Bigger Better Bass
10 subwoofers that aim to give the best bass for the buck
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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.
What’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 & Outs
•line- 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
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