RSL Speedwoofer 10E Subwoofer Review
Table of contents
Finding a subwoofer that combines deep bass with an aesthetically pleasing design is often a challenge. Many products offer one at the expense of the other, leaving consumers to choose between performance, and visual appeal. However, the newly released RSL Speedwoofer 10E, priced at $299 and available starting Friday, 3/29, aims to bridge this gap, suggesting that it's possible to have the best of both worlds.
Specifications
The Speedwoofer 10E is RSL’s newest entry-level addition to the Speedwoofer lineup while the 10S MKII still offers a step up in performance and features. This subwoofer features a 10-inch driver, which is constructed with a Kevlar-reinforced paper cone and an anodized aluminum dust cap. It also offers a flexible crossover frequency range from 30-200Hz with a 12db/octave slope.
On the rear is an XDR (Xtended Dynamic Range) series class D 300-watt RMS amplifier, with 800 watts peak output. The control section includes knobs for volume adjustment, low pass crossover, and phase control (0 to 180 degrees), with an auto power function sitting right below the last knob. With the subwoofer in standby mode, power consumption drops to approximately 1 watt. There are also line-level RCA inputs, a manual power switch, and a detachable power cable. An LED indicator offers instant feedback on the power status, turning blue when the unit is powered on.
Design
The RSL Speedwoofer 10E boasts a sleek and simple design. Its compact and minimalist cabinet design allows for easy placement in a variety of locations. The unit's almost cubic shape is characterized by its crisp edges with a satin black finish. This unit is constructed with a 1-inch thick laminated front baffle and 3/4-inch thick MDF side panels. It includes a rear-vented port and utilizes RSL's Compression Guide Technology. This approach splits the interior space into three chambers, allowing the back wave pressure from behind the cone to move in a way that helps reduce resonances.
The unit has a removable cloth grille which features a pretty neat metal RSL logo at the bottom. The sub weighs 40 pounds and measures 15.5-inches tall x 15-inches wide x 15.75-inches deep. It also includes four rubber feet for stability on both hard and carpeted surfaces.
Setup
Setting up the RSL Speedwoofer 10E was straightforward. I positioned it in the front left corner of my theater room, which is the best placement in my room. The dimensions of the room are 20-feet deep, 16-feet wide with 8-feet ceilings. I connected the subwoofer to my system using the LFE input and a coax cable, linking it to a Trinnov Altitude16. For media sources, I use both a Kaleidescape Strato C for movies and a R_Volution player for my CD collection.
Since the room is a decent size for the sub, I turned the volume knob to about 3/4 of the way to max which is about 75, and proceeded to calibrate it. Looking at my in-room measurements, my room has a slight dip in the 50Hz range, which is not from the subwoofer. RSL states a frequency response of 26-200 Hz +/- 3db which they measured using an Anechoic equivalent technique and is about on par with my in-room measurements.
Performance
So, how does this sub perform with music? Taking "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo" by Béla Fleck & the Flecktones for a spin, the track's complexity and Victor Wooten's intricate bass work provide a rigorous challenge for any sub. The Speedwoofer 10E managed to articulate the rapid bass lines clearly, avoiding any muddiness or overemphasis that could overshadow the subtleties of the music.
When tested with "Havana" by Camila Cabello, this sub showcases its ability to enhance the song with an amount of texture and noteworthy extension. The subwoofer added significant weight to the track, grounding the rhythm with a sense of depth that made the listening experience more immersive. It managed to reproduce the bass line with a richness that complemented the lively beats and vocal harmonies of the track.
Turning to movies, the sub's performance was put to the test with scenes from "Project X," especially during the chaotic party sequences featuring Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" in the background. In these scenes, the Speedwoofer 10E handled the blend of dialogue, sound effects, and the bass-heavy track without letting any element overpower the others. The subwoofer provided a solid foundation that added to the experience of the party atmosphere, ensuring the bass was present and accounted for without overwhelming the scene.
Watching "Logan," the Speedwoofer 10E further showcased its capabilities, especially in scenes requiring mid-bass presence. The subwoofer delivered a commendable mid-bass punch, adding impact to the on-screen action that felt both dynamic and controlled. The punches had a realistic thud, and the gunshots carried the right amount of weight without ever becoming overbearing.
While the Speedwoofer 10E can dig quite deep for its size, it underscores the old saying, "There's no replacement for displacement." This holds true, especially in scenarios where the sheer physicality of larger subs can make a noticeable difference in reaching the lowest of frequencies.
Conclusion
The RSL Speedwoofer 10E stands out as a compelling option with the "E" symbolizing its appeal to "everyone." It's a testament to RSL's commitment to crafting a subwoofer that balances performance, aesthetics, and affordability. For its size, the Speedwoofer 10E is a remarkable performer, handling a wide range of frequencies with precision that enhances both music and movie experiences. And priced only at $299, it sets a high bar for value, challenging competitors to match its combination of sound quality and cost-efficiency.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Solid build quality | Doesn’t dig as deep as a bigger subwoofer |
Superb value | |
Punchy bass |
FAQ
How big of a subwoofer do I need for my room?
The ideal subwoofer size depends on room size and usage: opt for an 8-10" subwoofer for small rooms (under 150 sq ft), a 10-12" for medium rooms (150-300 sq ft), and a 12"+ or multiple subs for large rooms (over 300 sq ft). Your choice should also consider the sub's primary use—music or movies—as well as the impact of room acoustics and subwoofer placement. Remember, quality and proper setup can be more crucial than size for the best sound experience.
Do I need a subwoofer if I have floor-standing speakers?
Even with floor-standing speakers, a subwoofer is beneficial for a truly full-range sound experience. It specifically handles lower frequencies (typically below 80Hz) that even large speakers may struggle with. This not only improves overall sound quality but also allows the main speakers to focus more efficiently on mid and high frequencies, resulting in clearer, more dynamic audio.
What is LFE?
Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) is a channel in surround sound systems dedicated exclusively to reproducing low bass frequencies. This channel, typically reserved for sounds below 120Hz, adds dimension and realism to soundtracks, allowing explosions, thunder, and other bass-heavy effects to be felt as well as heard.
