Here is a new sub that B&W is intoducing. Sounds pretty awesome!
I think B&W is tired of losing sales to the likes of JL Audio and Velodyne.
Eric
The DB1 is B&W’s new reference subwoofer. It is the result of two years of intensive research and development by our engineers at the Research Establishment in Steyning, West Sussex, U.K. The DB1 nomenclature stands for Digital Signal Processing and Balanced Drive Model 1. The DB1 provides explosive deep bass that is required for high-end home theater systems, yet is detailed, tuneful and harmonically accurate to satisfy the most demanding audiophiles. Its relatively compact, gloss black enclosure sits atop a state-of-the-art electronics package housed in a brushed silver base.
The DB1 can be configured by using the OLED display and navigation button array on the front of the sub for convenient end-user set up. Menus for sensitivity, gain, polarity, slope, low-pass filter in/out, and turn-on options are available. An easy to use graphic equalizer is built-in and can be adjusted via the front panel display. Up to five different set-up presets may be stored and switched into the audio path. These may be used for different applications, for example stereo music, movies, late night, concert videos and games.
The DB1 set-up can be refined even further. The brain of the DB1 is a proprietary Digital Signal Processing engine. The DSP circuitry provides far more flexibility in setting up the subwoofer than can be provided by an analog approach. B&W has developed a PC application for the DB1 called SubApp. SubApp’s clear GUI gives you an alternative way of setting up the DB1, with all the functionality of the front panel menus and more. Drop down options for many B&W main speakers are part of the program, and guidance is provided for non-B&W speakers to assist in blending the DB1’s response to other speakers in the system. It also allows the user to attach a name to each of the presets for easier identification.
SubApp additionally provides an advanced multi-point Room EQ function. As we know, the room is most active at low bass frequencies and this can cause not only boomy or indistinct bass (depending on where you are in the room) but can also blur higher frequency information. Indeed, trying to “fix” midrange and higher frequencies electronically doesn’t work, but addressing bass modes benefits overall response at higher frequencies as well. The Room EQ tool, coupled with the DSP circuitry in the DB1, lets you tame low-frequency room modes for the smoothest overall bass response throughout the listening area The result is better definition, detail and intelligibility. All the necessary measurement hardware - USB sound card, microphone and cables - is included.
Although the Digital Signal Processing circuitry is the brain of the DB1, its heart is a potent motor assembly consisting of two Rohacell® 12-inch drivers powered by a 1000 watt Class D amplifier. Together the dual drivers provide a radiating area greater than that of a single 15-inch unit, and operate in perfect balanced symmetry to cancel out the rocking motion vibration that is normally transmitted to the enclosure. This design, when combined with extensive cabinet bracing, effectively eliminates coloration and mechanical energy loss from enclosure excitation typical of conventional designs.
The driver design is B&W’s most impressive yet for this demanding application. Its ultra rugged construction has been perfected after hundreds of hours of rigorous testing, with particular close attention to heat dissipation in the long-throw motor system, reinforcement of the cone and fatigue resistance of the lead-out wires. As a result, the DB1 is capable of high sound levels and its useful response extends to 15Hz – where bass is felt rather than heard. Such performance might bring an expectation of huge dimensions, but at 19.3 x 18.2 x 16.2 inches (HxWxD) its size is modest.
Make no mistake, the DB1 heralds a new era in Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer design.
But the performance goes further than simple figures can convey. The DB1 has a dynamic agility that adds finesse to its delivery, born out of the fact that we don’t just make subwoofers and understand how the reproduction of very low bass can affect the perceived sound quality at all frequencies.
Full remote control of the DB1 by IR or RS-232, enables it to integrate easily with third party control systems. Two 12-volt triggers are provided, one for power on/off and a second for switching between two user presets (typically, music and theater.) Signal sensing is also provided, and is adjustable via the set-up menu. A USB 2.0 socket provides access for future software updates.
The DB1 provides balanced or unbalanced mono input (not both together), and an unbalanced stereo input. The stereo and one mono input can be connected simultaneously and selected for use independently.
Make no mistake, the DB1 heralds a new era in Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer design. It produces very high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) from a beautiful, yet compact enclosure. Its powerful DSP engine coupled with the balanced drive system achieves performance that will make all other subwoofers seem wanting, and does so with an elegant appearance that will fit easily into room decor. The DB1, simply put, is “best in class.”
Suggested retail price is $4500.00 with availability beginning in December 2009.
The DB1 can be configured by using the OLED display and navigation button array on the front of the sub for convenient end-user set up. Menus for sensitivity, gain, polarity, slope, low-pass filter in/out, and turn-on options are available. An easy to use graphic equalizer is built-in and can be adjusted via the front panel display. Up to five different set-up presets may be stored and switched into the audio path. These may be used for different applications, for example stereo music, movies, late night, concert videos and games.
The DB1 set-up can be refined even further. The brain of the DB1 is a proprietary Digital Signal Processing engine. The DSP circuitry provides far more flexibility in setting up the subwoofer than can be provided by an analog approach. B&W has developed a PC application for the DB1 called SubApp. SubApp’s clear GUI gives you an alternative way of setting up the DB1, with all the functionality of the front panel menus and more. Drop down options for many B&W main speakers are part of the program, and guidance is provided for non-B&W speakers to assist in blending the DB1’s response to other speakers in the system. It also allows the user to attach a name to each of the presets for easier identification.
SubApp additionally provides an advanced multi-point Room EQ function. As we know, the room is most active at low bass frequencies and this can cause not only boomy or indistinct bass (depending on where you are in the room) but can also blur higher frequency information. Indeed, trying to “fix” midrange and higher frequencies electronically doesn’t work, but addressing bass modes benefits overall response at higher frequencies as well. The Room EQ tool, coupled with the DSP circuitry in the DB1, lets you tame low-frequency room modes for the smoothest overall bass response throughout the listening area The result is better definition, detail and intelligibility. All the necessary measurement hardware - USB sound card, microphone and cables - is included.
Although the Digital Signal Processing circuitry is the brain of the DB1, its heart is a potent motor assembly consisting of two Rohacell® 12-inch drivers powered by a 1000 watt Class D amplifier. Together the dual drivers provide a radiating area greater than that of a single 15-inch unit, and operate in perfect balanced symmetry to cancel out the rocking motion vibration that is normally transmitted to the enclosure. This design, when combined with extensive cabinet bracing, effectively eliminates coloration and mechanical energy loss from enclosure excitation typical of conventional designs.
The driver design is B&W’s most impressive yet for this demanding application. Its ultra rugged construction has been perfected after hundreds of hours of rigorous testing, with particular close attention to heat dissipation in the long-throw motor system, reinforcement of the cone and fatigue resistance of the lead-out wires. As a result, the DB1 is capable of high sound levels and its useful response extends to 15Hz – where bass is felt rather than heard. Such performance might bring an expectation of huge dimensions, but at 19.3 x 18.2 x 16.2 inches (HxWxD) its size is modest.
Make no mistake, the DB1 heralds a new era in Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer design.
But the performance goes further than simple figures can convey. The DB1 has a dynamic agility that adds finesse to its delivery, born out of the fact that we don’t just make subwoofers and understand how the reproduction of very low bass can affect the perceived sound quality at all frequencies.
Full remote control of the DB1 by IR or RS-232, enables it to integrate easily with third party control systems. Two 12-volt triggers are provided, one for power on/off and a second for switching between two user presets (typically, music and theater.) Signal sensing is also provided, and is adjustable via the set-up menu. A USB 2.0 socket provides access for future software updates.
The DB1 provides balanced or unbalanced mono input (not both together), and an unbalanced stereo input. The stereo and one mono input can be connected simultaneously and selected for use independently.
Make no mistake, the DB1 heralds a new era in Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer design. It produces very high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) from a beautiful, yet compact enclosure. Its powerful DSP engine coupled with the balanced drive system achieves performance that will make all other subwoofers seem wanting, and does so with an elegant appearance that will fit easily into room decor. The DB1, simply put, is “best in class.”
Suggested retail price is $4500.00 with availability beginning in December 2009.
Eric
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