Go shopping for a truly uncompromising high-performance in-wall subwoofer, and you're going to end up with a very short list of manufacturers. And JL Audio is undeniably on that very short list. But in the past, the cost of its 13.5-inch architectural subs has been an insurmountable barrier to entry for some. Especially those with smaller listening spaces.
The companys' new 8-inch models, introduced this week, definitely help, especially given that prices start at just $2,300.
Read on for full details from JL Audio:
JL Audio, an innovator in high-end audio solutions, now shipping an 8-inch version of their Fathom IWS in-wall subwoofer systems with additional enclosure option for in-ceiling applications. The new 8-inch Fathom IWS and ICS systems join a previous model, with a 13.5-inch driver, in the Fathom IWS lineup.
"We are excited about the potential of the 8-inch in-wall and in-ceiling subwoofer solutions in our growing line of architectural audio solutions," said Andy Oxenhorn, President of JL Audio. "These models have a very small, low-profile grille that will please customers looking for a visually unobtrusive solution that delivers true JL Audio sub-bass performance."
The 8-inch Fathom IWS and ICS systems are packaged in compact enclosures that utilize extensive architectural features aimed at improving rigidity. A unique port design vents through a slot located at the perimeter of the driver mount, to enhance efficiency and low-bass output. Inside the enclosure is an all-new, long-excursion, 8-inch thin-line woofer, built specifically by JL Audio for these products. Each 8-inch Fathom IWS and ICS system is driven by a rack-mountable amplifier with up to 600 watts of clean power, programmed specifically for each system. A complete set of Fathom signal processing features is also onboard, including a powerful, 18-band Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system, and high-pass crossover outputs, all accessible via an easy-to-use, menu-driven interface and LCD display.
"The rise in popularity of architectural speakers has integrators looking for solutions that perform like traditional products. The IWS and ICS-108 and 208 prove that you don't need to lower your expectations when selecting an in-wall or in-ceiling subwoofer solution," added Manville Smith, VP of Marketing.
Specifications
Fathom ICS-SYS-108 / ICS-SYS-208 and IWS-SYS-108 / IWS-SYS-208
Enclosure Type: Ported Enclosure
Driver(s): 8-inch (nominal diameter)
Effective Piston Area: 31.62 sq. in. (0.0204 sq. m.) for each woofer
Effective Displacement: 47.5 cu. in. (0.78 liters) for each woofer
Amplifier Power: 300W RMS short-term (IWS-SYS-108 and ICS-SYS-108), 600W RMS short-term (IWS-SYS-208 and ICS-SYS-208)
Amplifier Dimensions: 1.718 in. x 16.80 in. x 13.19 in. (44 mm x 427 mm x 335 mm)
Amplifier Net Weight: 13.5 lbs. (6.12 kg)
Enclosure Dimensions (IWS-SYS-108 and IWS-SYS-208): 61.626 in. x 14 in. x 3.25 in. (1,565 mm x 355 mm x 83 mm)
Wall Width Fitment: 16 inches on center
Enclosure Dimensions (ICS-SYS-108 and ICS-SYS-208): 40.71 in. x 14 in. x 5.13 in. (1,034 mm x 355 mm x 130 mm)
Ceiling Joist Width Fitment: 16 inches to 25.50 inches on center
Cabinet Finish: Black Texture-Coated
Grille Opening Dimensions: 9.75 inches x 9.75 inches (248 mm x 248 mm)
Grille Dimensions: 10.50 inches x 10.50 inches (267 mm x 267 mm)
Grille Finish: White, Paintable
Features:
MSRP USD: $2,300.00 - $3,500.00
Availability: Now Shipping
Additional Resources
• Visit the JL Audio website for more product information.
• Read JL Audio Debuts New Fathom In-wall Subwoofer at HomeTheaterReview.
• Check out our In-wall and Architectural Speaker Reviews category page to read reviews of similar products.