Subwoofers — Jamo Sub210

The Sub 210 is an entry-level powered subwoofer from the Danish company Jamo, aimed at owners who want to add low bass to a TV, stereo or small surround system without giving up much floor space. It combines a single 8 inch woofer and a built-in Class D amplifier inside a reflex-loaded enclosure, and Jamo still lists it in the current subwoofer range. Over its production run it has been offered in black, wenge, dark apple, white ash, and gloss black or gloss white lacquer, while the present listing shows a black finish.

Key specs that matter

A single 200 mm (8 inch) long-stroke woofer does the work. Amplification is rated at 100 W, with 200 W quoted as maximum output. Bandwidth runs from 38 Hz to 200 Hz at +/-3 dB, and the -6 dB point falls at 34 Hz. The enclosure measures 313 mm high, 283 mm wide and 305 mm deep. Net weight is 6.5 kg. Line input impedance is 22 kilohm, and standby consumption stays below 0.5 W. Versions exist for 100-120 V at 60 Hz and for 220-240 V at 50 Hz mains.

Engineering and use context

The woofer and the reflex port both point at the floor, so neither is visible from the front and the cabinet faces the room with a plain panel. The long-stroke motor gives the cone extra travel, which is how the woofer in a box barely over 30 cm on each side is able to reach its rated low-frequency limit. An automatic power circuit switches the amplifier on once an input signal is detected and drops it back to standby when the signal stops for a while, which removes the need for a front power button. Rear controls cover level, a cut-off frequency that is continuously variable from 40 Hz to 200 Hz, and phase that turns progressively between 0 and 180 degrees. Jamo describes the model as compact and intended for straightforward integration with existing TV and audio systems.

Pairing

Left and right RCA line-level sockets double as an LFE input, so the Sub 210 connects either to a surround processor via its LFE jack or to a stereo amplifier with left and right pre-outs. Its wide filter range makes it a partner for small satellites and compact bookshelf speakers that stop well above 80 Hz, and for soundbars or TV systems that provide a sub output. With floorstanding speakers the low cut-off settings keep its output below the point where the main pair begins to roll off.

Alternatives

For a smaller footprint within the same Jamo subwoofer range, the Cube Subwoofer uses two side-firing 165 mm woofers driven by a 250 W rated amplifier.