Boston Expands Wireless Sub Selection

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 10/16/2009

Peabody, Mass. - Boston Acoustics expanded its selection of wireless subwoofers with three models in its Classic series at street prices of $399 to $599.

The company launched its first two wireless subs in 2007, one in the Horizon series of in-room speakers and one bundled with a powered two-channel sound bar designed as a TV add-on. The Horizon model is no longer available.

The new models are promoted as wireless-ready because they incorporate 2.4GHz wireless receiver that connects wirelessly to an optional $79 (street price) transmitter, which plugs into A/V receivers, preamp/processors and other audio components. The subs that surfaced in 2007 were designed as wireless-only subs.

By sending low-bass frequencies up to 50 feet without speaker cable to the new subs, the 2.4GHz transmitter gives consumers more flexible subwoofer placement options, the company said. With wireless, explained senior sales and marketing VP Joe Stinziano, "you can hide the subwoofer anywhere in the room and still experience incredible bass." For additional placement flexibility, the subs feature front-firing, front-ported design, making them suitable for placement in custom cabinets, a spokesman added.

Although wireless-ready, the subs "are first and foremost standalone powered subwoofers in the classic tradition of Boston subs," the spokesman continued. "They offer high power, low distortion, and extended low-frequency playback in a small-footprint package."

The new subs are the 8-inch 200-watt (350-watt peak) CPS 8Wi at $399 street price, the 10-inch 300-watt (650-watt peak) CPS 10Wi at $499, and the 12-inch 400-watt (850-watt peak) CPS 12Wi at $599. All are available in black walnut or cherry vinyl finish. The CPS 10Wi model is available, and the other two are due later this month.

Each comes with speaker- and line-level inputs, LFE input, volume control and phase switch. The 8-inch model offers 31-150Hz frequency response, and the two step-ups offer 28-150Hz and 25-150Hz, respectively.