ESB Audio, the Italian car audio manufacturer founded in 1969 and based in Aprilia, Italy, has introduced its 4000 Series, branded Quattromila. The line is a nine-piece a la carte component system distributed in the United States through ESB Audio USA. All models are designed and engineered in Italy by speaker engineer Mauro Mariconi.
The 4000 Series balances output with sound quality and maintains linear output across a range of volume levels. “I am genuinely impressed with the level of output these speakers produce without giving up sound quality,” said Chris Bennett of ESB Audio USA.
The a la carte structure lets installers assemble two- and three-way component sets from individual drivers, a coaxial, and matching passive crossovers rather than buying fixed kits.
The clarity of the drivers, the wide selection and the line’s high margins are among its key selling points, said Bennett.
Tweeter and Midrange Drivers
The model 4.28 is a 1.1-inch (28 mm) tweeter using a Sonatex silk dome diaphragm and a high-grade N52 neodymium magnet. It carries a 4-ohm nominal impedance, 100 watt RMS, a frequency response of 1.5 kHz to 22 kHz, and sensitivity of 93.5 dB.
Two sizes of midranges are offered. The model 4.75 is a 3-inch (75 mm) driver with a long-fiber paper cone, die-cast aluminum basket, and N52 neodymium magnet, rated 100/200 watts at 4 ohms with a frequency response of 140 Hz to 12 kHz, and a sensitivity of 90.6 dB. The 4.100 steps up to 4-inches (100 mm) and it ships with a grille. It is rated at 4-ohms, 100/200-watts, 120 Hz to 10 kHz, and 89.2 dB.
The 4.UMA is a two-way mid-high unit that combines the 4.28 tweeter and the 4.75 midrange on a single injected ABS mounting plate. ESB describes the configuration, short for Unita Medio Alta, as a way to place the tweeter and midrange emission centers close together, easing installation in tight locations and reducing the phase problems that occur when the two drivers are mounted separately.
Woofer and Coaxial
The model 4.165 is a 6.5-inch (165 mm) mid-woofer with a long-fiber unbleached pulp cone, die-cast aluminum basket, a Y35 ferrite magnet, and a copper-clad aluminum vented voice coil. It is rated 4-ohm, 150/300 watts, with a frequency response of 55 Hz to 6 kHz and 92.5 dB sensitivity. A stainless-steel grille is optional, and a matching 6.5-inch metal grille is sold separately.
The model 4.6C is a 6.5-inch (165 mm) two-way coaxial pairing a Sonatex silk dome tweeter with the pulp-cone woofer and Y35 ferrite motor. It is rated 4-ohm, 100/200 watts, with a 55 Hz to 22 kHz response and sensitivity of 92.0 dB (tweeter) and 92.5 dB (woofer).
US Retail Pricing
- 4.UMA, two-way speak system: $479.99
- 4.6C, 6.5-inch coaxial: $439.99
- 4.100, 4-inch midrange with grille: $349.99
- 4.75, 3-inch midrange: $339.99
- 4.165, 6.5-inch mid-woofer: $339.99
- 4.28, 1.1-inch tweeter: $149.99
- 4.165 grille, 6.5-inch metal grille: $139.99
For more information you can reach Chris Bennett at 805-291-9997 or email at [email protected]
If dealers have questions or want to find out more about ESB I can be contacted directly at 805-291-9997.