PSB Speakers, long renowned for affordable excellence in loudspeaker
designs, announces the addition of the PSB HD8 and PSB HD10 Powered
Subwoofers — the outcome of an 18-month endeavor to provide the
performance of its award–winning subwoofers in a more broadly
acceptable size.
The HD8 and HD10 are 10.5 and 12-inch cubes, respectively. The HD
models, which stand for High Density due to their condensed design, are
PSB’s first ultra-compact subwoofers. These new designs not only needed
to be compact but also to provide the deep bass punch, authoritative
power and musicality for which all current PSB subwoofers are
acclaimed.
The challenge of subwoofer design can be summed up quite simply yet
completely with this simple phrase: “Small, Deep and Loud: pick two.”
Achieving all three goals from a single design package is, on its face,
a seemingly impossible task, one that requires overturning or at least
overpowering the laws of physics. PSB’s HD8 and HD10 do so with a
singular combination of brute force and engineering finesse.
PSB resolves the engineering conundrum by creating highly specialized
low frequency drivers of exceptionally high mass and extraordinary
“pumping” ability plus tiny, exhaustively computer-modeled enclosures,
and unique dual-opposed high-mass passive radiators.
Using dual-opposing, high-mass, passive radiators, PSB was able to
achieve unprecedented excursion — as much as two inches peak-to-peak —
in order to preserve output down to 35Hz on the HD8, and 30Hz on the
HD10. The uniquely progressive suspension preserves near-perfect
motion, with low-distortion clarity, at all frequencies and drive
levels. By arranging the dual passive radiators on opposing cabinet
faces, unwanted vibrations are cancelled and more energy is sent into
the room as deep bass. Furthermore, the HD8 and HD10 employ
vibration-absorbing feet that keep them in place on any surface, even
marble flooring.
The HD8 and HD10 employ sophisticated Class H amplifiers that produce
500 and 750 watts of continuous power, respectively (and some 1,600 and
2,000 watts of peak dynamic potential) and are allied with PSB’s “smart
bass” monitoring system to preserve accurate musicality at even the
highest volumes and lowest frequencies.
Extra-heavy-duty aluminum-cast woofer “baskets,” oversize magnet
structures, and large-diameter, ultra-high-power voice coils are three
more elements that empower the HD8 and HD10 to deliver accurate and
powerful low frequencies. Both models exploit intelligent amplification
with sophisticated circuitry that matches each sub’s drivers,
enclosure, and electronics for the most balanced system possible,
resulting in controlled, quick and high-impact sound that extends to
the very lowest octaves, without boom or bloat.
Utilizing its 35 years of loudspeaker design expertise, PSB conducted
exhaustive measurements and analysis, along with extensive listening
tests to ensure both the highest technical performance and consummate
musicality.
The result — unique for this category of subwoofers — is two
ultra-compact models that not only play loud and deep but do so
accurately, dynamically and musically to create the true
“you-are-there” excitement of the original sonic experience.
The HD subwoofers’ controls include volume, crossover and continuously
variable phase controls, Auto on/off, LFE in/out, LL Stereo in/out, HL
Stereo-in with 5-way gold-plated binding posts, and 12V Triggers.
Both models come in an elegant satin black finish and are currently
shipping at the following suggested retail prices: HD8 at $999 and the
HD10 at @1499.
Source: Press Release