Powerful bass, zero-footprint

We mention in the introduction to our group of Sensational Soundbars this issue that in-room subwoofers can be difficult to accommodate and integrate in modern lounge rooms. But custom installers, generally working a good few tiers above soundbar performance, have a few tricks up their collective sleeves, and one of these is to put the large bulk of a subwoofer inside your wall, with only a white grille visible to bring the sound out into the room.

Paradigm’s architectural/custom division has just debuted one such in the new DCS-208IW3 subwoofer, the first in-wall model for the company’s Defiance series, which includes in-room boxes running from an eight-incher up to a monster 15-incher. The in-wall DCS-208IW used dual 8-inch carbon-fibre-reinforced polypropylene woofers (equivalent to a 10-incher in active surface area, mounted in stamped-steel chassis and baffles, and with die-cast aluminium clamps

to add strength and rigidity.

Premium-grade components include high power-rated resistors, capacitors and heavy-gauge wire inductors, while the nickel-plated spring-loaded binding posts feature large holes able to accept banana plugs and thicker cable than most designs.

The sub can be installed in an open wall cavity (easily retrofittable this way, promises Paradigm), but an optional BX-208 acoustic backbox provides a large enclosure volume “to let the DCS208IW3 stretch its legs” while reducing outward sound transmission.

The subwoofer is passive; Paradigm’s X-300 subwoofer amps will maximise performance via custom DSP and onboard Anthem Room Correction. The Anthem connection (under the same company as Paradigm) ensures that the Paradigm sub can also be amply driven also by Anthem power, such as from the bridged output of an Anthem MDX distribution amp for distributed audio, again with DSP and advanced ARC Genesis room correction available.

Meanwhile all you see in the room is the paintable magnetic grille, while you enjoy bass response quoted down to 30Hz -3dB. Pricing for the bare-back DCS-208IW3 is $949.

For more information visit: www.audioactive.com.au.