Bowers & Wilkins Rolls Out New Sub
B&W Loudspeakers has introduced its latest in-wall subwoofer, the ISW-4.
B&W Loudspeakers has introduced its latest in-wall subwoofer, the ISW-4.
According to the company, most in-wall subwoofers underperform due to inadequate driver design, because what works in a conventional enclosure is not necessarily ideal for in-wall installation, or from a lack of optimized EQ/amplification, or from a substandard enclosure.
Creation of the ISW-4 was led by Dr. John Dibb at the Steyning Research Establishment in the United Kingdom. Two years of effort resulted in the ISW-4, which features a shallow enclosure that fits 2×4-inch stud bays and dual B&W-designed, long-throw, 8-inch bass drivers with Kevlar/paper cones. According to the company, the combination of Kevlar and paper fibers creates a non-resonant cone that is still stiff and lightweight for bass performance down to 17 Hz -6dB EQ at A setting on the SA-250 mono power amplifier/crossover. Additionally, the BB-ISW-4 MDF backbox prevents wall shake and cabinet distortions, says the company.
The SA250 has 250 watts of power and a built-in 4th order Linkwitz-Riley crossover with adjustable increments from 40 Hz to 140 Hz. It also features a low-pass filter defeat, 0/180-degree phase switch, three-position bass extension switch, movie/music EQ switch, and an on/auto/standby switch. Amplifier I/Os include XLR and RCA line in and link out. There is also a 3.5 mm jack for 12-volt trigger on/standby, equalization, and movie/music. The cabinet is 2U for standard rack mounting.
Finished in a semi-matte white, the ISW-4 has a grille that measures 19.1 inches high by 10 inches wide. Currently available, the suggested retail price for the ISW-4 in-wall subwoofer is $2,000 with the SA250 amplifier. The ISW-4 alone is $800, while the SA250 is $1,000, and the BB-ISW-4 backbox is $200.
