The TS-W253C is a 10" injection-molded polypropylene (read: plastic), foam-surround subwoofer. It has a power rating of 140 watts RMS, and 400 watts max. The cone is a gray plastic-looking and feeling material with a diamondplate pattern to it. It is a single-piece cone, resulting in lower distortion. Sensitivity is rated at 91dBs, freq response to 18Hz, and nominal impedance is 4 ohms. Also available in a 4 ohm DVC configuration (TS-W253DVC), and as a free-air driver (TS-W253F). MSRP is $105 ($110 for the DVC). Street prices range from $85-100, while they can be had new off the net for as low as $69.

These subs are pretty straightforward for mounting, as with most subs. They have a driver displacement (if I remember correctly) of about .07 cu. ft., and recommended sealed enclosure size is 1.0 cu. ft. I have used them in two seperate sealed enclosures in two seperate hatchbacks. The only mounting problem is Pioneer's odd bolt pattern. They use a 6-bolt pattern, instead of the 8-bolt pattern used by some manufacturers. This can cause problems with enclosure sealing later if you decide to change subs but not boxes. Of course, if you build a box optimally for your subs every time (as you should) then this is not a problem.

These subs have good SQ at low volumes, and will achieve decent SPL in the described listening environment. I ran them initially off of about 70 watts apiece and they actually sounded pretty decent, for being underpowered. This was off a Pioneer GM-X324 amp (30x4, 70x2). Later I traded that for a Zapco Z600 (150x2). When I gave them more power, the low-frequency extension improved 100%, and SQ improved as well. They still have a tendency to bottom out on VERY low bass notes, but I think this could be solved easily with a ported enclosure tuned to a low frequency. I have been very happy with the SPL characteristics of these subs, but the SQ at times, on particularly detailed bass passages is occasionally lacking. When given large amounts of power, they tend to begin to exhibit signs of being overdriven fairly easily. I bridged my Z600 (900x1) to see how well they would handle larger power. I would recommend their rated power, and not much more. Maybe 200 watts RMS or so each for a good, dynamic range capability, with decent headroom. Much more, and they will begin to overexert, causing suspension noise, breakup (due to the not-so-rigid cone material) and severe distortion. Overall: a very good value for a starter sub, with good SPL, and low power requirements. I am happy with the choice I made from the options I had at the time, they perform as well as I could expect with low power. Now that my demands have increased, I need something with greater versatility, power handling, and smaller boxes. A good low-priced, entry-level sub. It does what it is supposed to do. Best musical matches: rap, rock. I imagine these subs would be very impressive in a bandpass enclosure.

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