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Bigger Better Bass

10 subwoofers that aim to give the best bass for the buck

Velodyne CHT-15 ($599)
Considering just its specs, weight, and bulk - it's the largest and heaviest sub here - you might expect the CHT-15 to cost twice as much.

bigger bass - velodyne

bigger bass - velodyne backWhat's in the Box
Cabinet design ported
Finish flat black
Driver size 15 inches
Rated Power 300 watts
Controls 40- to 120-Hz variable low-pass crossover, 80/100-Hz selectable high-pass filter, level, variable phase, audio and video EQ switch, auto-on
Warranty 2 years

How Big Is It?
Dimensions (WxHxD) 18 1/4 x 21 x 23 inches
Volume 5 cubic feet
Footprint 3 square feet
Weight 83 pounds

Ins & Outsline- and speaker-level inputs and outputs

How Low Does It Go?
Bass limit 25 Hz at 92 dB SPL
The Velodyne had 6 to 12 dB higher SPL at 25 Hz than any other sub tested. Translation: It kicks major butt.

How Big the Bang?
Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 107.3 dB
Maximum SPL 116 dB at 62 Hz
Dollars per dB $6.51
The CHT-15 can produce peak SPLs that beat subs costing three to four times as much.

The Bottom Line
The Velodyne CHT-15 delivered the biggest bang of the lot, hitting a tooth-rattling 116 dB max SPL. Its all-black styling can be considered either mysterious or menacing depending on your perspective.

Manufacturer Velodyne Acoustics, www.velodyne.com, 408-465-2800

MORE
PDF: In the Lab

PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets

Subwoofer Serenades
Test Tracks

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