Subwoofer Showdown: Testing the Limits of Sound
A thrilling experiment tested the sonic capabilities of a top-tier soundbar, pushing the boundaries of home audio. The goal: to see how far one could push the bass, achieving a truly immersive experience at home.
Unveiling the Powerhouse
The Marshall Heston 120 earned high praise for its outstanding Dolby Atmos performance and captivating musicality. The soundbar also boasts impressive bass, which prompted a curiosity about its potential when paired with something more.
An RCA port on the soundbar allows the connection of an external subwoofer. This opens up a realm of possibilities for bringing low frequencies to a new level. The reviewer took the leap and connected a massive subwoofer.
Enter the Rumble: Q Acoustics Q Sub120
The Q Acoustics Q Sub120, a 600W, 22.7 kg, 12-inch subwoofer, was selected for its promise to deliver “infrabass you can both hear and feel.” The reviewer was soon to find out if the description was accurate.
Connecting the Q Sub120 to the Heston 120 via an RCA cable, the reviewer began the test. The Studio Ghibli film “Boy and Heron” was used to assess the sonic capabilities of the setup.
The result was an experience that left the reviewer “speechless.” The powerful bass generated by the subwoofer was so intense that it vibrated the room.
A Cinema Experience at Home
The Q Sub120 can be adjusted from 0 to 10. At the highest level, the reviewer said the setup felt like a cinema experience. With a frequency response down to 28 Hz, the bass filled the room.
The reviewer admitted that the setup, while incredible, might not be ideal for every home. The Q Sub120 might be too powerful for smaller living spaces. Data indicates that the average U.S. living room size is about 600 square feet, with the Q Sub120 being more suited for larger areas.
The Verdict
The Q Sub120 substantially enhances the Marshall Heston 120, transforming the listening experience. Even listening to music provided enchanting bass depth. The bass had phenomenal clarity.
The Heston 120 is a fine soundbar on its own. However, the Q Acoustics Q Sub120 takes the audio experience to a new level. The Marshall brand will also be releasing its own subwoofer, the Heston Sub 200, later this year.
