Power Sound Audio XV15 Subwoofer Review
- Product Name: XV15 Subwoofer
- Manufacturer: Power Sound Audio
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: November 18, 2012 18:05
- MSRP: $ 799 (Shipping Included)
-
- 15” downward firing long throw woofer
- Bass reflex design with rear firing 4” flared Aeroport
- 1” thick MDF cabinet with 1.5” thick MDF base plate
- Amplifier: 500 watts rms, 1000w peak
- Frequency Response: 21-200Hz +/-3dB (16-18Hz typical in room extension)
- Finishes: Black “sand” textured
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 24.25” x 18.5” x 23.5”
- Weight: 92 lbs.
- Warranty: 5 years (bumper to bumper)
Driver Features
- Proprietary US built FEA optimized 15” long throw driver with 2” peak to peak excursion
- Triple stacked Y35 grade magnets
- Cast aluminum frame
- Vented pole piece
- Rubatek foam surround
- Reinforced curvilinear kraft pulp cone
- Poly cotton high excursion spider
- Flat wound copper voice coil with black anodized former
Amplifier Features
- PS BASH Hybrid Class D operation
- Energy Star compliant (Stand by power less than 1 watt)
- Off/Auto/On selector
- Variable level control
- Variable low pass filter, 40-150Hz/LFE
- Phase: Variable from 0 to 180 degrees
- Detachable power cord
- Universal voltage: 120/240V with auto switching
- Unbalanced (RCA) inputs, left (LFE) and right
- Speaker level left and right inputs
- Thermal protection
- DC offset protection
- Driver voltage monitoring
- Driver current monitoring with overload, short circuit and load protection
- Primary voltage monitoring to control dynamic and average power limits
- Frequency dependent compressor circuit
- Soft limiting
Pros
- Massive bang for the buck
- In room extension to below 20Hz
- Extended warranty
- Made and assembled in the USA
Cons
- Large and heavy (May be a little too much sub for some tastes.)
- Some port noise with heavy deep bass
Introduction
Upstart home audio company Power Sound Audio’s entry into the internet direct subwoofer arena a few months ago with the PowerX line of subwoofers has been accompanied by lots of speculation and excitement. Their middle model in the PowerX line, the XV15 subwoofer, is a large 15” down firing vented unit weighing in at a substantial 92lbs, with a 500 watt class D BASH amplifier, heavily flared Aero-port, black sand textured finish, heavy duty U.S. made driver and a 5 year comprehensive warranty. Additionally the PowerX line is assembled in the U.S. from U.S. made components with the exception of the amplifier. Somehow the price for the XV15 is held to just $799 and that includes shipping. We found that the XV15 sounded clean, composed and dynamic with music, while possessing extension well below 20Hz in room with plenty of headroom to make its presence felt in a large space on movie night. Even more important than the impressive parts list of the XV15 is the manner in which those parts are tuned to work together in a well rounded finished system. Highly recommended.
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