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ELAC's MicroSUB 2010 BT: the most rumbling Rubik's Cube you ever did see
We've seen some pretty ingenious covers for earth-movers, but ELAC's Rubik's Cube-inspired MicroSUB 2010 BT is really something special. Sure to please both puzzle and bass lovers alike, the dual-driver subbie features built-in Bluetooth (A2DP), 100-watts of power and a pair of speaker outputs for satellites. For those looking for less vivid versions, it is available in black or white, but really, where's the fun in that?[Via Unplggd]
Earthquake Sound SLAPS its new MiniMe subwoofers
In case you're not ready to go with a one of its Supernova subs, Earthquake Sound has introduced its MiniMe P10 and P12 models. These compact subs pack a 600-Watt amplifier with 10- and 12-inch drivers, respectively, into sealed enclosures with passive radiators for a little extra oomph that allows them to reach down to 20-Hz in the P10, 18-Hz in the P12. Taking a look at Earthquake Sound's product lines and press releases, there's a definite presence of testosterone, and so the passive radiator system in the MiniMe subs gets named SLAPS just to keep things familiar; that kind of attitude might come in handy should the suits from BMW's MINI division come a-knocking about the MiniMe logo.
Atlantic Technology pumps out new in-wall speaker, subwoofer
Judging by the barrage of speaker announcements of late, it's easy to see that CEDIA is just around the bend. The latest outfit to dish out news of its new lineup is Atlantic Technology. Best known for its in-wall speakers, the firm is offering up a new THX-certified unit (the IWTS-155 LCR) that can mount either horizontally or vertically into a standard 2x4 wall cavity. The speaker features twin 5.25-inch long-throw cone woofers and a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter, and it'll be available for shipment in Q4 for $750. Additionally, the company is introducing the IWTS-28 SUB, an in-wall subbie that packs dual 8-inch drivers and can be paired with an optional 180-watt SA-180 monoblock amplifier. Unfortunately, no price for it was given, but don't expect it to be cheap.
Bowers and Wilkins ASW 610XP subwoofer for high-end bass
Bowers and Wilkins is looking to bring some giggles to its (relatively) value-conscious 600-series lineup in the form of its new ASW 610XP subwoofer. You know B&W isn't for the thrifty, but its 600-series of speakers are known for delivering a good-sized bite of the high-end apple for your dollars. The 10-inch paper/Kevlar driver with a long-throw motor is set in motion by a 500-Watt amplifier to reach a -3dB point of 25Hz. Those are respectable specs for a 13- x 13- x 15-inch box that comes in your choice of black ash, cherry or Wenge finishes -- the size won't break your room's aesthetics and the $1,200 price might not break your wallet. On paper, at least, this looks a lot like the ASW 10CM sub, but a bit cheaper -- like we said, going the B&W route isn't the cheapest, but should allow you plenty of room to mix and match as you grow your system.
Velodyne gets ready to rumble at CEDIA with new subwoofers
Velodyne sure has been keeping quiet of late, but now we know why -- it's been saving it all up for a CEDIA extravaganza. From the top, it'll be introducing the Optimum-8, 10 and 12 subs, which feature up to 1,200-watts (RMS) of amplification, interactive front panel displays and an automated, one button 7-band equalizer. Moving on, we've got the in-wall SC-600, Class D-powered DEQ-R (in 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch models) and the small(er) Impact line, which boasts a 6-inch forward firing driver and an 8-inch down-firing passive driver. Expect prices and availability to surface within a few days.
Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10
When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.
Onkyo launches floorstanding D-108E speaker, SL-A250 sub in Japan
No doubt, Onkyo saves some of its choicest goodies for its home market. We can look past the HTIB systems, but we sure would like to see these full-size speakers cross the pond. Besides, they're a better fit for super-sized U.S. domiciles, right? From the Japanese promo material, we piece together that the D-108E floorstanders come in a wood grain or lacquer finish, pack a pair of 8-cm bass/mid drivers alongside a 2-cm tweeter and reach from 55-Hz to 80-kHz (the last 60-kHz are for the dog, perhaps). Okay, so the speakers won't exactly shake your floorboards with bass, but at least the 901-mm (35-inches) height will place the tweeters close to ear level. And besides, you'll be counting on the SL-A250 subwoofer to fill in the bass. The sub's 20-cm (8-inch) cone and 50-Watt amp span 27- to 200-Hz, which should make for an easy crossover to the mains. Pricing is ¥45,150 ($413) and ¥31,500 ($288) for the D-108E and SL-A250, respectively.[Via AkihabaraNews]Read - Onkyo D108E [warning: PDF link]Read - Onkyo SL-A250
Vizio to reportedly release cheap soundbar with wireless subwoofer
As much as we love soundbars for cramped spaces and areas where full-blown multi-channel setups just aren't feasible, we've noticed that any decent one usually costs a wad. Thankfully, the firm known for astounding consumers with low-priced flat-panels will reportedly be doling out a soundbar of its own this fall. According to CNET, Vizio will be releasing a faux-surround system with a wireless subwoofer for the low, low price of $299. There's no mention of the specs just yet, but even if it just sounds slightly above average, it'll probably be worth three bills. Keep an eye out for this one to land in September (possibly at CEDIA?).
JL Audio releases info on forthcoming Fathom f212 subwoofer
If you've lusted after JL Audio's Gotham g213 subwoofer, with its dual 13.5-inch drivers, 3800-Watt (peak) amplifier and curvy sealed enclosure, but have been scared off by the $12,000 price, there's hope on the horizon. JL Audio has let out a couple of tidbits about the g213's little brother, the Fathom f212. Due on August 1, the f212 packs two 12-inch drivers into a less curvy box, but will still have a class D amp and the automatic room tuning feature found on all of JL's subs -- for $6,000. The drivers in the f212 are upgraded versions of the those used in JL's single-driver Fathom f112 sub, which might explain why a single f212 is slightly more expensive than a pair of f112s. In a more bass-crazy (and fun) world, though, it could be that the new speaker is aimed at those who have a $12k budget and need to tame some nasty bass nodes with a pair of the units.
Hsu Research unleashes ULS-15 wireless subwoofer
It'll probably date us, but we remember when Hsu Research subs just made cylindrical subwoofers. Those different-looking reinforced paper tube enclosures were formidable back in the day. Hsu has moved beyond cyinders, but is still turning out the goods for those who crave true sub-woofer tones. The company's latest ULS-15 features a 15-inch driver in a sealed box, and can reach a jaw-dropping (and molar-rattling) 10-Hz in most rooms. The 1,000-Watt amplifier comes in handy for supplying the kind of power necessary for reaching those depths with a sealed enclosure, for sure. The ULS-15 is literally unleashed, as well -- Hsu has added a convenient wireless connection to the unit. Hsu has definitely kept pace with the times, but its pricing is still very attractive -- prices start at $1,299 for a satin black and head northward for more luxurious finishes.
Aperion Audio unveils Bravus subwoofers, Intimus loudspeaker line
Aperion Audio may not be a household name in, well, audio, but it's newest offerings sure warrant a look from anyone mildly serious about sound. For starters, the outfit has completely revamped its Intimus loudspeaker line, now offering up nine models across three speaker series. As expected, the entire crew has been voice and timbre matched, and each speaker possesses the same tweeter so that all Intimus units can be mixed and matched to suit your fancy. Since we know a multi-channel system just isn't the same without a dash of low-end, the Bravus subwoofers were also introduced to handle those duties. The 8D, 10D and 12D units pack twin 8-/10-/12-inch subbies with 150/300/500-watts of power behind 'em. As for pricing, expect the new Intimus line to start at around $149 for a bookshelf, while the Bravus line ranges from $499 to $1,099. Read - Refreshed Intimus lineRead - Bravus subwoofers
NHRA to test ButtKicker remote-butt-shaking device this weekend
We played around with the home version of the ButtKicker rumpwoofer at CES back in January, but this weekend the NHRA is going to test out the other part of the signal chain: driver Jeg Coughlin Jr. will have a special Bluetooth vibration sensor installed in his car that will eventually allow the home viewer to feel like they're riding shotgun while planted firmly on the couch. NASA is already using ButtKicker tech as part of the Shuttle launch experience ride at the Kennedy Space Center, so it's clearly capable of doing the job, and the plan is to eventually sell subscriptions to the ButtKicker feed as an add-on to NHRA and NASCAR races. That should make weekend afternoons a lot more, uh, vibratey -- but we're not going to be happy until our couch is pummeling us during NFL games with full-speed tackles.
Orbitsound shows off T12 stereo soundbar / subwoofer combo
If you're tight on space and scared off by the psychoacoustic trickery done by virtual surround tech in TVs and surroundbars, maybe Orbitsound's T12 soundbar / subwoofer combo will appeal to you. While it looks like a traditional surroundbar, this unit is all about creating a wide stereo image, sans rear effects. Packed in the bar are eight drivers that do the stereo magic courtesy of airSound technology and 50-Watts of power. Combined with the external, but wired subwoofer, the company claims a "substantially flat" response from 20-Hz to 25-kHz. It reminds us of Boston Acoustic's TVee Two, but wired. Processing of the two stereo inputs can set to "off," "stereo," and "extra wide" courtesy a three-way switch. And of course, there's a dock to welcome your iPod when it ventures away from the warm tube glow of Orbitsound's T6. Our advice -- if you're into stereo, get yourself two small bookshelf speakers and a receiver; if HT is your thing, go for a HTIB or surroundbar.
Honeywell offers Crystal series subwoofer cable
Okay, it's not "self-healing" or anything like that, but Honeywell has added subwoofer interconnects to its Crystal Series of HT cabling products. Subwoofer cables are pretty standard fare, but we've got to give credit to Honeywell for not over-inflating the marketing hype. With the low bandwidth requirements and run lengths that tend to be on the long side (and often next to power cords), shielding is probably the most important design consideration for subwoofer interconnects; and true to form, that's exactly what the press blurb emphasizes. The 100-percent foil shield combined with a 95-percent tinned copper braid should do a good job of keeping the hum out. The cables come complete with the requisite 24-karat gold plated RCA terminations in 5- and 10-meter lengths. No info on pricing -- hopefully the lack of marketing hype around the product nets some savings at the register.
Bag End puts more power behind its Infrasubs
We remember back in the day when Bag End introduced its ELF (Extra Low Frequency) subs to the home audio market. The promise of really low bass -- +/-3-dB response from 8Hz to 95Hz -- from enclosures less than 2-feet on a side seemed impossible. You read that right -- eight Hertz. Fast forward to present, and the Hobbit-esque ELF that fit in with the "Bag End" name has now been recast as Infrasub. The company's Infra dual integrator system (basically active equalization) that allows the Infrasubs to apparently disregard the cabinet's resonant frequency does require lots of power, though. This is an ideal setting to bring in class-D amplification, and now Bag End has done just that by integrating its P-500 amp into the Infrasub-12 and Infrasub-18 models, delivering 500-Watts (100-Watts more than the previous amp) in a lighter, cooler, more efficient package than before. If you visit the Newseum and like the bass delivery, put these subs on your audition list.
Paradigm sets loose version four of its PDR subs
The folks up north at Paradigm aren't ones to rest on their laurels, and now they've released the fourth revision of the PDR-8 and PRD-10 subwoofers for all to enjoy. The company is positioning these as budget models in the lineup, but the speaker-geeks didn't skimp on performance; and we love 'em for that. They've front-mounted new 8- and 10-inch polymer-composite cones into updated cabinets with removable grills, and added auto on/off circuitry for the green crowd. The PDR-8 uses 300-Watts to hit its 32-Hz limit, the PDR-10 has 60 more Watts and reaches 3 Hz lower. Available in black or silver, but no pricing was in the press release, so head on over to your dealer if you're interested.
Klein + Hummel intros O 810 and O 870 subwoofers
Klein + Hummel has exposed a new duo of earth-shakers today, dubbed the O 810 and O 870. These subwoofers were designed for use in "music, broadcast, and post-production studios for tracking, mixing, and mastering," which means that they'll most certainly suffice in your humble (or not so humble) home theater setup. Interestingly, the press release fails to mention the difference between the two, power handling specifications or even what size the woofer is, but we do know that each unit will feature four-mode LFE channel processing, fourth order crossovers / flexible acoustical controls and built-in volume controls. Additionally, the subbies can handle frequencies down to 18Hz, and while no price is given (surprised?), we fully expect 'em to cater to the affluent sect.
AV123's new MFW-15 subwoofer
Okay, the Wilson Audio Thor's Hammer subwoofer is a little beyond even the Engadget HD budget. But Joe Six Packs like us want deserve our bass, too! Enter AV123's MFW-15 -- we remember the company's founder, Mark Schifter, back when he was with Audio Alchemy. Delivering high value products has always been his game, and this sub looks like it continues the trend: 15-inch driver, good looking cabinet (in a choice of finishes) and unlike Wilson Audio's offering, the package includes a 350-Watt amplifier for your $599. Typical in-room response stretches down to 15 - 17-Hz, so you'll feel where your money went, too. Want your neighbors to feel it, too? Okay, bass-freak, just stack multiple units as needed; but we're not responsible for any damages that ensue.[Via HomeToys]
Wilson Audio putting the hammer down on bass
There's nothing like a postcard from the truly high end of audio to put things in perspective. With product names like "WATT Puppy" (back in the day, complete with cables called "Puppy Tails"), you might take Wilson Audio lightly. Mistake, friends -- witness their latest assault on the low end of the audio spectrum, the "Thor's Hammer" subwoofer. Dual 15-inch drivers housed in the 4-foot tall phenolic cabinet plumb the depths down to 15Hz, and the package comes in at a meaty 412-pounds (without the amplifier!). That's right, your $21,000 doesn't include an amplifier. But if you can afford this beast, we're guessing that cranking one up in your listening room will shake loose the required coinage from your sofa. Might we suggest something along the lines of Bryston, perhaps?[Via AudioJunkies]
Artcoustic reveals Spitfire Venue loudspeaker, subwoofer
Finally down to the short list for speakers? Before you pull the trigger, Artcoustic is hoping that you'll give its latest loudspeaker and subwoofer a glance. Up first is the two-way Spitfire Venue, which weighs in at just under 22-pounds, sports interchangeable screen options and should fit in just fine at a night club or guest room. You'll find a 10-inch woofer and a one-inch compression horn, which -- when paired up -- are capable of hitting notes anywhere between 40Hz and 18kHz. Taking care of the low-lows is the Spitfire Subwoofer (pictured), which actually relies on four 10-inch drivers and comes bundled with an 1,800-watt Artcoustic PA-1800 amplifier. Sadly, we've yet to be clued in on the price of the Venue, but considering the £1,485 ($2,922) sticker attached to the subbie, we'd surmise that these are most suited for the high-end sect, anyway.
