Quick Takes - Klipsch KSW-10 Powered Subwoofer - August, 2000


Jared Baldwin

 

Ratings:
		Extraordinary
		Good
		Acceptable
		Mediocre
		Poor

Klipsch KSW 10 Powered Subwoofer

Drivers:  10" cone woofer

MFR:  29 Hz - 120 Hz

Low pass filter:   continuously variable 40 Hz - 120 Hz

Amplifier:   55 watts rms (225 peak)

Maximum output:   110dB

Phase switch: 0 - 180 degrees

Auto power on:   2 sec on, 15 min delay off

Size:   15 1/2"H x 13 1/2"W x 13 1/2"D

Weight:   29 lbs

Finish:  black

Video shielding:   no

Connector type:   5-way binding posts

Enclosure type:   ported

MSRP:  $399.00

What they say:

The Klipsch KSW 10 subwoofer houses a 10" composite cone woofer using a down-firing design.  The down-firing design grips the air and moves low frequency energy consistently throughout your room.  The Santoprene rubber surround and solid MDF construction work together to increase the longevity and reliability of the KSW 10.  Don't let the 55 watts rms fool you, while peaking at 225 watts with a maximum output of 110 dB, you'll have enough thrust for a rocket ship and plenty of kick for any bass drum.  A tuned port decreases cabinet noise and increases the overall output (not that this sub needs it!)  The variable low pass filter (40 Hz - 120 Hz) and switchable phase control (0 - 180 degrees) allow you to customize the sound to your own tastes in music or home theater.

What we found:

The design of the KSW 10 is basic black with the stylish Klipsch logo as the only identifying mark on the bottom front, which has a small LED that is green when the sub is on.  The various controls are located on the backside of the cabinet next to the port.  Placement of this sub is a highly sensitive as its sound varies greatly when moving it or your listening position around the room.  Optimal positioning will vary as greatly as the sound since different tastes in bass vary.  At times, during intense movie action, it seemed as though I was hearing the sub more than I was feeling it, which may be a disappointing point for home theater enthusiasts who love to feel, as well as hear, the low end.  This sub seemed to be built for use in a small to medium size room.  Musically the KSW 10 provides a nice blend of smooth sounding bass at lower volumes, but turns to boomy at higher volumes, especially with small satellite speakers.  The KSW 10 is the smallest and most inexpensive of the Klipsch Synergy series subs and does not have the high pass filter feature that the KSW 12 and KSW 15 models have.  The KSW 10 is also the default subwoofer option for the Klipsch System 6 home theater (which also includes four Klipsch SB-1 monitors and a Klipsch SC-1 center channel speaker, MSRP- $999).  If you shop around you should be able to find this sub for around the $300 mark (just be aware of unauthorized dealers).

Rating:

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- Jared Baldwin -

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