Outlaw Audio Ultra-X13 THX Ultra Certified Subwoofer Preview

Check out our Ultra-X13 FULL Review with Measurements

Outlaw Audio has announced the release of a powerful new subwoofer: the Ultra-X13. Those familiar with Outlaw’s present subwoofers, the Ultra-X12 and M-8, might be tempted to be dismissive of the level of upgrade based on the name alone: “X13? Pff, that is only one inch better than X12, so it's probably just a minor improvement.” That would be a very mistaken assumption, because the Ultra-X13 offers all new components that promise a major upgrade in performance.

Quietly developed over the last nine months, the Ultra-X13 utilizes a totally new 13” driver where long travel and constant linearity are the key ingredients to its design. The engineers designed this driver by employing FEA (finite element analysis) to ensure that its linearity was preserved with long excursions (total back and forth travel: 80 millimeters).

The X13 also contains a 1000-watt digitally-controlled amplifier and uses on-board firmware that has been optimized for the various tuning modes offered. The amp itself consists of two independent 500 watt modules, each with its own power supply. The two amps are bridged across the X13 woofer with the added benefit of two power supplies working in unison with the differential amplifier outputs to yield 2X the power that would ordinarily require a much larger power supply in a single amp configuration. Other than the obvious power doubling, the amplifier now has more energy storage and improved low frequency stability.

Like the Ultra-X12, the Ultra-X13 is a down-firing, variable-tuned, bass-reflex design. There are a lot of hyphens there, so let’s unpack that a bit for those not familiar with subwoofer design terminology. ‘Down-firing’ simple means the driver and ports of the Ultra-X13 face downward and so are not visible on the cabinet in its intended orientation. This type of design is a good idea for those who have children and pets that might be a hazard to these vulnerable components of a subwoofer. Bass-reflex is just another way of saying this is a ported subwoofer. Variable-tuned means that the Ultra-X13 has multiple ports, with which louder deep bass can be traded for deeper bass. For example, on the Ultra-X13 output capability at 20 Hz can be traded for extension down to 15 Hz. 

The Ultra-X13 also supports a sealed configuration which can be handy for those in small rooms where deep bass can gain too much of a boost for their liking. It should be noted that it’s a large sub, but a smooth satin black finish, rounded edges, and a smoked Plexiglas inset panel on the top help to make the Ultra-X13 easier to win over aesthetically demanding family members.

The word ‘Ultra’ in the Ultra-X13 now holds a double meaning; it extends the ‘Ultra’ series of subwoofers within Outlaw Audio’s line-up, and it also signifies that the Ultra-X13 holds full THX Ultra Certification even when used as a  single subwoofer. Outlaw claims it is one of only two home subwoofer models in the world to have that certification, and the other one is only available in Europe.

THX Ultra certification means that a subwoofer is able to generate THX Reference Level output, (115 dB), with sufficiently low distortion and deep extension in a rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet  with a viewing distance of 12 feet or greater from the screen. The THX Ultra certification was previously known as the now discontinued label of ‘Ultra 2’.

Ultra -X13: Dig Deep & Loud without Distortion?

Those familiar with our subwoofer reviews at Audioholics will know that deep bass is where distortion is typically at its most severe, so dealing with this issue is one of the most challenging jobs that a subwoofer designer is tasked with. If not addressed, then in some cases distortion by-products can tend to alter the intended sound of the original program material, especially in mid-bass bands.

The primary difficulty of earning a THX Ultra certification is holding down distortion in deep bass without giving up headroom. This would make the Ultra-X13 a good choice for those who want their deep bass to be both clean and powerful without generating anything that was not there before.

The X-13 enters the market at $1,499 and for those of you interested in learning more about the Outlaw Audio Ultra-X13, Audioholics has some good news for you. A full review will be forthcoming soon, so stay tuned to learn more about the full feature set and the full capabilities of the Ultra-X13 subwoofer. 

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