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Subwoofer:::...
I
really like the design of the sub. This is retro done well
with just the right amount of olde worlde charm and modern
aluminium.
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The
Subwoofer
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The
rounded front corners and symmetrical design work well from
me, and for the record those top LEDs which indicate power
on, 2 channel input and 5.1 channel input glow a bright,
trendy blue.
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The
Subwoofer
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Hmm,
a dual-ported system or just a crafty way to get more air
to the amp? Actually the system is dual-ported but unlike
the more efficient designs, the two ports aren't in separate
chambers. The back is dominated by that rather large heatsink
which does get fairly warm.
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The
Subwoofer - Rear
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The
larger port is downward-firing and is flared.
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The
Subwoofer - Bottom
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Taking
the port out though reveals that the flaring is only outside
for some reason. The lack of an internal flare will probably
lead to a certain degree of chuffing caused by turbulence,
as will that grate molded into the end.
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The
Subwoofer - Bottom Port
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Hooray!!
The Sub comes with a reasonable amount of acrylic wadding
to damp unwanted frequencies created by the cabinet resonating.
Ironically, wadding is less important in a Sub than a satellite
speaker due to the frequencies and cabinet size involved
but many budget speakers come with none at all so I won't
complain. Actually in such a small cabinet the wadding can
help increase bass response by slowing the sound waves.
Ideally
the wadding needed to be restrained to keep it away from
the ends of the ports, something that can really change
the nature of the sound produced for the worse. Mercury
have molded a kind of grate onto the end of the ports to
stop the wadding blowing out which suggests they're aware
it could get near the ends. Ideally it needs restraining
around the walls of the cabinet and kept well away from
the ports.
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Sound-Deadening
Material
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Looking
inside we see the usual copious amounts of hot glue and
a relatively tiny 5" base cone. Hot glue has been used
where wires pass through holes but they are otherwise quite
free and likely to vibrate or hum as they come into contact
with each other, with internal components or with the cabinet
walls.
There
are no cheap ways around this problem. Expensive speakers
often have every wire wrapped in wadding then fastened down
tight to keep them quiet but I can't think of a way to do
that here that wouldn't add mightily to the price.
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The
Subwoofer Cone
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Again
it all seems surprisingly nicely done for something so inexpensive.
The tiny 5" bass cone shouldn't render the Sub completely
lame so long as the design of the cabinet is good, but we
can be pretty sure it won't be rattling any fillings loose!
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