AudioControl PNW-1 Review: Specifications, Fitment and Comparisons
Quick summary: the buying decision
The PNW-1 is a pair of 1-inch tweeters, rated at 100 W RMS / 125 W max at 3 ohm, covering 1 kHz – 20 kHz. It must be fed through a high-pass filter, and where you place and aim it has a bigger effect on the stereo image than almost any other choice in the system.
AudioControl PNW-1: what it is
The AudioControl PNW-1 is a pair of 1-inch high-fidelity tweeters with silk dome diaphragms, precision-machined aluminium housings and neodymium magnets, rated at 100 W RMS (125 W max) and 3 ohm. In-line high-pass filters are included, and they pair with any speaker in AudioControl's PNW line-up.
AudioControl's PNW Series are 3-ohm high-fidelity speakers with rear-dampened hybrid silk dome tweeters, mica-coated cones, edge-enhanced steel frames, black anodised voice coil formers and FEA-designed high-efficiency motors. A 3-ohm load draws a little more power from an amplifier than a 4-ohm load, which helps output from the same amplifier.
Key features
Rear-dampened hybrid silk dome tweeter for extended frequency response
Precision-machined aluminium housing with an embedded sonic damping pad
Neodymium magnet for efficiency and a compact design
Detachable assembly for OE applications, with multiple mounting accessories
Included in-line 1st-order Butterworth high-pass filters (3.5 kHz)
Specifications explained
AudioControl publishes: power handling 100 W RMS / 125 W max; impedance 3 ohm; DC resistance 2.3 ohm; frequency response 1 kHz – 20 kHz.
Fitment: overall diameter 54 mm (2.13 in), cut-out 47 mm (1.85 in), mounting depth 16 mm (0.63 in).
Full specifications as published by AudioControl:
Model: PNW-1
Type: 1 in tweeters (pair)
Power handling: 100 W RMS / 125 W max
Nominal impedance: 3 ohm
DC resistance (Re): 2.3 ohm
Resonance frequency (Fs): 1.621 kHz
Qms / Qes / Qts: 6.92 / 2.3091 / 1.7314
Frequency response: 1 kHz – 20 kHz
Voice coil: 25 mm
In-line crossover: 1st-order Butterworth high-pass, 3.5 kHz, 6 dB/octave
Overall diameter (with grille): 54 mm (2.13 in)
Cut-out diameter: 47 mm (1.85 in)
Mounting depth: 16 mm (0.63 in)
In the box: 2 x PNW-1 tweeters, manual, warranty card
Fitment: will it fit your car?
Measure the factory opening and the depth available behind it, including clearance to the window glass and its channel at full travel. The PNW-1 needs 16 mm (0.63 in) of mounting depth and a 47 mm (1.85 in) cut-out. Small drivers are usually mounted in the dash, A-pillars or custom pods; a rigid, sealed mounting keeps them clean at volume.
Crossover, filtering and placement
In-line 1st-order Butterworth high-pass filters at 3.5 kHz (6 dB/octave) are included, so the tweeters can be added to an existing system without a separate crossover.
A-pillar or dash mounting usually gives the best stereo image; aim towards the opposite seat as a starting point and adjust by listening and measurement.
Amplification
Rated at 100 W RMS (125 W max) and 3 ohm, they can share a channel with a woofer through the included in-line filters, or run from their own high-passed channel of a DSP amplifier such as the D-6.1200.
How it compares
Related speakers at VA3 Car Studio:
AudioControl PNW-65: 6.5 in 2-way coaxial speakers (pair), 75 W RMS / 100 W max, 3 ohm, mounting depth 60 mm, ₹38,240
AudioControl PNW-65CS2: 6.5 in 2-way component speaker set, 100 W RMS / 125 W max, 3 ohm, mounting depth 60 mm, ₹42,490
AudioControl PNW-275: 2.75 in component midrange speakers (pair), 25 W RMS / 50 W max, 3 ohm, mounting depth 35 mm, ₹14,440
AudioControl A1: 1 in component tweeters (pair), 50 W RMS, 4 ohm, 86.5 dB (1 W / 1 m), mounting depth 10 mm, ₹11,890
Price and value in India
At the time of writing (October 2026), VA3 Car Studio lists the PNW-1 at ₹16,990, 15% below the MRP of ₹19,990. Budget for mounting work and filtering, which decide how well tweeters integrate with the rest of the system. Prices can change, so the product page always shows the current price.
Verdict: who should shortlist the PNW-1
The PNW-1 is a high-quality standalone tweeter, useful for upgrading an existing system or completing a PNW 3-way front stage.
Real-world reviews and limitations
We have not yet published a VA3 installation report for the PNW-1. The figures in this review are AudioControl's published specifications, not our own measurements, and real-world results depend on the mounting position and the tune. If you have used one, we would welcome your feedback.
Frequently asked questions
What mounting depth does the PNW-1 need?
16 mm (0.63 in), with a 47 mm (1.85 in) cut-out.
How much power can the PNW-1 handle?
100 W RMS / 125 W max at 3 ohm.
Are crossovers included with the PNW-1?
Yes. In-line 1st-order Butterworth high-pass filters at 3.5 kHz are included.
Do the PNW-1 tweeters work with other PNW speakers?
Yes. AudioControl says they pair with any speaker in its PNW line-up.
Sources, pricing and related reading
Buy the AudioControl PNW-1 1-Inch Tweeters 100W RMS 3 Ohm (Pair) at VA3 Car Studio
VA3 guide: Car Audio Explained, Part 5: pods, tweeter mounting and choosing drivers
VA3 guide: Car Audio Explained, Part 2: speaker placement and aiming
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