The Image Dynamics IDQ10 is an attractive
10" subwoofer with a mica-filled polypropylene (again read: plastic) cone and a nice,
attractive look. It appears to be well-put-together, and quality, fit, and finish are very
good. The light, stiff cone features an inverted dustcap (same material), and a stiffening
rib at the edge, where the cone joins the rubber surround. It has a single voice coil with
a DC resistance of 3.4 ohms, and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. It is also available in a
DVC model (IDQ10DVC), with dual 4-ohm voice coils. The SVC version has an FS (resonant
frequency of 24.5 Hz, a Qts of 0.34x, and a Vas of 3.81 cubic feet (108 cubic liters).
Xmax is published at 10mm, Sensitivity is 88.9 dB (assuming 1W/1m), and power handling is
up to 250 watts RMS.
The IDQ10 has a nice, straightforward mounting configuration, with a standard 8-bolt pattern. Mounting depth is a low 4.5", cutout is 9.125", and cone area measures 350 square centimeters. Displacement is .05 cubic feet. This sub would make a decent kickpanel speaker (for those so-inclined to put in a decent amount of effort) with its low volume requirements. The overall volume recommendation offered by Image Dynamics is .65 cu. ft. sealed, but they also offer a nice touch, adding volume recommendations, chamber specifications, and port dimensions for different listening tastes on their very comprehensive specifications page. These include sealed, ported, and even bandpass enclosures! This comes in quite handy for those of us who are unsure how to adapt a manufacturers recommended enclosure specs to suit our own listening tastes.
Enough babble. How do these babies sound?!?!?!
The IDQ is a sub mainly designed for sound quality listening, as evidenced by its outstanding performance in the various competition organizations since its inception a few years ago. While it is capable of fairly decent SPL, it is not made for this application, as evidenced by its relatively low power rating of 250 watts RMS (as compared to many of the monsters out nowadays). It can handle more power than that, but it does not perform well with extreme amounts. It has excellent sound quality in my square MDF box containing (2) 10" IDQs in a single 2.2 cubic foot enclosure (not accounting for displacement). Powered by a Zapco Z600 at 4 ohm stereo (150x2), they have good low frequency extension and excellent transient response. Even detailed bass passages have a difficult time throwing them off, and they have impressive output in my Nissan 240SX hatchback in the 40-60 Hz range. Below 40 Hz output begins to roll off smoothly. They eat up nearly any musical style I throw at them, from the boom of rap/R&B (Ginuwine, Blackstreet, and Usher), the slamming bass of rock'n'roll (Metallica, Aerosmith, and Candlebox), blues rock (Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Ian Moore Band, Stevie Ray Vaughn), and even the heavy organ and string bass of classical (The Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack and Andrea Bocelli's "Sogno" or "Romanza").
When run in 2-ohm mono (900x1) the output increases significantly, but at high levels, they begin to exert some serious suspension noise. This popping sound (termed a 'gack' by DEI's John Durbin) is quite loud and unmistakable. While it is true that they benefit from extra power, I would not recommend more than 300 watts RMS in an enclosure this large. I will soon put 4 of these in my hatchback in .50-.65 cu. ft. sealed each, and I am sure power handling will be much more impressive.
Overall these subs exhibit excellent response and are a very good subwoofer for someone who wants to upgrade from a mid-fi brand to a higher playing field. I personally traded up from a set of Pioneer 10" IMPP subs (see the review). The difference in sound quality was amazing, although they do not seem quite as loud with the same amount of power, doubtless due to the lower sensitivity, but the longer Xmax and the greater power handling gives them the edge in potential SPL. Versatility is in a whole other league.
Manufacturer info: