MX5-22 5-1/4" Max-X High Excursion DVC Subwoofer Driver 2 Ohms Per Coil

Quick Overview

The Dayton Audio MX5-22 subwoofer allows high-energy bass performance from a compact 5-1/4" format, delivering surprising depth and impact from installations where space is in short supply. Its long-throw motor, vented architecture, and distortion-reducing aluminum shorting sleeve work together to keep bass tight, clean, and controlled in both home and car audio builds. A cone filling inverted dust cap gives the MX5-22 a modern, refined look, while its durable construction stands up to the demands of continuous high-excursion use. Thanks to its dual 2-ohm voice coils, the MX5-22 integrates easily with a wide range of amplifiers, making powerful low-frequency performance accessible almost anywhere.

Product Highlights

  • Long-throw motor and low resonance frequency support strong bass output from ultra-compact enclosures
  • Full-coverage concave dust cap reinforces the cone while creating a clean, modern look
  • Aluminum shorting sleeve stabilizes inductance for reduced distortion across the stroke
  • Durable suspension tuned for sustained high excursion with predictable, linear motion
  • Vented motor design improves airflow to keep temperatures down and compression low
  • Dual 2-ohm voice coils offer flexible wiring for optimal amplifier pairing
  • Precision-tooled steel frame provides the mechanical clearance required for deep travel

Product Manuals / Spec Sheets / Downloads

Dayton Audio MX5-22 Specification Sheet
Dayton Audio MX5-22 Graphs/FRD/ZMA Data File
Dayton Audio MX5-22 3D Files

Buying Options

Compact Size, Uncompromised Low End


Key Specs:

  • Nominal Diameter: 5-1/4"
  • Power Handling (RMS): 50 watts
  • Power Handling (MAX): 100 watts
  • Impedance: Dual Voice Coil, 2 Ω + 2 Ω
  • Frequency Response: 30-1,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 84.3 dB 2.83V/1m
  • Voice Coil Diameter: 1.25"
  • Maximum Linear Excursion: 9.3mm

Download Specs

Max-X MX5-22 Subwoofer Front View

Designed for Big Results in Small Spaces

The Dayton Audio MX5-22 is built for systems that demand powerful low-frequency output without the luxury of extra cabinet volume. Its long-excursion capability, low distortion behavior, and wide usable bandwidth allow this compact 5-1/4" driver to deliver bass that feels far larger than its footprint suggests. Whether used in home audio, compact subwoofer modules, desktop and gaming setups, or automotive applications, the MX5-22 provides deep, controlled bass when enclosure volume is limited.

Dual 2-ohm voice coils give designers valuable wiring flexibility. Series or parallel configurations allow the MX5-22 to pair easily with a broad range of home and mobile amplifiers, making it a strong choice for small subwoofer builds that need serious performance from a minimal amount of space.


Premium Build Quality Crafted for Real-World Performance

Max-x MX5-22 subwoofer frame and suspension detail

The MX5-22 was engineered to provide impressive performance at an accessible price, combining custom-tooled components and refined mechanical geometry to achieve an unbeatable performance-to-value ratio.

Its paper cone pairs with a full-coverage concave dust cap that completely fills the cone profile, creating a clean modern look while adding stiffness for stable motion at high excursion. The surround is profiled for long-throw operation and reinforced to resist fatigue over years of demanding use. In addition, the surround completely wraps the mounting flange for maximum bonding area, improving long-term durability when the driver is pushed hard.

A precision-tooled steel frame provides the clearance needed for deep excursion and supports the massive ferrite magnet structure, giving the MX5-22 both the strength and refinement expected from all the Max-X series subwoofers.


Built to Stay Cool so the Performance Stays Strong

Max-x MX5-22 under spider and motor venting

Thermal management is a key strength of the MX5-22. Its vented airflow system is designed to maintain stability and prevent heat buildup during extended listening sessions.

The 4-layer CCA voice coil is wound on a vented aluminum former, helping heat transfer efficiently into the moving air stream. Additional venting above and below the spider increases airflow around the motor and coil, preventing hot spots and maintaining consistent performance under continuous drive.

A vented pole piece and gap vents create even more cooling pathways, enabling the MX5-22 to handle up to 50 watts RMS with minimal power compression, even during demanding program material.


Optimized Motor Symmetry for Clean, Accurate Bass

Max-x MX5-22 motor assembly

The MX5-22 features a high-energy motor engineered for linearity and accuracy throughout its excursion range. Its BL curve maintains symmetry during both inward and outward travel, resulting in tight, controlled bass even near maximum stroke.

An internal aluminum shorting sleeve stabilizes inductance as the coil moves, lowering distortion and smoothing frequency response. This refinement improves clarity at higher output levels and enhances midbass integration with main speakers.

With its dual 2-ohm voice coils, designers can configure impedance to match a wide array of amplifiers, ensuring efficient system performance whether used in sealed or vented compact enclosures.


Small Size, Big Performance

The MX5-22 brings together deep excursion, low distortion, modern styling, and strong value in a compact 5-1/4" package. Its vented motor, flexible wiring options, and refined engineering make it an ideal choice for high-performance small-box subwoofer systems.

From compact home subs and desktop bass modules to automotive enclosures and custom micro-installs, the MX5-22 delivers impressive performance without requiring a large cabinet. Along with incredible low-frequency capability, this driver offers reliability, modern aesthetics, and long-term durability backed by Dayton Audio's engineering expertise.


Note: All specifications measured with the voice coils wired in series for a 4-ohm load.

Speaker Series Max-X Series
Model Number MX5-22
Color Black
Unit of Measure Each
UPC 848791011504
Warranty - Parts 5 Years
Warranty - Labor 5 Years
Product Shipping Weight (lbs.) 3.7 lbs.
Speaker Type Subwoofer
Nominal Diameter 5-1/4"
Power Handling (RMS) 50 watts
Power Handling (max) 100 watts
Impedance 2 + 2 ohms
Sensitivity 84.3 dB @ 2.83V/1m
Frequency Response 30-1,000 Hz
Voice Coil Diameter 32 mm
DC Resistance (Re) 4.3 ohms
Voice Coil Inductance (Le) 1.1 mH
Resonant Frequency (Fs) 45 Hz
Mechanical Q (Qms) 3.02
Electromagnetic Q (Qes) 0.50
Total Q (Qts) 0.43
Diaphragm Mass Inc. Airload (Mms) 26g
Mechanical Compliance of Suspension (Cms) 0.48 mm/N
Surface Area Of Cone (Sd) 84.4 cm²
Volume of Displacement (Vd) 79.5 cm³
BL Product (BL) 8.0 Tm
Compliance Equivalent Volume (Vas) 4.9 liters
Maximum Linear Excursion (Xmax) 9.3 mm
Cone / Diaphragm Material Paper
Surround Material Rubber
Voice Coil Wire Material CCA
Voice Coil Former Aluminum
Basket/Frame Material Steel
Magnet Material Ferrite
Overall Outside Diameter 154 mm
Overall Depth 87.2 mm
Baffle Cutout Diameter 120 mm
# Mounting Holes 4
Mounting Hole Diameter 5.2mm
Bolt Circle Diameter 139 mm
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