CES ’08, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2008 — PSB Speakers, long renowned for affordable excellence in loudspeaker designs, announces the addition of the PSB HD8 and PSB HD10 Powered Subwoofers — the outcome of an 18-month endeavor to provide the performance of PSB’s award–winning subwoofers in a more broadly acceptable size.
The HD8 and HD10 are 10.5- and 12-inch cubes, respectively. The HD models, which stand for High Density due to their condensed design, are PSB’s first ultra-compact subwoofers. These new designs not only needed to be compact but able also to provide the deep bass punch, authoritative power and musicality for which all current PSB subwoofers are acclaimed. This pair of tiny, astonishingly able subwoofers will demonstrably outperform subwoofers quite literally two, four and even six times their volume.
The challenge of subwoofer design can be summed up simply yet completely with this simple phrase: “Small, deep, and loud: pick two.” Achieving all three goals from a single design package is on the face of things an impossible task, one that requires overturning, or at least overpowering, the laws of physics.PSB’s HD8 and HD10 subwoofers meet their goals with a singular combination of brute force and engineering finesse.
PSB resolves the engineering conundrum by creating highly specialized low frequency drivers of exceptionally high mass and extraordinary “pumping” ability plus tiny, exhaustively computer-modeled enclosures, and unique dual-opposed high-mass passive radiators.
Using dual-opposing, high mass, passive radiators, PSB was able to achieve unprecedented excursion — as much as two inches peak-to-peak — to preserve output down to 35Hz on the HD8, and 30Hz on the HD10. The uniquely progressive suspension preserves near-perfect motion, with low-distortion clarity, at all frequencies and drive levels. By arranging the dual passive radiators on opposing cabinet faces, unwanted vibrations are cancelled and more energy is sent into the room as deep bass. Furthermore, the HD8 and HD10 employ vibration-absorbing feet that keep them in place on any surface, even marble flooring.
The HD8 and HD10 employ sophisticated hybrid-Class H amplifiers that produce 500 and 750 watts of continuous power, respectively (and some 1,600 and 2,000 watts of peak dynamic potential), allied with PSB’s “smart bass” monitoring system to preserve accurate musicality at even the highest volumes and lowest frequencies.
Extra-heavy-duty aluminum cast driver “baskets,” oversized magnet structures, and large-diameter, ultra-high power voice coils are three more elements that empower the HD8 and HD10 to deliver accurate and powerful low frequencies. Both models exploit intelligent amplification with sophisticated circuitry that matches each sub’s drivers, enclosure, and electronics for the most balanced system possible, resulting in controlled, quick and high-impact sound that extends to the very lowest octaves, without boom or bloat.
Utilizing its 35 years of loudspeaker design expertise, PSB conducted exhaustive measurement and analysis, along with extensive listening tests to ensure both the highest technical performance and consummate musicality.
The result — unique for this category of subwoofers — is two ultra-compact models that not only play loud and deep but do so accurately, dynamically and musically to create the true “you-are-there” excitement of the original sonic experience.
The HD subwoofers’ controls include volume and crossover frequency control knobs, a continuously variable phase control and a 12V trigger. An LFE input (RCA connection) plus gold-plated, high-level, binding posts are provided.
Both models come in an elegant satin black finish and are currently shipping at the following suggested retail prices:
Model Price
HD 8 $999
HD 10 $1,499
They can be seen with PSB’s other outstanding products in its Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel during CES.
