Mark Audio CHR-120 Full Range Speaker Driver

The Markaudio CHR-120 is a 6.5-inch high-fidelity, multi-purpose full-range driver.

 

The Markaudio Pluvia 7.2 HD is a premium 4-inch (70mm) full-range driver highly regarded in the DIY audio community. Designed to supersede the original Alpair 7 series, it is celebrated for its exceptionally linear frequency response, natural vocal clarity, and detailed off-axis performance.

 

Core Specifications

• Nominal Diameter: 6.5 inches
• Power Handling (RMS): 50 Watts
• Sensitivity: 89.3 dB (at 1m / 2.83V)
• Resonant Frequency (Fs): 34.2 Hz
• Maximum Linear Excursion (Xmax): 9 mm (one-way)
• Total Q (Qts): 0.37
• Equivalent Volume (Vas): ~58.9 Liters

 

Key Features

• Aerospace-Grade Cone: The magnesium-alloy cone is carefully balanced to handle bending stresses while retaining excellent high-frequency detail.

 

• Low Distortion: Independent tests show incredibly low intermodulation distortion (IMD) that rivals many high-end dome tweeters.

 

• Customizability: Equipped with an "easy install" reinforced polymer frame that supports both surface and recessed mounting

 

 

Enclosure Design

Because of its Qts of 0.37 and Fs of 34Hz, the CHR-120 is highly flexible and excels in larger cabinet designs. Common enclosure recommendations include:

• Sealed Enclosures: 0.45 to 0.55 cubic feet (F3 of ~70Hz)

 

• Vented Enclosures: 0.65 to 1.3 cubic feet (F3 of 40Hz - 55Hz depending on port tuning.

 

• Specialized Designs: It works excellently in twin-pipe, Pensil, and double-chamber reflex enclosures.

 

 

User & Expert Consensus

In the audiophile community, there is a consensus that the driver achieves excellent low-level detail and a smooth, musical sound. While its low distortion and flat axial response make it a fantastic performer, users note that, like most 6.5-inch full-range drivers, it exhibits narrow directivity and limited soundstage width compared to multi-way systems.

For purchasing, replacement parts, or cabinet blueprints, check out authorized distributors like SoundImports or Madisound.

 

Enclosure Recommendations

The CHR-120 features a medium Qts, making it highly flexible for several custom DIY cabinet formats. Popular official and community enclosure designs found via audio retailers like Madi sound Speaker Store and KJF Audio include:

 

• Sealed Cabinets: 0.45 to 0.55 cubic feet (Provides an F3 bass cutoff of 70Hz, ideal for center channels or desk setups).

 

• Vented Cabinets (Compact): 0.65 to 0.8 cubic feet (Drops the F3 bass response down to 50Hz–55Hz).

 

• Vented Cabinets (Large): 1.0 to 1.3 cubic feet (Optimizes the driver's suspension to push bass extension down to a low 40Hz).

 

• Specialty Audio Builds: Compatible with advanced DIY designs like the Pensil 120, Oryx compact MLTL, or CHR-120 twin pipe formats.

 

Sound Performance & Acoustic Characteristics

Independent testing and user consensus highlight several distinct acoustic traits of the CHR-120:

• Exceptional Vocal & Midrange Presence: Delivers a highly coherent, deep soundstage that makes acoustic tracks and vocals stand out naturally.

 

• Low Intermodulation Distortion: The large radiating diaphragm requires minimal physical movement to produce treble, resulting in high-frequency clarity that rivals high-end dome and ribbon tweeters

 

• Cone Breakup & Directivity: Like most metal-cone drivers, it features a main diaphragm breakup (~10 dB spike) around 3 kHz, which Markaudio has mechanically dampened. It exhibits narrow directivity in the upper treble, providing a focused 40-degree optimal listening window

 

 

Full Description:

The CHR-120 is a brand-new 6-inch high fidelity multi-purpose high-volume driver design from Markaudio.

This new driver has been purpose developed to provide significant bass extension beyond what many similar-sized midbass units can deliver, combined with full-range frequency output.

The CHR-120 cone is made from a high-strength, aerospace grade magnesium-alloy designed to cope with high bending stress loads. Based upon our renowned shallow profile, wide dispersion multiform cone concept, the material thickness is carefully balanced to maximise low frequency load capacity while retaining excellent performance at higher frequencies. The long-stroke suspension and low-distortion motor are designed to provide a low resonant frequency, medium Q and an air volume compliance of around 59 litres. Optimised for use in larger enclosures, the CHR-120 can provide output to some 30Hz and smooth high frequency range extending above 20KHz in a suitable design.Other key features include an “easy install” reinforced polymer frame for both surface and recessed mounting.

The CHR-120 provides custom builders with wide operational flexibility at a surprisingly affordable price, and can be used as a high-performance full-range driver, or as a wide-range midbass. It is ideal for use in high-fidelity, home-theatre, commercial A/V applications, and by suiting a wide range of enclosure types, it continues Markaudio’s reputation for providing qualitative excellence and advanced mechanical engineering at an accessible level.

 

Full Parameters:

Revc	7.20 Ohm
F0	34.24 Hz
Sd	0.0147 m²
Vas	58.8923 Ltr
CMS	1.9409 mm/N
MMD	10.1179 g
MMS	11.1310 g
Xmax	9mm one way
QMS	2.3823
QES	0.4411
QTS	0.3722
LeVc	0.1272 mH
No	0.936 %
SPL0	89.3145 dB

 

 

120mm Fullrange drive unit 8ohm single ferrite magnet

• full range drive unit
• Metal cone in 2 colours
• Wide perating range to 20KHz –very linear response