave diffraction. A black-painted iron grille similar to the one on the Maximus-Mini protects the woofer. Due to the deliberate openness of the grille and the woofer's operating range, sonic interference of the grill is said to be negligible.
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Inside the cabinet of the Maximus-Diamond+ (and the other Plus series entrants), a specially reinforced structure of a horizontal brace with foam padding has been added to secure the SX woofer's heavy magnet assembly. This also reduces enclosure resonance during heavy bass passages and acts as a "locking device" during shipping. For the statistically inclined, a quick comparative chart of the precious stones as expressed in figures:
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| Specifications |
Ruby |
Topaz |
Sapphire |
Diamond+ |
| Frequency Response |
45 - 25,000Hz |
48 - 25,000Hz |
45 - 25,000Hz |
42 - 25,000Hz |
| Two-way crossover |
900Hz |
900Hz |
900Hz |
700Hz |
| Nominal impedance |
3 - 6 ohms |
4 - 6 ohms |
3 - 6 ohms |
3 - 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) |
82.5dB |
85.5dB |
83.5dB |
83.5dB |
| Power handling |
80 watts |
60 watts |
100 watts |
100 watts |
| Dreams widebander |
DM-4 |
DM-4 |
DM-4 |
DM-4-a |
| Super Xmax woofer |
SX5.5a-0.8 |
SX5.5h-0.8 |
SX5.5s-0.8 |
SX5.5q-1.0 |
| Linear Excursion |
+/- 10mm |
+/- 7.5mm |
+/- 10mm |
+/- 12.5mm |
| Cone surround |
Standard |
Standard |
Enlarged |
Enlarged |
| Enclosure |
Standard |
Standard |
Premium |
Premium reinforced |
| Speaker binding posts |
Single pair |
Single pair |
Biwire |
Biwire |
| Rear-firing port's |
One |
One |
Two |
Two |
| Weight (each) |
19 lb |
19 lb |
21 lb |
22.6lb |
| Dimension (H/W/D inches) |
11.4x6.7x8. |
11.4x6.7x8.4 |
11.4x6.7x8.4 |
11.5x7.1x8.4 |
| Price/pair, solid white |
$1,800 |
$1,950 |
$2,350 |
$2,650 |
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Because I already own the Ruby, Topaz and Sapphire models, I can understand why women still feel excited when they add another diamond to their collection no matter how many precious stones they have acquired already. That was my sentiment precisely while opening up the new pair of Diamond+ as their compound marble smell invaded my nostrils. Would this new addition outshine the other gems?
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