DLS Ultimate UP5i (UP5)

Quality

Well built solid components, nice looking crossover box. Going stong 6 months after install, top sq as you would expect from DLS. The highs are top notch, very mellow and not at all tiring. I am powering them from the front channels of HD900/5, 100w rms.

DLS says it all "Super, Natural, Sound"

First off I would like to note that the picture displayed is the previous model.

I had these 2 way component speakers in my 05' Legacy LGT running passively off a bridged Memphis MCA3004 pushing 230 RMS to each seperate. As with most DLS speakers, they are very power hungry. I would atleast get 150 RMS/Seperate if not the rated 125 RMS/Seperate. I adjusted my Gains using an Osciliscope. Mid woofers were positioned "On Axis" in sealed, deadened kick panels, and tweeters were mounted in A Pillars "Off axis" at shoulder height. Don't be afraid to run the Mid Woofers "off axis." Every line that DLS has to offer, all the way from the Reference-Scandanavian has had great results with positioning "off axis." As with most soft dome tweeters, it is better to either Mount them up higher, usualy in the sail panels, A pillars, or perhaps up on the dash. They can get a little "bright." Tweeters are definately the strong point in this component set. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe Scanspeak out of Denmark "makes" all DLS tweeters, or atleast there higher end ones. Same thing with Focal, and Alpines F1 series. Mid-bass lacks a little bit, but taste is subjective. These are a "neutral" sounding set of component speakers. I upgraded them from a previous set of Boston Pro's. I couldn't stand the Harshness of Boston's Metal Dome tweeters. I have owned these speakers for about a year now, and have decided to sell them on a website. I have recently upgraded to a set of Seas Excels + Scanspeak tweeters. Also I will note that the crossovers are larger on the DLS UP5i's. The neodyium magnets make for easy installation, practicaly place this mid woofer just about anywhere.

Great component set, don't be afraid to feed them though. Don't evan bother w/ this component set if you plan on running them off a head unit. I am pretty sure most head units internal amplifier only put out 18-20 rms at max, if not less.

Anyways, solid set, sonicelectronix.com has them cheaper than anywhere else. BUT BEWARE! DLS is known for having "fake copies." Especially with there amplifiers, so buy at your own risk. Check DIYMA. I believe there is an amplifier comparison between a genuine DLS amplifier and a Fake/copied DLS amplifier. Theres pictures of the internals/guts on the amplifier.

I only gave the "value" a 2 because you can buy raw drivers much cheaper, and get better results at a much cheaper price. I would actualy give these a 2.75, not quite a 3. I gave them a 4 on the look design because they look a lot more solid, and have a better build vs the previous model (as seen in picture)

Ease Of Use Gets a 4. Magnets are small, very easy to mount these. They are equipped with 5.25" mid woofers so you can mount them in 6 x 9 slots, or 5 x 7 slots, practicaly anywhere. i would have given it a 5, but crossovers are larger.

Features gets a 3 because you can not Bi-amp this set. You can try going active, but why pay for the crossover than if you're not using it.

Durability gets a 2. Maybe I just got unlucky but I had to get them repaired after about a years worth of use. One of the surrounds came up. However, I live in MN, and winters get down to -30, and summers can climb easily into the 100's. If I wouldn't have had my issue with the surround, I would have given them a 3 or 4.

Look design gets a 5. They look a lot more appealing than the previous model. Tweeters are attractive as well as the crossovers. I could care less about this aspect. Why pay for looks? Only thing anyone looking to buy speakers has to worry about is functionality.


Cheers