Owner's Manual
Alpha S10
Powered Subwoofer
Designed &
Engineered
in Canada
Why You Need a Subwoofer
The subwoofer is a fairly recent entrant to the typical home entertainment system and
we see the concept popping up in even low price desktop systems. The idea of having
a separate bass speaker was first encountered in cinemas and public address systems
where a lot of audio power was needed to fill the theater or stadium. Since the sound
wavelengths are so long at these low frequencies (3 to 9 meters) using a single mono
subwoofer will not disturb the stereo image. But do you need a subwoofer? What are
the needs and the benefits?
Subs are typically specified for systems where large full range speakers are not practical,
or for large open rooms, or where very high SPLs are desired. Placing small speakers
where they create the most lifelike stereo image is often at odds with the location that
gives the most even and powerful bass response. The ‘sub/sat’ system is the answer for
this dilemma, by allowing the sub to be placed for best bass response, and the satellite
speakers to be placed for best imaging. Another great use for subwoofers is when
speakers need to be hidden and must be both small and unobtrusive. To have the correct
sound balance a subwoofer is called for. And probably the most common use is in the
home cinema, where realistic special effects demand the power of a subwoofer. Dolby
found subwoofers to be an essential element of home theater sound and even created a
special ‘Low Frequency Effects’ channel specifically for a subwoofer.
The other hidden benefit of the subwoofer is that it removes the burden of bass output
from the satellite speaker. This allows the speaker to play louder and with far less
distortion. Since most subwoofers today are powered, they also add considerable power
to the overall system performance.
• Bass reflex design with rear port
• 150 Watt Continuous Power
• Compact cabinet volumes with high output
• Woofers feature polypropylene cones and
rubber surrounds
• Design and final voicing engineered by
Paul Barton
• Rear Mounted Volume Crossover Controls
• AutoOn/Standby Switch
• Gold-plated RCAs
• USB Power Jack for RT100 wireless accessory
• Rubber bumpers and spikes