Fluance DB10 $200 10" Subwoofer Preview

Canadian home audio equipment manufacturer Fluance recently announced the launch of an inexpensive new 10” ported subwoofer, the DB10. Despite its relatively small size and low price, the DB10 claims an extended response down to 20 Hz (although they do not put a window on that response or output level). That is a lofty claim for a $200 subwoofer shipped to your door. But, if it can go anywhere near 20 Hz at meaningful output levels, that would be a significant accomplishment for the money. Fluance recently impressed us in our review of their Signature Floorstanding speakers for their sheer value, and this gives us hope that the DB10 will be a similarly pleasant surprise for the cost.

One aspect that strengthens its 20 Hz claim is the relatively large port for the size of the driver and enclosure: a 3” diameter port that is 11” long. Using ports to generate output can often be a big return for a small cost, especially in lower-priced subwoofers and speakers. With such a considerable port, Fluance looks to be attempting to leverage port output as much as possible, which is a great idea for a budget subwoofer. A properly tuned ported subwoofer can be a very efficient way to produce relatively low frequencies, and this can be done even with a modest driver and amplifier. Speaking of modest amplifiers, the 45 watt RMS rating of the DB10’s amplifier might not seem like an astounding amount of power, but it is in line with its price class. Other subwoofers in this price range can advertise a lot more wattage, but that wattage spec is often stated in peak wattage, not RMS. While we wouldn’t mind a more powerful amplifier, we have to give kudos to Fluance for stating this spec candidly without the need to puff it up with the many other ways power ratings can be exaggerated.

Don't Buy One...Buy Two!

Since the DB10 is not large or terribly expensive, it is a great choice for having a multiple sub setup on a tight budget. The advantages of a multiple sub setup are numerous, and a more accurate bass sound can often be had with two or four small subwoofers rather than one large one. It doesn’t hurt that the DB10 looks reasonably nice with its gloss black front baffle, thereby raising the acceptability factor of a multiple subwoofer system for others who live in the same abode. Hopefully, we at Audioholics will be able to have a full review of the DB10 in the future to see how much performance can be had for such a low price from Fluance. Stay tuned!

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