New Illusion Audio Carbon C8-W

[Midway]

Illusion Audio has started shipping a new version of the Carbon C8 Midbass Driver.

https://www.dowelectronics.com/illus...iver-each-c8-w

I had planned on using Jenhert XE200 8” drivers for my under-seat upgrade but they are no longer available, at least in the USA.

My searches kept coming up with the Audio Development W800NEO and the Illusion Audio C8 as top performers, even though I could find few examples in BMWs' under-seat location other than JimmyDee's W800NEO. As luck would have it a new version of the C8 was just released and arrived the day I dropped my car off for installation. I don't have the specifications but understand both the flange and depth are about 1/4" smaller. The basket is different and the mounting holes are no longer recessed. They have also configured the binding posts inside the basket so they don't add depth to the installation.

Musicar Northwest crafted a beautiful adapter ring and dropped it in and I have a few hours of listening so far. Hard for me to tell how the C8 is performing since it is now tuned as part of an 8-speaker front stage, plus the rear stage and subwoofer, but overall the system sounds fantastic.

[metanium]

I'm glad to see this. I was really thinking Illusion Audio was no longer around. It seems like they took a hiatus over the past year or so. I heard that they manufacturer may have had a significant death in the family that disrupted their operation, but don't know if that was ever confirmed or not.

I've ran numerous Illusion drivers in the past and think they represent some of the upper-end of forward-thinking car audio drivers.

[JimmyDee]

Those are nice.
The C8 has always been regarded as a 'top performer', so there's no doubt you will be pleased with them.

It's hard to tell how good they sound, when you just have them singled-out...
Playing frequencies from 80Hz to 200Hz usually sounds like crap, on their own.
However, blended with the E430's and MD102 tweeters... I bet they sound amazing!

[nadams5755]

looks like they tapered it a bit more but increased overall depth. thankfully moved the terminals to a spot that wasn't so intrusive/obstructive.

[Justin Zazzi]

even though I could find few examples in BMWs' under-seat location other than JimmyDee's W800NEO.

Have you seen the Rockford T3-BMW-SUB ? It looks like it should fit your E92 and has very similar specs to the C8 with a drop-in replacement fit. It is part of the Power line which is the highest tier of gear, and even has a motor-in-front design too.

I'm really curious what folks think about it.

https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/t3-bmw-sub/

Attachment 9078
Attachment 9079

full disclosure I work at Rockford, but I'm not a sales guy and I'm only curious

[rton20s]

Interesting. The specs on the DOW site look identical to the old specs, so I wonder if they don't have the updated information yet. They also appear to be using a picture of the old C6-W.

In terms of design, it appears that they took some cues from the C3 / C3CX. Though those drivers only have a 6 spoke basket, not 8. All of the changes seem like they are going to aid in making installation easier. I know one of the biggest complaints I heard on the old design was flange diameter.

I look forward to seeing the new specs and getting feedback from the people that get them installed.

[Midway]

That ship has sailed, I already have Jehnerts in my E92 and now C8's in my F16.

Those Rockfords look just like the OEM speakers.

Thanks

Have you seen the Rockford T3-BMW-SUB ? It looks like it should fit your E92 and has very similar specs to the C8 with a drop-in replacement fit. It is part of the Power line which is the highest tier of gear, and even has a motor-in-front design too.

I'm really curious what folks think about it.

https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/t3-bmw-sub/

Attachment 9078
Attachment 9079

full disclosure I work at Rockford, but I'm not a sales guy and I'm only curious

[subwoofery]

Have you seen the Rockford T3-BMW-SUB ? It looks like it should fit your E92 and has very similar specs to the C8 with a drop-in replacement fit. It is part of the Power line which is the highest tier of gear, and even has a motor-in-front design too.

I'm really curious what folks think about it.

https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/t3-bmw-sub/

Attachment 9078
Attachment 9079

full disclosure I work at Rockford, but I'm not a sales guy and I'm only curious

Klippel verified with an Xmax of 7mm? Wonder if this is true...

Kelvin

[Jdunk54nl]

I’m guessing yes since Rockford has a klippel

[rton20s]

Klippel verified with an Xmax of 7mm? Wonder if this is true...

Kelvin

I’m guessing yes since Rockford has a klippel

^^^This^^^

I do trust Rockford's T/S parameters and xmax specs based on the fact that they do have the Klippel.