Infinity CSW-10 (black)

Reviewed by

Steve Guttenberg

on 03/04/2005

Add to my list
Print
E-mail
Share

See all products in the Infinity CSW-10 series
See all Harman Kardon products

CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
Average user rating: Write your own review

Email me when this product is available

Quick specs
Type of speaker: subwoofer
Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.3 in x 15.4 in x 14 in
Color: Black
See full specifications

Add to my list Product summary

The good: Awesome bass; Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System; 10-inch woofer mated with a 650-watt amplifier; robust build quality.

The bad: For this kind of money, we'd like to see real wood veneer.

The bottom line: The CSW-10 is expensive, but its combination of power and finesse makes it a serious value.

Read full review

Compare this subwoofer to:

Infinity CSW-10

Klipsch Synergy Sub-12 Starting at $349.88

Polk Audio PSW 111 subwoofer Starting at $249.00

Infinity Interlude 100s

Aperion Intimus S-10 Powered Subwoofer

Compare selected

CNET editors' review

CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
Detailed editors' rating

Reviewed by:
Steve Guttenberg
Edited by:
David Carnoy
Reviewed on: 03/04/2005
Released on: 03/30/2004

Few audio companies with a lineage as revered as Infinity Systems' are able to transition to the mainstream with their high-end principles intact. But Infinity certainly makes a case with its updated Beta series, a line that ranges from the Beta 10 bookshelf monitors ($330 per pair, SRP) to the Beta 50 tallboy speaker ($998 for a pair, SRP). Where does the CSW-10 subwoofer ($999 SRP) fit in? Well, even though it doesn't carry the Beta name in its title, this 10-inch boomer is designed to be matched with Beta-series speakers.

The standout feature here is Infinity's Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System (RABOS), which can notably improve the CSW-10's sound, especially in problem rooms. Packed with the sub is the RABOS test and measurement kit, which includes a precision calibration microphone, a test CD, and test graphs. We think the setup procedure may be a little too advanced for neophytes, who will likely need the assistance of a knowledgeable friend or a helpful dealer. That said, we predict many Infinity CSW-10 buyers will live happily ever after without tweaking the RABOS controls--we didn't feel the need.

The 10-inch woofer's massive rubber surround looks like it means business. The woofer employs Infinity's patented Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD) driver technology, originally developed for Infinity's high-end Prelude MTS models. CMMD drivers are said to be lighter and stronger than conventional paper, plastic, or metal drivers. According to Infinity, CMMD drivers produce lower levels of distortion for a more transparent and detailed sound.

Considering its prodigious bass capabilities, we think the CSW-10--which is available in black and cherry vinyl wood-grain finishes--is downright petite: it's just 14 inches tall, 13.25 inches wide, and 15.3 inches deep. But don't let the reasonable dimensions fool you. This little fella weighs a hefty 52 pounds.