Klipsch SW-311 Subwoofer First Look

We're always on the lookout for the next, big subwoofer advancement. In recent years, unfortunately, online manufacturers have taken the "big" far too literally. What you end up with is people that have succumbed to the Internet hype of post-happy bass heads that can't stop talking about how low their new Internet Direct sub will hit. When Joe Consumer gets his new sub delivered in a crate... by a forklift... he quickly has to Google "cheap hotel rooms." It's either that or face the wife.

Direct to consumer manufacturers haven't had the luxury of building huge subs in order to "win" the subsonic arms race. Instead, they have to build a sub that consumers will see in a store and still buy. In fact, they have to build a sub that consumers will listen to in a store and still buy. Not only is infrasonic performance important, but so is linearity. This takes not only a modeling program, but also technical know-how. Klipsch has been in the speaker business for many years. If they are known for one thing, it is for making speakers that are well regarded for home theater. Specifically movie performance. If you are going to make a good set of home theater speakers, you better have a good sub to back it up.

Klipsch has announced a new subwoofer line that is focused on "cross-brand" compatibility. At first we weren't sure what exactly that meant since, of all speakers, subwoofers are the most agnostic. On closer inspection, we're guessing the new line has a more general look. Previous Klipsch subwoofers have all had their trademark copper color drivers. While these look great, we could see how they'd think people might be hesitant to pair them with their aluminum driver speakers - especially if they like to run their speakers with the grills off.

The new "SW" line consists of five new models: the SW-311, SW-310, SW-308, SW-112 and SW-110. They range in price from $1499 for the top of the line SW-311 down to $449 for the SW-110. All the new subs have highly damped, non-resonant woven fiberglass drivers, BASH Digital Hybrid amplifiers, and a 1-watt standby mode. The entry-level SW-110 and 112 have a front slot-style port and a matte finish. The SW-308, 310, and 311 all sport a 4-layer voice coil on an aluminum former, a black satin finish, and dual side-mounted passive radiators. In an interesting move, only the front driver is covered by a grill. The side passive radiators are left exposed.

There are a couple of unique properties to the Klipsch SW-311 model. The most advanced is the easy-to-access front controls and patented ARC II (Adaptive Room Correction) technology automatically customizes bass performance with 12 active filters. There are a few different control options. There is an "EQ" mode which you can defeat by setting to "Flat" or can boost the 55Hz region with the "Punch" setting or boost the 30Hz region with the "Depth" setting. Unless you KNOW that you have a problem in those areas (or if you don't really care about linearity - and if so, why exactly did you just spend $1500 on a sub?), we'd recommend "Flat." You can adjust the low pass filter (what others would call "crossover") and even the slope (18, 24, 36 & 48 dB/Octave).

There is a mic input. This is used for the the ARC II auto calibration which measures your room. There are five different presets (“Movie”, “Music”, “Night”, “User 1” and “User 2”) all of which can be overwritten by the user. Of course, the room correction is fairly opaque to the user unless you are a Klipsch installer. On the back of the unit there is a USB port. While these days you might be justified that this would be for integration with an iPod (every other USB port seems to be), it isn't the case. With the SW-311, the USB port can be used by a certified Klipsch installer to view and modify the EQ. Alternative, installer systems that utilize a USB hookup can use this port. Again, if you're not an installer, just ignore it. In fact, there is an IR receiver on the top of the sub that can be used to integrate the sub into a universal remote system (you can get the codes from Klipsch) but there is NO included remote for the sub. 

Performance-wise, the SW-311 looks to be decent for its price point. It is listed as reaching down to 22Hz at -3dB, has a maximum output of 118dB at 30Hz  (we're guessing at one meter), and a 500 watt amp. There is a single 10" driver with dual 10" passive radiators. We wish they would have upgraded the grill to a magnetic connection rather than the traditional compression posts. The Klipsch SW-311 weighs in at a respectable (and still manageable) 37lbs. It is just a bit bigger than a 13" cube, and has rounded corners. 

Conclusion

The new SW subwoofer line from Klipsch, headed up by the SW-311 looks to make a break from the traditional Klipsch stylings. The flagship SW-311 is definitely geared towards custom installers that will be able to fine tune the integrated room correction algorithm and utilize the IR receiver or USB port to integrate it in their chosen control systems. General consumers will like the automated room correction, tweakers will like all the additional controls, and spouses will like small footprint. While it may seem a little over-priced for a sub that only reached down to 22Hz, the additional features and controls are sure to attract many.

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

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