Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Enhances the venue in which a recording was made
- Can smooth out the treble by providing a more solid musical foundation
- Enhances subtle details in a recording
- Provides tight and precise bass and the ability to reveal a wide gamut of textural colors
- Integrates seamlessly into the system
Product Considerations
- The single line LCD display and click/turn navigation rotary is a clunky, time-consuming method of accessing nested functions
- The different parameters of the sub are on the back and controlled from the back, which means that users may have to keep pulling it in and out of position for each parameter change
- Reviewer notes a sense of skepticism due to the amp being manufactured by Dayton Audio
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- LōKē is smaller than Wilson Audio's WATCH Dog
- Compared to systems without a subwoofer, LōKē reproduces music otherwise unheard
- LōKē, unlike the Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic subwoofer, has a built-in amplifier
- Some reviewers feel that two JL Audio 12's provide a better value compared to LōKē
Takeaway: The LōKē is a well-built subwoofer that integrates nicely with Wilson Audio and other loudspeaker systems to provide a fast and coherent bass response. Adding the LōKē to an existing system enhances the musical experience.
All
LōKē
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Built-in Amplifier: 500 watts
- Controls: Crossover frequency, crossover slope, phase, and level
Wilson Audio's Smallest Subwoofer
From the beginning, the Wilson Audio Special Application Engineering® team wanted to create a subwoofer system that follows the North Star development parameters set forth by David Wilson. We are excited to demonstrate how much of David's original intent is captured by Lōkē and invite you to visit your local authorized Wilson Audio Dealer for an unforgettable musical experience that will reshape your thinking around small footprint subwoofer systems.
Lōkē encompasses full compatibility across the myriad of TuneTot installations but also fundamentally expands the core capabilities of our other smaller floorstanding loudspeaker models: SabrinaX, Yvette, Sasha DAW, and their predecessors.
LōKē® is an all-in-one, simple to setup, and easy to manage subwoofer solution. Incorporated into LōKē's built-in amplifier (500 watts) are the most utilized functions from Wilson Audio's acclaimed ActivXO® Dual Subwoofer Crossover, including such key parameters as crossover frequency, crossover slope, phase, and level.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Wilson Audio emphasizes driver time-alignment in its designs, adjusting for listening position and amplifier characteristics, claiming increased realism in sound reproduction.
- The brand incorporates a proprietary mix of materials in their cabinets, such as X-Material, S-Material and V-Material, each chosen and implemented to control resonance and improve sonic performance.
- Wilson Audio places great importance on providing a bespoke level of service, offering a Wilson Audio Setup Procedure (WASP) that is performed by trained dealers in the client's listening room.
- Wilson Audio integrates key components manufacturing in-house, demonstrated by the acquisition and use of AudioCapX capacitors wound to exacting standards, allowing precise crossover design.
Select products
SabrinaX
- Positioning: The entry-level floor-standing loudspeaker.
- Description: Offers a compact design suitable for smaller rooms or spaces where placement flexibility is essential. Unlike higher-end models like the Sasha V, it lacks modular adjustability, making it less adaptable to varied listening positions.
The WATT/Puppy
- Positioning: A reimagined classic, positioned above the SabrinaX in the lineup.
- Description: This model pays homage to its iconic predecessor while incorporating modern technologies. Compared to the SabrinaX, it features an adjustable spike and bubble level for precise setup, enhancing its adaptability in different environments.
Sasha V
- Positioning: Sits mid-tier in the range, offering advanced features without reaching flagship status.
- Description: Incorporates V-Material in critical areas for improved vibration control, a feature not present in the WATT/Puppy. Additionally, it offers a two-position front spike track for enhanced time alignment, providing greater adaptability to various listening positions.
Alexia V
- Positioning: Positioned above the Sasha V, offering more advanced technologies and performance capabilities.
- Description: Features an all X-Material enclosure with V-Material strategically placed for superior vibration damping, surpassing the Sasha V's implementation. Its crossover has been refined for better impedance and sensitivity measurements.
Alexx V
- Positioning: A high-end model, positioned just below the flagship offerings.
- Description: Introduces an open gantry design and a QuadraMag midrange driver, advancements over the Alexia V. It also incorporates an all X-Material enclosure with V-Material in strategic locations, enhancing vibration control and sound clarity.
Chronosonic XVX
- Positioning: One of the flagship models, offering top-tier performance and technology.
Description: Features an ultra-precise time-domain adjustment mechanism, allowing for microsecond-level alignment, a capability beyond the Alexx V. Its modular design provides groundbreaking adaptability to various listening environments.
WAMM Master Chronosonic
- Positioning: The ultimate flagship loudspeaker, representing the pinnacle of design and engineering.
- Description: Offers true full-range performance without the need for a subwoofer, unlike earlier designs. It incorporates the most advanced time-domain adjustability and driver technology, setting it apart from the Chronosonic XVX and other models in the lineup.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Wilson Audio
What if you spend more?
SubmergeFound deep in the groves of your favorite LPs, and concealed in the soundtrack of the movies you can't wait to watch, is the critical low-frequency information that provides the the sense of space of the recorded music hall and the impact of the explosions the movie hero narrowly escapes. Submerge reveals the tension and sonic foundation below the surface of your audio experience.
Advanced Enclosure TechnologyOur precision-engineered and handcrafted X-Material enclosures, paired with an S-Material front baffle, bring you a level of vibration control that's simply without equal in the center channel market. Every note, every whisper, every thunderous explosion is delivered with unparalleled clarity and authority.
Cutting-Edge HardwareThe 1,600 watt amplifier is uniquely mounted to the massive heatsink plate found on the rear of the enclosure. Coupling the amplifier to the T6061 Aluminum back plate efficiently transfers heat from the internal components of the amplifier to the decorative heatsink fins, the design of which is inspired by the mountain ranges surrounding Wilson Audio.
Remove the handcrafted front grille to expose the sleek aluminum baffle design. The attachment hardware for this mass of metal is strategically placed underneath grille post catchers, ensuring a clean and visually pleasing appearance without compromising functionality.
Taking a page from the Master Subsonic's playbook, the combination of thick X-Material as a substrate coalesced with the bulk of the aluminum baffle create a truly solid and extremely damped surface for the Submerge driver to be secured to.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Enhances room pressurization and provides a sense of the recording's space
- Adds texture to both low-frequency and mid-range sounds, significantly enhancing the listening experience
- Improves deep bass and addresses room-related issues
- Flexibility helps to recover low octaves, ensuring the subwoofer matches the measured response
Product Considerations
- High price point
- The unit is very heavy, weighing just over 115 kilos (250 pounds)
- Requires careful setup involving the crossover, gain, and phase/delay to achieve perfect time alignment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Builds on the success of the smaller Wilson Audio LōKē Powered Subwoofer
- Includes the same proprietary driver found in the Wilson Audio Subsonic Subwoofer
- Features a built-in crossover inspired by the Wilson ActivXO crossover
- Bigger than the Loke, with a larger cabinet and woofer, and increased amplifier power from 500 to 1,600 watts
- The WATCH Dog has a split port with a divider, but in the Submerge, the split is pushed back to improve airflow and quieten the cabinet
Takeaway: The Wilson Audio Submerge provides a more immersive listening experience by adding depth, texture, and improved bass response, making it a worthwhile addition for high-end hifi systems, especially when paired with Wilson Audio speakers. Its ability to address room acoustics and provide a balanced soundstage makes it a valuable addition.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Delivers dynamic, detailed, and nuanced sound with incredible clarity and power
- Incorporates an Automatic Room Optimization (ARO) system to effectively remove room-induced bass response errors
- Impressive low-end extension, reaching down to 19Hz
Product Considerations
- Due to its huge weight (163 kg), placement requires careful consideration, and frequent relocation may not be feasible
- As a very large product, it is not recommended for smaller or medium-sized rooms
- To achieve ideal performance, it is necessary to pair it with speakers of the same power and category
Takeaway: The product provides exceptional clarity and powerful bass, making it a great choice for larger rooms where the best possible sound is desired. Its room optimization features also facilitate maximizing an audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Basis shatters the notion that soundstage-enriching, deep and authoritative sub-bass must come from a large cabinet. Basis performs with the precision of a scalpel and the power of a sledgehammer. As a true ultra-fidelity subwoofer, Basis has huge bandwidth. It combines an entirely new, innovative driver, extreme cabinet engineering and an exceptional, wideband amplifier: Basis is capable of performing as nearly a full range speaker by itself.
When all of this capability is focused on the challenging and all-important sub bass region, the Basis proves its place well beyond the competition. Where other high-end subwoofers still struggle to avoid harmonic distortion, Basis delivers industry-leading behavior at the very lowest frequencies, with true fundamental bass for the discerning audiophile. It does this powerful work seamlessly, weaving bass energy into the expanded soundstage as if the Basis is an elemental part of the foundation.
Graceful curves and diminutive size belie an authority and strength we have only found to be bettered by our legendary Invincible subwoofer. For Basis, we incorporated a holistic design approach aimed at achieving the ultimate in high-end subwoofer performance. That we also achieved this in a compact package, one which can disappear sonically and visually in any listening environment, was a satisfying by-product of our process.
Listeners can enjoy a single unit, or stack multiple units in Duo or Trio configurations. This does much more than simply adding greater power: stacking loads rooms more evenly with bass energy, flattening modes more effectively than any other strategy. Basis lends beauty and soul to a reference-level system, delivering a meaningful improvement without adding any character of its own. Its quiet strength comes from thousands of hours of development focused on every single aspect of the design.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass precision and control
- Features a powerful 6kW RMS amplifier
- Has a sophisticated DSP crossover system
- Achieves bass extension below 16Hz with virtually no distortion
- Has high-quality BilletCore driver technology
Product Considerations
- Premium price point
- Substantial weight (70kg) may require professional installation
Takeaway: The YG Acoustics Basis Subwoofer redefines bass performance with exceptional precision and control. The flexibility of the DSP crossover makes it easy to integrate into existing systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Digital Motional Feedback (DMF) minimizes distortion in the bass region by monitoring acceleration on the aluminum cone and feeding back information to the DSP
- Response is flat down to 20Hz
- Sound quality improves in areas that have nothing to do with bass, and everything brightens up
- Immediately balanced and sophisticated sound
Product Considerations
- Some tweaking with regards to the positioning of the speakers is needed to get the best from the soundstaging
- The full manuals are online or to print off, which some may find a pain
- Packaging is massive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dynaudio 18S: The Grimm subs overshadowed and outshone the Dynaudio
- Vs Audiovector R6: The soundstage thrown by these speakers is not as expansive as the Audiovector R6 speakers
Takeaway: The SB1 is designed to deliver a proper representation of music without sonic fireworks, it just works. It offers a turnkey solution for music lovers that want superlative sonics in a package that will fit with any home.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Described as a 'real beauty', it is the new reference top-of-the-range flagship subwoofer from REL
- Deep bass output and really good bass extension, with REL claiming -6dB at 15Hz
- Exquisite paint finish with 12 coats of final lacquer applied, with each subwoofer taking 5 weeks in total to build
- The remote control and digital display make it a very nice way of setting things up, and then after dialing in, the remote is probably not needed again
Product Considerations
- It is a huge and very heavy subwoofer, weighing 85 kilograms
- The handles on the side are useful for lifting such a heavy unit, but they are not very nice to look at
Takeaway: The No.32 is a top-of-the-line subwoofer that offers exceptional bass performance and exquisite build quality. It's perfect for audiophiles who want the very best and have the space to accommodate it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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