Versatile Load

HELIX CB C165.2-S3

Best box: 10.3 L bass reflex tuned to 55.2 Hz · F3 80.0 Hz

Predicted SPL response of the HELIX CB C165.2-S3 in the recommended 10.3 L bass reflex box versus the alternative — open it in the simulator Open and tweak this box live ↗

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⚠️ Engineering Notice for Builders

  • Limited linear excursion (Xmax: 2.5 mm); set a high-pass subsonic filter at 25–30 Hz when driven with high power.

Recommended Bass Reflex (Vented)

PORT BUILDABLE
Net Box Volume (Vb) 10.3 Liters
Tuning Frequency (Fb) 55.2 Hz
F3 (-3 dB Cutoff) 80.0 Hz
F6 / F10 Extension 66.9 Hz / 51.8 Hz
Port Inner Diameter Ø 5.0 cm
Port Physical Length 15.2 cm
First Pipe Resonance 1133.0 Hz
Estimated MOL @ F3 103.8 dB SPL
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Sealed (Acoustic Suspension) — compromise

SUITS INFINITE / OPEN BAFFLE

With Qts 0.78 a Butterworth (Qtc 0.707) box would be many times Vas. A box equal to Vas reaches Qtc 1.103; for a flat response this driver is better used on an infinite (IB) or open baffle.

Net Box Volume (Vb) 12.9 Liters
System Q (Qtc) 1.103 (above Butterworth: Qtc cannot fall below Qts (0.78))
System Resonance (Fc) 91.9 Hz
F3 (-3 dB Cutoff) 75.8 Hz
F6 / F10 Extension 63.1 Hz / 50.9 Hz
Air Spring Linearity High (Zero port compression)
Simulate This Sealed Box in App →

Thiele/Small Parameters

Resonance (Fs) 65.0 Hz
Total Q (Qts) 0.78
Electrical Q (Qes) 0.932
Mechanical Q (Qms) 4.78
Equivalent Volume (Vas) 12.9 Liters
Diaphragm Area (Sd) 139.0 cm²
DC Resistance (Re) 3.0 Ω
Efficiency Bandwidth Product (EBP) 69.7
Linear Excursion (Xmax) 2.5 mm
Thermal Power (Pe) 80.0 W
Nominal Diameter 6.0"
Catalog Source Load Forge catalog (manufacturer datasheets and retailer listings)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended ported (bass reflex) box volume for HELIX CB C165.2-S3?

Load Forge's calculated alignment puts HELIX CB C165.2-S3 in a 10.3 liter vented enclosure tuned to 55.2 Hz, reaching an F3 cutoff of approximately 80.0 Hz.

Can HELIX CB C165.2-S3 be used in a sealed box?

Yes. In a sealed (acoustic suspension) enclosure of 12.9 liters with a Qtc of 1.103 (above Butterworth: Qtc cannot fall below Qts (0.78)), the system exhibits an F3 of 75.8 Hz.

What port dimensions should be used for HELIX CB C165.2-S3 to avoid port chuffing?

Sized from cone displacement (Sd × Xmax), a minimum port diameter of 5.0 cm with a length of 15.2 cm is suggested; check the port air velocity at your drive level in the Load Forge Studio.

Shareable Acoustic Card for Forums & Social Media

Embed this design card on DIYAudio, AVSForum, Reddit, or Facebook. It shows the calculated F3, MOL (when the power rating is published) and box parameters.

HELIX CB C165.2-S3 Enclosure Card
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