CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 02/07/2005
The i stands for improved. For starters, PSB doubled the power of the original SubZero, which we reviewed in 2001 and didn't particularly like. The new, built-in, high-efficiency amplifier delivers 100 watts of continuous power, 130 watts of dynamic power, and 260 watts of peak power. Further enhancements include antioverload circuitry, which allows the SubZero i to sail through short-term peaks and sustained high-power demands.
This sub, which comes in textured black or cherrywood-grain vinyl wrap, is really small, weighing 23 pounds and measuring 9.5 inches wide, 13.25 inches high, and 14.25 inches deep. Peek through the curved perforated metal grille, and you'll spot the SubZero i's 8-inch polypropylene woofer. You can't see the woofer's healthy 20-ounce magnet, but it's there, and it would normally wreak havoc with your TV if placed too close to it. Thankfully, however, the SubZero i is shielded, so you can put it wherever you want.
The front-mounted 50Hz to150Hz crossover and volume controls allow for easy adjustment (most subs have their controls tucked away on their rear ends). On the back, you'll find heavy-duty speaker level binding post inputs intended for use with older, pre-Dolby Digital receivers. That said, today's receivers will likely work best with the SubZero i's line-level RCA input. A bypass switch cuts out the internal crossover--the subwoofer then relies on your receiver's crossover, which distributes midrange and treble to the satellites and bass to the sub. That arrangement provides the smoothest possible integration between the sats and the sub.
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