Velodyne SPL-1200 Ultra

We used to say that Velodyne makes subwoofers and only subwoofers — but in recent years it has started producing headphones as well. Still, its specialism always shows through strongly whenever we put a Velodyne head to head with its opposition. This SPL Ultra with its 12-inch driver is by no means a new release, dating back at least five years, but when it outperforms its rivals at the price ($2899), it gets our award regardless of its age — the best is still the best.

The sub’s 12-inch driver has a 75mm voice coil, with coils wound both inside and outside the former, and a massive magnet structure of 9.8kg — nearly half the weight of the entire unit.

Sealed enclosure, big magnet — all these things suggest a big power amplifier. Velodyne rates it at 1200W continuous and says that its digital amplifier technology runs at better than 95% efficiency. The signal is DSP-controlled, and the main control function is of course the ‘room bass correction’ circuit, which is adjusted using the calibration system with seven bands of adjustment. A microphone is supplied.

Listening soon revealed this to be a fine, fine subwoofer indeed, extremely powerful, and with very good extension — it measured impressively smoothly, too, essentially flat within ±3dB from 21.3 to 144Hz, and rolling off reasonably gently below that range to be only a bit over two decibels off the useful range right down at 20Hz.The Velodyne SPL-1200 Ultra is one of those rare subwoofers able to reconcile the often irreconcilable: deep bass extension, low distortion, high levels and reasonable enclosure size. This is one deeply impressive subwoofer.

More info: www.revolutiontechnologies.com.au