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Help with inwall sub amp

Hello!  I need your collective help with a small room sub.  In the room today I have a Bluesound Power Node connected to some in-ceiling Bowers and Wilkins CCW 7.3 speakers.  Overall the sound is good, but I wish the base was a bit nicer.

So I was going to add the B&W ISW-6 in-wall sub.  This is a passive sub, but I'm being advised that it needs it's own amp....

1) Does it?

2) If it does, what's the smallest footprint amp I can find for it?  Something around the size of the Power Node would be best...the B&W solution is a rack mounted amp.  Here's a photo of the current audio stand - a cocktail table that nicely fits the Power Node.  Trying to maintain this type of profile.

Thanks for your help!

--Alec

alec4444
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,783 posts
 

These subwoofers require a subwooferamplifier which usually has specific eq yo need the amp designed for this subwoofer

erik_squires
16,057 posts
 

You can also find some shallow, powered, floor standing subs that can hide between a couch and wall.

alec4444 OP
2 posts
 

Thanks so much! Ok, it needs an amp and agreed, Class D is the way to go (I have tubes elsewhere and they’re glorious!) So how much of a difference will the B&W amp make over something similarly sized but different brand? @audiotroy you mentioned an EQ; is this to tune the sub output?

I looked at the Bluesound Pulse Sub as an option but the reviews don’t sound great.

There are some small subwoofer amps (yay small footprint!) on Amazon, but I don’t recognize the brands and I wonder what $150 actually buys these days. Then there’s Schitt (almost want it for the name alone) VIDAR with this nice AB amp that might be overkill....

Would another Node work? Other options?

Cheers, Alec

alec4444 OP
2 posts
 

Hello!  Just to wrap the thread: I went with the Paradigm MilleniaSub which I wall mounted with their optional kit, and it's perfect.  Not hidden, but unobtrusive and provides great sound.  Super easy to install and the wall mount dampeners eliminate any buzz or rattle from the sub.  Super happy!

james633
1,025 posts
 

You could use a crown amp which has a crossover in it. Another option would be in wall subs from SVS that comes with an amp. 


https://www.svsound.com/products/3000-in-wall-subwoofer

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