Of course it is, but the concept can also be deceptive. Think about a kick drum, which can be extremely punchy, if you really stomp on the pedal. But with reproducing high quality audio, there’s a catch. A speaker designer can actually design a subwoofer to be “ringy” – essentially to resonate at a specific note. This sub would be effectively like a drum, and would have amazing punch at that one narrow frequency range, regardless of the music being played. This trick is sometimes used by car audio fanatics to get an absurd punching effect out of a subwoofer. But Boston’s Classic Series and Reflection Series subs are designed to be accurate, with a flat frequency response and precise dynamics. That way, when they are reproducing a kick drum, you get that drum 100%. An upright acoustic bass has its full range of tones, not just one-note-bass. And when a movie soundtrack has a person walking across a wooden floor, it doesn’t sound like Big Foot!
- Stephen Shenefield
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The artical talks about a good subwoofer being accurate while at the same time punchy. What separates the distinction, in your mind, between the Classic series, Reflection series, and VS series subwoofers when it comes to bass quality of the models? Is it the amplifier, woofer material, or some other major category? Thanks so much!
The Classic Series powered subwoofers include exactly the “classic” design features and technologies that have made Boston subs famous since our first model 20 years ago. The Classic subs use DCD woofers (a technology that gives long woofer travel without sacrificing magnetic strength and effiency, BassTrac® circuitry that permits you to push the sound levels much higher without distortion and distress, and most-powerful-in-class amplifiers.
While the Classic Series use large diameter tuning ports optimized for low aerodynamic noise, the Reflection Series RSP 1000 uses dual high-rigidity FCCM passive radiators, along with DCD woofers using FCCM cones, permitting a lower system tuning frequency, lower distortion, greater dynamics, and higher output. The Reflection sub has more rigid construction, and along with more power, is a big step from the Classic subs. And don’t forget the hand polished piano lacquer box.
The VS Series’ VPS 210 takes Boston’s best technologies to new levels – OCCM woofer and passive radiator, 1800 peak watt amp, and one extremely unusual feature – a cabinet whose non-parallel side panels minimize internal resonances and increase structural rigidity. The VPS 210 is a sub that can pound, and deliver delicate bass notes with finesse and speed. And, as with the rest of the VS line, the VPS 210 is available in hand-polished cherry and piano black, or in a striking all-piano-black finish.
By the way, one last item on the Classic Series subs – all the “CPS” models are “wireless ready” meaning that with the addition of the optional WT 50 digital transmitter, you put the sub anywhere in the room you have AC power – great for convenience, family relations, and achieving the best room tuned bass response!
- Stephen Shenefield
What a great summary of the models and features! Thank you for taking the time to review and describe the characteristics of each. It seems you really cant go wrong with any of the series models. My RPS 1000 is arriving this week! I’m extrememly excited to pound out some of my favorite tracks and I’m sure my Boston sub will handle them with ease! Is there a way to make use the wireless transmitter with the RPS? Thanks again!