JL Audio IWS-SYS-108/208 In-wall Subwoofer Preview

With a premise that customers should never have to lower their expectations for sound quality when selecting an in-wall subwoofer, JL Audio released two new in wall subwoofers, the IWS-SYS-108 and IWS-SYS-208.  These two in-wall subwoofers are JL Audio’s newest 8-inch Fathom IWS systems. The two models join JL Audio’s previous 13.5-inch driver models in the Fathom IWS lineup. We've been big fans of JL Audio Fathom box subwoofers but for those that don't have floor space, let's take a closer look at their in-wall offerings to see if they are viable.

The new subs built in JL Audio’s Miramar, Florida factory feature a compact enclosure designed to utilize extensive architectural techniques to improve rigidity, while maintaining a minimal footprint to facilitate installation in more applications. 

We are excited about the potential of the 8-inch in-wall subwoofer solution in our growing line of architectural audio solutions. This model has a very small grille opening that will please customers looking for a visually unobtrusive solution, while still capable of delivering true JL Audio sub-bass performance.

Andy Oxenhorn, President of JL Audio

JL Audio used a unique port design which vents through a slot located at the perimeter of the driver mount. Inside the enclosure is an all-new, long-excursion, 8-inch thin-line woofer, designed and built specifically by JL Audio for these subs.

The IWS-SYS-108 is driven by a 300 watt rack-mountable DSP/amplifier and the IWS-SYS-208 is driven by a 600 watt DSP/amplifier. A complete set of Fathom signal processing features are in the amplifier, including a powerful, 18-band Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system, and a true 2-way crossover with high-pass outputs, all accessible via an easy-to-use, menu-driven interface and LCD display.

Note: You will need your own calibration microphone for D.A.R.O. functionality or you can purchase one separately from JL Audio.

The 8-inch Fathom IWS systems are designed to be smaller and easier to integrate than JL Audio’s larger in-wall Fathoms, fitting in a standard, 16-inch, on-center stud opening.  The grilles should accommodate most common drywall thicknesses, and can be easily painted to match the wall.

These in-wall subs appear to incorporate all of the hallmarks that make JL Audio subwoofers such a force to be reckon with in the high performance home theater marketplace. If you're tight on space and can tuck a couple of these into your walls, they should reward your tactile senses while not causing a war with your spouse.

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