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Wilson Audio’s 1,600 Watt Submerge Subwoofer Will Hit The Lower Depths

$30,000 for a subwoofer? The Wilson Audio Submerge might play down into the lower depths but can your wallet handle the hit.

Wilson Audio Submerge Subwoofer in Ivory without grille

And we’re not talking about the Kurosawa movie.

Following the release of the WASAE entry-level center channel speaker, Alida CSC Wall/Ceiling Mount speakers, and Mezzo CSC Flagship center channel speaker, Wilson Audio is concluding 2023 with the introduction of its new Submerge subwoofer. The Submerge joins the Subsonic (2018 model) and compact Loke (2022 model) subwoofers.

Core Features

Advanced Enclosure Technology: The Submerge incorporates advanced X-material (used for cabinet bracing) and S-material (a blend of materials that form a stable and low-resonance coupling surface for the midrange driver) for precise vibration control.

Wilson Audio Submerge Subwoofer in black with red grille

A handcrafted front grille covers a sleek aluminum baffle design. The attachment hardware for this mass of metal is strategically placed underneath grille post catchers, ensuring a clean and visually pleasing appearance without compromising functionality.

The combination of thick X-Material as a substrate coalesced with the bulk of the aluminum baffle creates a solid and damped surface for the Submerge driver to be secured to.

Driver Design: The Submerge’s 12-inch driver is specifically optimized for the two bottom octaves of audible bandwidth. Featuring a dual spider design, the driver’s geometry is triangulated (the third variable being the cone’s surround) such that the high-excursion cone can only move pistonically. This supports an immersive sonic experience. 

Amplifier: The Submerge incorporates a 1,600-watt amplifier mounted to a massive heatsink plate found on the rear of the enclosure. Coupling the amplifier to a T6061 Aluminum back plate provides efficient heat transfer from the internal components of the amplifier to the heatsink fins.

Flexible DSP: The Submerge features a custom-tuned DSP (digital sound processor). The DSP is calibrated for ideal acoustic interaction between the driver and enclosure volume which supports a balanced and lifelike soundstage.

Tech Note: The DSP can be bypassed if needed. This is desirable when the Submerge is used in systems with either a sound processor in a home theater system or a separate processor like the Wilson Audio ActivXO dual-subwoofer crossover.

Wilson Audio Submerge Subwoofer Top Controls

Controls: Front tilt-facing analog controls are provided along the top front edge of the Submerge. The control options include Gain, Delay (Phase), ELF (Extreme Low Frequency) Trim, and LP (Low Pass) Frequency. Once the controls are set, users can mark their position with the provided custom indicator rings. 

The control settings tailor the subwoofer’s output to user preferences to optimize the Submerge for the best depth/clarity balance. 

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Wilson Audio Submerge Subwoofer Rear Controls

Tip: Connections include balanced and unbalanced Left/Mono and right inputs.

Specifications

  • Enclosure Type: X-Material/V-Material/Front Ported (Bass Reflex)
  • Woofer Driver: 12-inch Dual Spider (30.48cm)
  • Amplifier Power: 1600 watts
  • Frequency Response (Amplifier): 5Hz to 500Hz
  • Height (w/spikes): 30 1/4-inch (76.78cm)
  • Width: 18-inch (45.72cm)
  • Depth (With Grill): 24 9/16-inch (62.41cm)
  • Depth (No Grill): 23 13/16-inch (60.43cm)
  • Weight: Forthcoming

Finish Options

Wilson Audio Submerge Subwoofer in Ivory with grille colors

The Submerge is being offered with an abundance of cabinet and grill colors in standard (5 colors), upgrade (14 colors), and premium pearl (10 colors) options (upgrade and premium pearl color options require an extra fee). A custom finish option is also available. 

Tip: The standard color offerings are Galaxy Gray, GT Silver, Quartz, Carbon, and Medio Grigio.

Comparison

Here is a basic specifications comparison of the Loke, Subsonic, and Submerge Subwoofers from Wilson Audio.

Loke Subsonic Submerge
Release DateMarch 2022February 2018December 2023
Subwoofer TypePoweredPassivePowered
Enclosure TypeFront PortedFront PortedX-Material / V-Material / Front Ported (Bass Reflex)
Woofer Driver1 x 10 inches3 x 12 inches, dual spider1 x 12-inch Dual Spider
Amplifier Power500 wattsExternal Amplifier and Controller Required1600 watts
ImpedancePaired with a built-in Amp4 ohmsPaired with a built-in Amp
SensitivityPaired with a built-in Amp87 dB @ 1W @ 1 meter @1 kHzPaired with a built-in Amp
Frequency Response (Amplifier)20 Hz to 250 Hz (+/- 1 dB)External Amplifier and Controller Required5Hz to 500Hz
Frequency Response (Speaker)10 to 150 Hz. +0, – 3dB Room Average Response [RAR]
DSPYesNoYes
Connections (Balanced and Unbalanced)1 x RCA Unbalanced Inputs
1 x RCA Unbalanced Outputs
1 x Balanced XLR Inputs 
1 x Balanced XLR Outputs
Speaker Terminal Binding Posts1 x Unbalanced RCA 
1 x Balanced XLR
(includes Left channel mono input option on both connection types)
Height (w/spikes)20 3/4 inches (52.71 cm)65 1/16 inches (165.25 cm) with spike0 1/4-inch (76.78cm)
Width13 7/8 inches (35.24 cm)18 1/16 inches (45.87 cm)18-inch (45.72cm)
Depth (With Grill)21 3/4 inches (55.24 cm)27 3/16 inches (69.09 cm)24 9/16-inch (62.41cm)
Depth (No Grill)21 inches (53.34 cm)N/A23 13/16-inch (60.43cm)
Weight110 lbs (49.9 kg)612 lbs (277.6 Kg)Forthcoming
Price (Standard Finish)$8,950$38,900$29,500
Price (Upgrade Finish)$9,450$39,900$30,500
Price (Custom Finish)$10,450$43,900$32,500
Price (Premium Pearl Finish)$10,950$44,900$33,500

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the Wilson Audio Submerge is based on the finish option chosen:

  • Standard Finish: $29,500
  • Upgrade Finish: $30,500
  • Custom Finish: $32,500
  • Premium Pearl Finish: $33,500

The Submerge is available through Authorized Dealers and Distributors. Shipping starts in March 2024

Here are other Wilson Audio Loudspeakers in their current lineup that we have covered:

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Keith McAvoy

    December 13, 2023 at 4:44 am

    Grotesque outrageous stupidity. Why not produce something in or below the $5000 range instead of being obscene.

    • Ian White

      December 13, 2023 at 7:40 pm

      Keith,

      We’re taking about Wilson Audio. Their accessories start at $5,000.

      Ian White

  2. Edward Brumbaugh

    January 1, 2024 at 4:31 pm

    Thanks for the article Robert, I always enjoy reading about the higher end gear. I have to agree with Keith above, I find this gear to be completely outrageous, but I understand there is a market for it (obviously). Personally, I’d put my SVS subs up against them or even my GE Triton One.Rs with the 1,600 watt supersub amps built int to each speaker, but that’s me. Like I always say, enjoy your gear, whether it’s Wilson, B&W, Avantgarde, … buy and assemble what makes you happy.

    • Ian White

      January 1, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      Ed,

      I would put money down on your SVS subwoofers in a horse race compared to the Wilson.

      Happy New Year!

      Ian White

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