Velodyne's newest series of premium subwoofers features state-of-the-art Subwoofer design and ergonomics. Based around a newly developed, longer-excursion driver than previous models, the DD+ series incorporates the latest in digital EQ, servo amplifier design, and computer-based user interface to deliver Velodyne's ultimate subwoofer. The $3,299 DD+ 10 is the smallest speaker in the Digital Drive Plus line, yet it has more than enough power with its 1,250 watts RMS amplifier and 35 pound magnet structure to energize a mid-sized room with ease.

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Aimed at the top echelon of the market, the DD+ series offers a 10, 12, and 15-inch versions. With its glossy finish and slick controls, the DD+ series was created to compete with the JL Fathom series subwoofers. All of Velodyne's new DD+ subwoofers include their latest software and EQ, which offers a level of control that makes it easy to adjust the DD+ subwoofers to perform optimally even in difficult acoustic environments. Using Velodyne's patented digital high-gain servo technology and Energy Recovery System (ERS) amplifier, the DD+ subwoofers deliver over 3,000 watts of dynamic power while producing under a half of a percent of distortion. This is a 4.5 to 6 dB improvement from the previous generation of Digital Drive subwoofers.

The DD-10+'s installation and set-up software lets you get as hands-on or hand's-off as you wish during set-up. You can set it up like a conventional subwoofer where you merely dial in a volume level and frequency crossover point from the front panel controls. Or you can use Velodyne's auto-set-up, which takes less than ten minutes to run through using a special test disc to optimize Velodyne's auto EQ system. Finally, you can use a Windows computer to adjust every parameter of the Velodyne DD-10+ EQ system, including Q, boost point, and intensity via a supplied software program. I tried all three methods. Velodyne's auto set-up produced results that very nearly matched a far more time-intensive manual computer install. The auto system chose a 79 dB crossover point with a pair of Studio Electric Monitors, while with a pair of Aerial Acoustic 5B speakers it used 76 dB. Both of these speakers are sealed cabinet two-way speakers with similar dimensions and sensitivities but the DD-10+'s built-in software is sufficiently sophisticated to discern the differences between them.

In both my main room and computer-based systems the Velodyne DD-10+ performed with aplomb. I've rarely felt my pant's cuffs shake from low frequencies, but the DD-10+ did just that when installed in my desktop system. The only subwoofer I've used with similar capabilities was the JL Audio Fathom F-112. The JL sub offers more manual controls and a very good self-contained auto-set-up that doesn't require an external sound source of test CD. But the JL sub lacks the DD-10+'s remote control with EQ presets and volume controls.