Atlantic Technology SB-900DF Downfiring Subwoofer Preview

Want to have an uncomfortable conversation? Try to explain to a neophyte why subs cost so much. Now, try to explain to their spouse why the speaker that produces the noise they hate the most, costs the most. As Audioholics, we understand the importance of a sub. How, without it, you are missing a lot of what makes today's action movies exciting. Heck, if you listen to music with a lot of bass, you'll be missing that too. But it sometimes takes time for people to understand the importance of a sub.

That's why we always like to have recommendations for budget gear in our back pockets.

Sure, when we are looking for a sub, we're expecting to spend at least half what we spent on all the other speakers combined. Maybe more. Plus, we are looking for more than one sub. But that's not where we started. And it is important to remember that. There are a few considerations, outside of price, that usually concern people new to home theater. The big one is size but a second consideration is placement options.

Atlantic Technology has tried to address all three of these concerns with their SB-900DF sub. First of all, price. The SB-900DF will retail for just under $350. This is a very reasonable price point to anyone interested in putting together even a first system. As long as they aren't sold on the HTiB thing (hopefully we've talked them out of wasting their money on that), $350 isn't too much to ask.

Atlantic Technology actually has two SB-900 models. The straight SB-900 has a forward firing woofer with the SB-900DF featuring a downfiring woofer and port. Both cost the same but the SB-900DF should make placement much easier. Atlantic Technology even mentions placement behind sofas (please, don't do this) knowing who the core buyer is for this type of product. 

So, price and placement are taken care of. But what about size and performance? The SB-900DF is 10-7/8 wide, 13-1/8 high, and 13-1/16 deep, and weighs 28 lbs. While not tiny, by any stretch, it is a fairly small sub. The sub features an 8" composite cone woofer with a 1.5" vented aluminum coil and vented motor. The woofer is flanked by a downfiring port. There are crossover (40Hz to 220Hz) and volume knobs and phase and power switches. The 125 watt amp can push out a peak output of 102 dB SPL in a 2000 cubic foot room. Connections can be made by RCA or line level.

The Atlantic Technology SB-900DF brags a 32Hz – 250Hz ±3 dB frequency response which sounds about right to us. According to Atlantic Tech, their powered subs share a Clear Filter Technology design that reduces enclosure effects. Speaking of the enclosure, it is angled at the top and looks to be wrapped in a slightly textured vinyl veneer (about what we'd expect at this price point). The sub utilizes an 18dB per octave low pass crossover. Auto power sensing is available with a multicolor LED indicator to let you know when it is engaged and a 7-10 minute turn-off delay so that it doesn't shut down during those rare quiet moments between explosions. The Atlantic Technology SB-900DF is compatible with Atlantic Tech's WA-50 wireless kit.

Conclusion

Are you going to run out and replace one of your reference subs with the Atlantic Technology SB-900DF? No. But it would make a fine "first sub" for a newbie looking to take their real steps into home theater. With a -3dB low point of 32Hz, a downfiring 8" driver and port, and a reasonable size, the SB-900DF is a respectable offering. Considering the $349 MSRP, it becomes very attractive. The downfiring nature makes placement easy, the extension is reasonable enough to impress most people, and the price won't break the budget. This a sub to remember when your friends are looking to put together their first system. 

For more information, please visit www.atlantictechnology.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.