Some would argue that Definitive Technology has made its name on its subwoofers and subwoofer technology as much as its heralded loudspeakers. It would be hard to dispute that point. Definitive has introduced numerous innovative (and sometimes patented or patent-pending) ways for producing accurate, rattling bass within seemingly impossible-sized enclosures, and pioneered the side-firing powered subwoofer seen all over the market today, as well as the development of Class D digital switching amplifiers for subwoofers.

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One of its current line of ten powered subwoofers, the ProSub 1000 ($499.00/MSRP) is at the top of its entry-level ProSub line of three models (ProSub 60/800/1000 - reviewed here). Measuring 12 inches wide by 17.875 inches deep by 14.4375 inches high and weighing 31 pounds, the ProSub 1000 feels very solid and hefty for its very affordable price. The design employs one 10-inch front-firing woofer pressure coupled to one 10-inch down-firing low bass radiator, driven by a 300-watt patented Infinite Power Source MOSFET Power Amplifier. The monocoque cabinet employs unitized construction where all panels are permanently joined together into one solid structure, and is specifically engineered to minimize vibration. The cabinet walls are made from high-density medite fused together by polymer adhesives, and the thick front and rear baffles feature extensive internal bracing. The ProSub 1000 offers one set of high-level inputs and outputs on gold-plated, five-way binding posts, and a single low-level input on an RCA jack, intended for a LFE output. On the speaker-level side, the ProSub offers a non-variable 80Hz, 6dB per octave high-pass crossover, and a variable 24dB per octave low-pass crossover, selectable from 40Hz to 150Hz. Your settings will depend on the type of system you have - factors like speaker range, amplifier power, and primary material all will determine how you use the subwoofer. Small speaker users will want to use the subwoofer to play low bass, while larger speaker users may want to use it only as a mild supplement. Movie and gaming lovers would normally use the processor's LFE output, which can sometimes also be tailored on the processor side to also contain other low bass that the main speakers may not be able to handle. Lots of options, all of which should be explored with the help of your local professional. The fit and finish of the ProSub 1000 ranks among the best in its class.

Sound
Evaluated in a movie and gaming setting, the ProSub1000 got a lot right. For its relatively small size, it really thumped and added terrific substance to most material. In these types of situations, it's more about impact than anything else, and, in that area, the ProSub 1000 delivered quite a bit. In music settings, the ProSub 1000 sometimes veered a little out of control, but not nearly as much as some of its competitors. It retained enough tightness and speed to make it fairly inconspicuous in critical listening situations. For its price, its lack of flabbiness and good amount of punch really impressed and made it a very versatile performer. It also retained a lot of its more refined qualities when placed near a wall.

Read about the high points and the low points of the ProSub 1000 on Page 2.