HELIX COMPOSE i5 W165FM-S3
- Chris Van Ry
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Midbass That Matters
The new HELIX COMPOSE i5 W165FM-S3 isn’t just another 6.5" midbass driver; it’s a carefully engineered bridge between precision mechanical design and pure, musical sound reproduction. With availability scheduled for the end of August 2025, it’s set to become a go-to choice for technicians and enthusiasts who demand both performance and premium integration.

The Midbass: The Heartbeat of Your System
In a well-designed car audio system, the midbass driver is the link between the subwoofer’s low-end power and the midrange’s detail. If that connection is weak, your system can sound hollow, lack punch, or feel disconnected.
The i5 W165FM-S3 addresses this with:
A silicon-coated paper cone - Paper cones remain a gold standard in speaker design for their natural tonal balance. HELIX takes it further by adding a silicon coating for improved internal damping and stability, reducing unwanted resonances.
3 Ω impedance - This slightly lower impedance allows your amplifier to deliver more power, extracting maximum performance without compromising amplifier compatibility.
Integrated phase plug - Not just cosmetic, this improves upper-midrange dispersion, reduces compression effects, and allows for better heat dissipation from the voice coil.
Glass-bead reinforced polymer basket - Rigid, non-resonant, and durable. This minimizes mechanical coloration while ensuring the speaker stays stable under dynamic loads.
High sensitivity (92 dB) - Meaning less amplifier power is needed to reach the same loudness, giving you more headroom and cleaner dynamics.
Installation Flexibility Built-In
Audiotec Fischer designed the COMPOSE line from the installer’s perspective. The FlexMount165 adaptor system and ProConnect terminals make it easier to fit into a variety of vehicles without hacking factory parts. Optional WireKits allow for plug-and-play connections, making the i5 W165FM-S3 equally suited for OEM integration or full aftermarket systems.

Power & Performance Specs at a Glance
Power Handling: 125 W RMS / 175 W Max
Frequency Response: Wide range for a midbass, ensuring seamless crossover integration
Sensitivity: 92 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
Impedance: 3 Ω
These numbers translate into a driver that can handle serious volume without breaking up, yet still delivers micro-detail and transient accuracy for high-end sound quality builds.
Who Will Love the i5 W165FM-S3?
SQ Enthusiasts - Clean, articulate, and dynamically responsive midbass.
OEM+ Installers - Flexible mounting and connection options reduce labor and preserve factory integrity.
Pro Audio Builders - Robust mechanical design means predictable performance under competition or high-demand conditions.
Available Soon
The HELIX COMPOSE i5 W165FM-S3 will be available at the end of August 2025. Whether you’re upgrading a daily driver or crafting a reference-level competition system, these drivers are ready to anchor your system with precision and punch.
MSC is your North American source for HELIX products - www.msc-america.com