Сабвуферы — ELAC Varro DS1200-GB

The Varro DS1200-GB is the larger of two Dual Reference models at the head of ELAC's Varro subwoofer family, which launched at the end of March 2023 with seven models in three series. It sits above the DS1000-GB, and its launch prices were EUR 2,799 in Europe and USD 2,999.98 in the United States. Varro is Latin for durable and strong, according to ELAC.

Key specs that matter

Two 12-inch woofers with HEX surrounds share one closed enclosure. Their BASH amplifier delivers 1,200 W RMS into 4 ohm, with 2,400 W available for peaks. ELAC specifies 17 to 150 Hz anechoic and 14 to 150 Hz in room, and a maximum output of 118 dB SPL at 1 m under anechoic conditions. The low-pass filter covers 40 to 150 Hz. Height is 421 mm, width 482 mm and depth 416 mm, with a net weight of 37.9 kg. The only finish is gloss black, and a removable grille, power cord and spikes are included. Standby draw stays below 2 W.

Engineering and use context

Each cone is a sandwich - a light aluminium layer glued between two treated paper cones. ELAC says this keeps the fast response of cellulose while adding the torsional rigidity of aluminium, and it allows long cone travel for high levels and low bass. A 2.5-inch voice coil per driver adds power handling and heat control. Its drivers are mounted back to back on opposing sides in an impulse-compensated arrangement, so the mechanical forces inside the closed enclosure cancel out and the cones do not rock the cabinet. Its walls are 36 mm MDF with internal cross-bracing to cut resonances. ELAC CTO Joe Riggi led the Varro project, setting low extension and output as its goals. Settings are handled by the ELAC Sub Control 3.0 app over Bluetooth LE, a USB port takes firmware updates, and an Ethernet port allows third-party control from Control4, Savant or Crestron systems. A 12 V trigger input allows an AV processor or preamp to power the subwoofer up alongside the main electronics. Design work is ELAC's own, and manufacturing is done in China.

Pairing

Inputs include RCA line level, balanced XLR and speaker level, so the DS1200-GB can take an LFE feed from an AV processor, a balanced output from a stereo preamp, or the speaker terminals of an amplifier with no sub output. An AirX2 wireless receiver is also listed. Its output ceiling and in-room extension point to large home cinemas and full-range stereo systems with floorstanding speakers.

Alternatives

The ELAC Varro DS1000-GB uses the same opposed sealed layout with two 10-inch drivers and 1,000 W RMS.