Funk Audio 15.0, 15.3, 18.0C and 18.1 Subwoofers Preview

Funk Audio (previously Funky Waves) has just tripled their subwoofer lineup with the release of four new models. The four new models don't seem to deviate from Funk Audio's tradition, meaning that you can expect high performance and extremely well crafted cabinets. There was a lot to like about the FW 12.x we reviewed (since discontinued), but a number of things that needed improvement. The Internet direct subwoofer market is crowded with great offerings from many different companies, so these new subwoofers will certainly have a lot of competition. Read on to see what sets these new Funk Audio subwoofers apart.

15.0

The 15.0 is their entry level sub, but at $1350 ($1450 for US shipping, $1350 for Canada eh.) I wouldn't consider it entry level. It sports a single 15" front firing driver in a sealed enclosure. When some manufacturers claim their subwoofers are long-throw it might be stretching the truth, but with a 1.625" p-p linear excursion, long-throw might be an understatement. The frame is cast aluminum and the cone is paper pulp with reinforced Kevlar fibers. The stock amplifier is class D 500w RMS. Funk Audio gives you the option to upgrade to an 800w amp with XLR inputs/outputs and 4 DSP modes for an additional $200. Along that same line of customization, you can also order a custom finish. The fit and finish of Funk Audio sets them apart from the crowd. I counted 27 different finish options available to choose from. All of the new subwoofers are made from Baltic birch plywood and have a 1.5" thick front baffle and 1.25" thick top/bottom (except for the 18.1 which has a 1" top/bottom baffle). It is rated at a -3dB at 20Hz and 114dB maximum output with the 500w amp and 117dB output with the 800w amp. It measures 20" wide 20" high 18.5" deep.

15.3

The 15.3 is very similar to the 15.0, utilizing the same driver and amp. The biggest difference is that it has dual 15" passive radiators, taller enclosure, and variable tuning. The enclosure measures 18" wide x 34" high  x 18" deep. It has variable tuning from 19-28Hz, allowing you to choose SPL vs. extension. With the 500w amp it has a -6dB point at 16Hz (lowest tuning) and 116dB maximum output. With the 800w amp it has a -3dB point at 16Hz and a 118dB maximum output. For an extra $200 you can get a curved cabinet, add $200 more for the upgraded amp, $150 for solid wood inlayed corners, and a magnetic cloth grill for $150 and you it's like West Coast Customs got a hold of your sub. Well, more like a skilled engineer improved and customized your sub. Even though the base price is $1600 ($1800 for US) you could quickly end up spending a few hundred extra dollars to get the sub how you want. But this is one of the great parts about buying a Funk Audio sub, the company wants to work with each customer to make a sub that works perfectly for them, it will just cost you some extra coin.

18.0C

The 18.0C is designed for people who want deep, powerful bass, but don't want a sub the size of a coffee table. Still, is isn't exactly compact, measuring 20" wide 20" high 18.5" deep. But for a sub with a variable -3db point of 15-30Hz, max output of 124dB, and an 18" driver, it is compact. It come standard with the 800w, DSP controlled amp that is an upgrade on the 15.0 and 15.3. Not to be outdone, you can upgrade to a 1500w amp for an extra $300. The 18" driver has a 4" voice coil, 1200w RMS power handling, >1" p-p linear excursion, and cast aluminum frame. You can also upgrade to a second generation 18" driver for $175 and solid wood inlayed corners for $150. The gen. 2 driver has higher thermal power handling than the gen. 1 driver, 1600w vs. 1200w. The 18.0C will set you back $1650 in Canada and $1750 shipped to the US.

18.1

 The 18.1 is at the top of these new subwoofers, but still well below the price of the existing 18.0 and 18.3 units. Unlike the other three subs, this is a ported unit. The same 18" driver and 800w amplifier that come with the 18.0C come standard on this unit. The unit has variable tuning from 16-30Hz and Funk Audio can be contacted to customize the tuning to your needs. It is rated at 124dB max output (2m ground plane) with a S/N ratio >113dB. The 18.0C is quite a bit larger than any of the other subs, measuring 20.5" wide 27" high 24" deep. The optional upgrades are the same as the 18.0C, including a 1,500w amp, gen. 2 18" driver, sold wood inlayed corners, custom finish, and magnetic cloth grill. The 18.1 is $1895 shipped in Canada and $1995 in the US.

Conclusion

You may have noticed a common theme among these subwoofers, customization. Funk Audio is a small company that really seems to care about creating custom solutions for each customer, this is evident from the optional upgrades and available finishes. You also may have noticed that the subwoofers are priced pretty close together. Most companies provide a clear line of good, better, best. This isn't really the case here. If you choose to upgrade the 15.0 with all of the options (excluding a custom finish), the price comes up to $1800, only $95 from the 18.1 base price. You are presented with a choice of what subwoofer design best suites your needs rather than what is the most expensive subwoofer you can afford. What is clear is that these are serious subwoofers, and we are excited to see how they really perform. If you are interested make sure to buy one soon because the prices quoted here are only introductory and will go up by 10% after December 31st.

 For more information, visit Funk Audio

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.