Speakers Ground Zero GZ Reference K-165
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Ground Zero GZ Reference K-165 Midbass Speakers
The Ground Zero GZ Reference K-165 is a midbass speaker designed for uncompromising high-end sound quality installations. Each speaker is handcrafted and paired in Europe with an emphasis on maximum precision, parameter consistency and absolute control over the resulting sound. The very construction clearly shows that the Reference line is a technically ambitious project aimed at the most faithful music reproduction possible. The speaker design employs a number of solutions more common in domestic high-end speakers than in the car audio segment. A fundamental element is the unique hybrid cone with a diamond structure; equally elaborate is the hybrid push-pull motor using a combination of neodymium and ferrite magnets for an exceptionally strong and stable magnetic flux. Ground Zero used advanced Loudsoft simulation systems and optimization with Klippel® measurement technology during development, enabling an exceptionally linear frequency response and extremely low distortion.
Diamond-structured cone
A fundamental element of the speaker is the unique hybrid cone with a diamond structure, manufactured by the renowned German specialist DKM. The construction combines the stiffness and speed of aluminum with the damping properties of a support layer, which significantly reduces unwanted resonances and partial vibrations typical for conventional metal cones. The faceted surface structure additionally breaks the material homogeneity and further optimizes the cone's resonant behavior. Ground Zero paid extraordinary attention to the bonding of the individual layers, where different types of adhesives with varying hardness and elasticity were used to maximize control of vibrations across the working surface of the speaker. The result is an exceptionally clean, fast and natural presentation without the typical aggressiveness of some metal cones, while the speaker retains high dynamics and excellent detail resolution.
Hybrid push-pull motor
Equally sophisticated is the drive system itself. The K-165 uses a highly efficient hybrid push-pull motor combining neodymium and ferrite magnets, with a second neodymium magnet placed on the pole piece to increase the magnetic field intensity in the gap and improve control over cone movement. The result is extraordinarily fast response, high precision and very low distortion even under heavier loads. The motor also includes an aluminum linearizing ring that limits the formation of eddy currents and significantly reduces nonlinear distortion. Combined with the large 37 mm copper voice coil and the massive cast basket with optimized venting, this creates a speaker capable of exceptionally precise reproduction even at high volumes.
Optimization using Klippel®
The entire speaker was optimized using the renowned Klippel® measurement system, which is clearly reflected in the final measurements and listening characteristics. The K-165 offers an exceptionally linear frequency response up to around 3 kHz and extremely low distortion without pronounced problematic resonances. In real listening it stands out primarily by phenomenal clarity, accuracy of the bass range and the ability to create a very realistic and open soundstage. The speaker character is maximally transparent and analytical — it is not a stylistically colored sound, but a precise high-end tool intended for listeners who want to hear a recording in the highest possible quality without compromise.
Reference Series – a high-end line focused on faithful music reproduction
Ground Zero Reference represents the second-highest series from Ground Zero, designed for the most demanding sound quality installations with an emphasis on maximally faithful, transparent and technically precise music reproduction. Every speaker, amplifier and subwoofer uses carefully selected top-quality components, refined construction details and advanced technologies aimed at minimizing distortion and providing absolute control over the final sound. A typical feature of the series is handmade production in Europe, precise pairing of individual components and thorough final inspection of each unit. The focus on exclusivity is underlined by the luxurious wooden packaging hand-made in Germany, which clearly shows that the Reference line is not ordinary car audio but true high-end intended for customers expecting the absolute maximum in sound, construction and workmanship.
Key features
- 165 mm high-end midwoofer of the Reference series.
- Handmade production and assembly in Europe.
- Hybrid cone with diamond structure and high internal damping.
- Cone manufactured by the renowned specialist DKM Germany.
- Hybrid push-pull motor with neodymium and ferrite magnets.
- Aluminum linearizing ring for reduced distortion.
- Cast aluminum basket with optimized venting.
- 37 mm copper voice coil.
- Gold-plated Ground Zero terminals.
- Optimized using the Klippel® system.
- Extremely low distortion and a very linear frequency response.
- Includes GZ NRG hexagon-design protective grille.
About the brand
Ground Zero is a German brand operating in the car audio field since 1995, which has maintained a strong position thanks to its emphasis on technical development and build quality. The range includes complete vehicle audio solutions – from speakers through subwoofers to amplifiers, for applications focused on sound quality (SQ) as well as maximum acoustic pressure (SPL). Ground Zero products are known for robust construction, high power handling and a focus on accurate reproduction, which is reflected in results at international competitions. During development the manufacturer uses modern measurement technologies including the Klippel® system and CEA standards, which help ensure consistent and verifiable parameters. The brand philosophy summarized by the slogan "Respect The Music" refers to the effort to reproduce music as faithfully as possible.
| Catalog number | GZ REFERENCE K-165 |
| Brand | Ground Zero |
| Links | Official web presentation |
| Speaker typeCoaxial speakers: Coaxial speakers are characterized by a so-called all-in-one design. The tweeter and mid-bass speaker are in one basket. The advantage is simpler assembly, but thanks to the connection or proximity of the bands in one speaker, the sound quality will usually be reduced. As a rule, in the middle of the mid-bass speaker, there is a tweeter whose voice coil works in the second air gap of the common magnetic circuit. The three-way coaxial speaker consists of a mid-bass speaker, a center speaker and a separate tweeter in the front on a special beam. Component Speakers: Component speakers are characterized by a division into individual frequency bands, treble + mid-bass + or. bass band. The individual speakers can be placed completely separately, which results in a better sound and acoustic performance. In the vast majority of cases of component speakers, an external crossover is also supplied, which divides the treble, middle / mid-bass, and into the three-band the bass band or allows setting the decibel level of the tweeter (e.g. +2 dB, 0 dB, -2 dB), steepness (e.g. 6dB/Oct. 12dB/Oct.) or active or bi-amp connection. | Mid-bass |
| RMS powerRMS speaker power is the constant power of the entire system, not just one speaker or one side. This is also the performance of continuous use of the speakers. If the RMS power is exceeded for a long time, the speakers may be irreversibly damaged! | 110 W |
| Sensitivity (SPL 2.83V/1m)Sensitivity, sensitivity or efficiency of the speaker. Speaker sensitivity is given in decibels (dB) and simply put, the higher the value, the lower the demands on the amplifier's power. This is a defacto rating of how a speaker converts watts to sound. Sensitivity ratings are in noise level measured at 1 meter from the speaker using 1 W (watt of power) or using 2.83 volts at the source at 1 meter. A higher decibel level means the speaker is louder with less power. For every 3 dB increase in sensitivity, the speaker requires half the power to reproduce the same volume. For example, if an 88 dB speaker needs 100 Watts to produce a certain volume, then a speaker with a sensitivity of 91 dB needs only 50 Watts to reach the same volume. | 88 dB |
| Sensitivity (SPL 1W/1m)Sensitivity, sensitivity or efficiency of the speaker. Speaker sensitivity is given in decibels (dB) and simply put, the higher the value, the lower the demands on the amplifier's power. This is a defacto rating of how a speaker converts watts to sound. Sensitivity ratings are in noise level measured at 1 meter from the speaker using 1 W (watt of power) or using 2.83 volts at the source at 1 meter. A higher decibel level means the speaker is louder with less power. For every 3 dB increase in sensitivity, the speaker requires half the power to reproduce the same volume. For example, if an 88 dB speaker needs 100 Watts to produce a certain volume, then a speaker with a sensitivity of 91 dB needs only 50 Watts to reach the same volume. | 85 dB |
| ImpedanceImpedance - measurement of electrical resistance. When buying speakers, it is important to make sure that the impedance matches the amplifier or car stereo you are using. Example: A 2 Ohm speaker cannot be connected to an amplifier that is only stable up to 4 Ohms! A 4 Ohm speaker can easily be used with an amplifier that is stable up to 2 Ohms. The most common speaker impedance today is 3 - 4 Ohm. | 4 Ω |
| Frequency rangeThe ability of the speakers to play a signal from the lowest frequency to the highest, or the speaker's ability to faithfully reproduce sound in a specific frequency band. Professionally: In the frequency range from 40 to 16,000 Hz, the vast majority of fundamental and overtones (harmonics) of all musical instruments are found. We are interested in the course of the radiated sound pressure in this range of frequencies when the loudspeaker system is supplied with constant power. We call this course the frequency characteristic, which tells us the level of radiated sound pressure in decibels (dB) depending on the frequency. The frequency characteristic of a speaker or speaker system can be expressed most succinctly with a graph. Mostly, however, the frequency characteristic is indicated by indicating the maximum tolerance of the sound pressure in the given frequency range, e.g. 50 to 15,000 Hz -+ 6 dB. Since the frequency characteristics of loudspeakers and systems in general are quite uneven, some manufacturers do not even specify this maximum tolerance of sound pressure in decibels in their catalogs for reasons of prestige. Data impoverished in this way is unfortunately worthless. What is valid is that the manufacturer offers a speaker system with a frequency range of 30 to 20,000 Hz, if he is worried about stating the maximum unevenness of the sound pressure in this range, because he can have a tolerance of, for example, +- 20 dB. The unevenness or undulation of the frequency curve in good speaker systems for high-quality music performance should not exceed +-3 dB in the 80 to 12,000 Hz band and +-6 dB in the 40 to 16,000 Hz band. Greater unevenness already depletes or emphasizes certain tonal areas, which can cause audible or even disturbing distortion. The proportion between fundamental tones and higher harmonics also changes, thereby changing the color of the sound, and individual musical instruments as well as the entire musical image sound unnatural. | 50 - 4500 Hz |
| The diameter of the mid-bass speakerWe state the diameter of the speaker as the diameter of the entire speaker, not including the mounts, when smaller speakers (87, 100, 130 mm) have extra mounts. Some speakers are oval and there the dimension is given in inches, always the shortest side to the longest side. One inch is approx. 2.5 cm. | 165 mm |
| Installation depth of the mid-bass speakerThe installation depth of the speaker is measured from the bottom edge of the magnet to the bottom edge of the tin, plastic or cast speaker basket, or speaker bearing surfaces. | 70 mm |
| Mid-woofer diaphragm materialThe material that was used for the speaker diaphragm. Don't be afraid of the paper, it surprisingly has a very natural and high-quality sound and, thanks to the surface treatment, it can withstand moisture without any problems. | Aluminum |
| Resonant frequency of the mid-bass speaker | 46 Hz |
| Cover grids included in the packageOriginal cover grilles in speaker packaging. | Yes |
| Price forIf the price is for a pair, the package always includes 2 pieces of everything, e.g. 2x mid-bass, 2x tweeter and 2x crossover. | Pair |
