Q Acoustics new Q SUB Series is comprised of 3 models featuring a 8-inch, 10-inch, and a 12-inch driver—How low do you wanna go?
The Q Acoustics Concept 50 Floorstanding Speakers (review) sits very comfortably on my Favorite Speakers list as well as being a genuine HiFi Bargain and I’ve equally impressed by a number of their other offerings that share a similar and friendly price to performance relationship so I’ve come to expect a lot for a little when it comes to Q Acoustics.
From the press release:
The new subwoofer family consists of the 8-inch Q SUB80, the 10-inch Q SUB100 and a 12-inch model, Q SUB120. On board Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology ensures easy but comprehensive system and room integration and setting optimisation for a class-leading, distortion-free performance.
Inside each Q SUB resides “four digital power amplifier stages in a parallel bridge-tied load (PBTL) configuration” delivering up to 300 Watts of power. Frequency response reaches down to 36 Hz in the Q SUB80, 32 Hz in the Q SUB100, and 28 Hz in the Q SUB120. Woof!
The Q Acoustics SUB Series Subwoofers are available now and are priced at $899/each for the Q SUB80, $1049/each for the Q SUB10, and $1199/each for the Q SUB120.
Here’s the complete press release from Q Acoustics:
SUBlime sound: Complete the immersive audio experience with Q Acoustics’ new high-performance subwoofer series for breathtaking bass
British audio specialist, Q Acoustics, introduces its new trio of high-performance active subwoofers, Q SUB series. Whether as part of a Q Acoustics home cinema set-up, adding effortless bass extension to your existing 7.2, 5.1 or 2.1 system or intensifying the low end on your powered/active speakers, these new models will deliver the dramatic to movies and music.
Whatever the size of your home cinema room or the power of your system, Q Acoustics has the right-sized model to fill your space with powerful, impactful but nuanced and controlled bass. The new subwoofer family consists of the 8-inch Q SUB80, the 10-inch Q SUB100 and a 12-inch model, Q SUB120. On board Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology ensures easy but comprehensive system and room integration and setting optimisation for a class-leading, distortion-free performance.
The trio’s minimalist and clean design means they can blend discreetly into the room or proudly displayed to fit seamlessly into any interior space. The Q SUB series arrives in two modern but classic finishes: Satin Black with a black grille or Satin White with a grey grille. The new models join the slimline 3060S to complete Q Acoustics’ subwoofer family.
Q SUB series audio innovations include:
- All Q SUB series models have exceptional bass power to cabinet size ratio.
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) allows easy system and room integration with optimised settings for class-leading, distortion-free performance.
- Clever, dual phase and delay controls allow the fine-tuning of the signal alignments for flexible room placement.
- DSP identifies the input signal and automatically adjusts system gain, enhancing performance regardless of the connected source.
- A low pass filter with frequency adjustment ensures seamless integration with any partnering speaker system.
- A custom-designed amplifier module features four digital power amplifier stages that improves efficiency by dissipating less heat, enhances speaker control, and reduces output impedance.
- An infinite baffle box design presents a tighter and more focussed bass response, combining with DSP for very precise tuning to achieve the best acoustic response possible.
- Internal Dart-bracing improves mechanical stability, reduces cabinet ballooning, and ensures optimal performance under high internal pressure.
- A 12V trigger input allows automatic power-up when a trigger signal is present.
Easy system integration
The deep bass from a subwoofer is often considered omni-directional, allowing flexibility in placement. While true in isolation, real audio systems require careful integration of the subwoofer with other speakers to ensure accuracy of alignment, especially at the crossover point.
Placement impacts sound arrival timing, and phase alignment issues can arise even with adjacent placement, affecting system frequency response. The Q SUB range uses Digital Signal Processing (DSP), alongside fine delay adjustments and phase inversion switch, to address these integration challenges. This technology enables users to optimise settings for a class-leading performance, ensuring seamless integration without needing professional installation.
Frequency response adjustment
Subwoofers need an adjustable low pass filter to match their upper frequency response with the diminishing bass of other speakers. The Q SUB range features a low pass filter with frequency adjustment from 40 Hz to 250 Hz, setting the -6 dB point. This wide range ensures the Q SUB models can seamlessly integrate with and complement the low-frequency response of any partnering speaker system.
Source detection
Subwoofers must accommodate a wide variety of sound input sources, including stereo preamp outputs or mono feeds from active speakers or home cinema systems. The Q SUB range uses a complex algorithm inside the DSP to identify the input signal type – stereo or mono and the level – and automatically adjusts system gain. This ensures optimal signal to noise levels and dynamic range, enhancing performance regardless of the connected source.
Standby modes
The Q SUB amplifier offers multiple standby modes to suit various system needs. Auto detection powers the subwoofer when a signal is detected, reverting to standby after 20 minutes of inactivity, while a low-consumption power supply keeps power consumption during standby mode to an absolute minimum. A 12V trigger input allows automatic power-up when a trigger signal is present. Alternatively, the subwoofer can be set to remain permanently powered.
Power amplifier
The Q SUB amplifier module, custom-designed by Q Acoustics, includes a DSP, power amplifier, and power supply. It features four digital power amplifier stages in a parallel bridge-tied load (PBTL) configuration, enhancing efficiency and speaker control by reducing output impedance and heat dissipation. This design can deliver up to 300W continuous and 600W peak power, with exceptional THD performance of less than 0.1% up to 300W.
Protection
An intelligent protection system constantly monitors the electronics to ensure that the amplifier and power supply are fully protected in the unlikely event of excesses of temperature.
Driver design
The drive units feature a heavy-duty steel chassis, paper cone, and rubber surround. Bass unit diameters are 203mm (Q SUB80), 254mm (Q SUB100), and 305mm (Q SUB120). Voice coils are 38mm for Q SUB80/100 and 50mm for Q SUB120, with an aluminium demodulation ring for reduced inductance-induced modulation distortion.
Cabinet design
An infinite baffle (sealed box) design is ideal for a subwoofer. Acoustically, this will present a tighter and more focussed bass response and, coupled with the DSP, allows for very precise tuning to achieve the best acoustic response possible. With no port to accommodate, the subwoofer is also easier to place in proximity to walls, corners and furniture than a ported design.
Cabinet construction
The Q SUB cabinets are made from 18mm high-density MDF with a 36mm double-thickness baffle for exceptional rigidity. Internal dart bracing provides mechanical grounding for the drive unit, as well as mechanical stability, reduced cabinet ballooning, and ensures optimal performance under high internal pressure. A sealed enclosure also prevents air leaks through the amplifier mountings, while the 15mm MDF grilles are securely fixed to prevent rattling. Adjustable, locking spikes and spike cups are included for floor-levelling and protection.
Availability and pricing:
Q Acoustics SUB80 (8-inch) is available now, priced £599 / €749 / $899
Q Acoustics SUB100 (10-inch) is available now, priced £699 / €875 / $1,049
Q Acoustics SUB120 (12-inch) is available now, priced £799 / €999 / $1,199
Company Website: Q Acoustics
Technical Specifications
| Q SUB80 | Q SUB100 | Q SUB120 | |
| Enclosure type | Infinite baffle | Infinite baffle | Infinite baffle |
| Bass unit diameter | 203 mm (8 in) | 254 mm (10 in) | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Effective volume | 13.9 litres | 23.5 litres | 44.1 litres |
| Max SPL @ 1 m | 107 dB | 111 dB | 114 dB |
| Frequency response (-6dB) | 36 Hz – 250 Hz | 32 Hz – 250 Hz | 28 Hz – 250 Hz |
| Low pass crossover range | 50 Hz – 250 Hz | 40 Hz – 250 Hz | 40 Hz – 250 Hz |
| Peak amplifier power | 400 W | 500 W | 600 W |
| Continuous amplifier power | 200 W | 250 W | 300 W |
| THD @ rated power | 0.09% | 0.09% | 0.09% |
| Input sensitivity (max gain) | 300 mv rms | 300 mv rms | 300 mv rms |
| Maximum input level | 2.1 V rms | 2.1 V rms | 2.1 V rms |
| Input impedance | 20 kΩ | 20 kΩ | 20 kΩ |
| Noise floor (A wtd) | 50 μV | 50 μV | 50 μV |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 315 x 315 x 347 mm (12.4 x 12.4 13.6 in) | 350 x 350 x382 mm (13.7 x 13.7 x 15 in) | 400 x 400 x 432 mm (15.7 x 15.7 x 17.0 in) |
| Weight (per loudspeaker) | 15 kg (33 lbs) | 16.7 kg (36.8 lbs) | 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs) |
