Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • 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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Basis

reviews

[{"title":"YG Acoustics Basis Subwoofer Review: A Masterclass in Bass Precision","link":"https://www.theaudiotailor.com.au/blogs/reviews/yg-acoustics-basis-subwoofer-review-a-masterclass-in-bass-precision","source":"The Audio Tailor","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Speaker Type: Active subwoofer with DSP filter
  • Drivers: 32 cm (12.5") BilletCore drivers with 3" voice coil, titanium former and massive double magnet motor
  • Amplifier: Audiophile grade amplifier providing up to 6kW RMS (requires 230V AC otherwise 3kW)
  • Response: Usable output extends from below 16 Hz
  • DSP Crossover: Proprietary DSP crossover with user-controllable phase and frequency
  • Dimensions (H × W × D): 56 × 42 × 52 cm (22 × 16.5 × 20.5")
  • Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) per speaker
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.
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 en...
Manufacturer Site

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:

  • YG Acoustics leverages in-house CNC machining expertise, including billet aluminum construction and meticulously crafted ForgeCore tweeters and BilletCore drivers, to achieve exceptionally low distortion across the frequency spectrum.
  • YG Acoustics employs sophisticated multi-domain computer modeling that goes beyond traditional techniques, incorporating amplifier simulations and room interactions, resulting in speakers that perform consistently well with various equipment and in different environments.
  • The Peaks series, while more affordable, maintains a high level of attention to detail, including custom-designed crossovers with hand-built circuit boards, and constrained layer damping, resulting in a balance of performance and accessibility.

Peaks Series

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a great balance of performance and price, featuring HDF enclosures for cost efficiency while maintaining high-quality sound. Unlike the Reference series, which uses CNC-milled aluminum, the Peaks series uses HDF, making it more accessible for those with budget constraints. It is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms and those who want a high-quality sound without the premium price tag of the Reference series.

Live Series

  • Positioning: Mid-range line, integrating advanced technology for a seamless audio experience.
  • Description: Combines speaker technology with integrated amplification and streaming capabilities, offering a streamlined setup. It features built-in DACs and amplifiers, unlike the Peaks series, which requires external components, making it suitable for users who prefer an all-in-one solution.

Reference Series

  • Positioning: High-end line, representing the best of YG Acoustics' engineering and design.
  • Description: Uses CNC-milled aluminum for its enclosures, which is not found in the Peaks or Live series. This series is designed for audiophiles who seek the ultimate in sound quality and are willing to invest in premium materials and craftsmanship.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
20
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
163
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
21
Founding Year
2002

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
McIntosh
PS1K
35000
35000
/
1
Reviews

Experience bass excellence with the McIntosh PS1K Powered Subwoofer. Expertly engineered with a passion for audio excellence, the PS1K enhances your home audio system by delivering deeper, more precise low frequencies. Design and construction of the PS1K subwoofer embodies a no-compromise approach. At its core are two 13" woofers (also referred to as drivers), equipped with powerful magnets. These drivers feature our proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion while boosting power handling and efficiency.

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Two 13" drivers feature McIntosh's proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design, which reduces distortion and improves power handling
  • Powered by two 500-watt Class D amplifiers for a total of 1,000 watts of output
  • Designed to complement McIntosh speakers, but can be used with any high-end system
  • Features McIntosh's Power Guard and Sentry Monitor to protect against overloading and short circuits
  • Bass is tight and clear for both music and movies, filling large spaces with ease

Product Considerations

  • Sheer size limits practicality, except in extremely large rooms

Takeaway: The PS1K offers undeniable performance with tight and clear bass for both music and movies. With protections against overloading, it ensures reliable, long-term performance for any high-end system

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

JL Audio
Gotham™ v2
25000
/
Released
The beauty of the Gotham® v2 extends well beyond its exotic design and exceptional craftsmanship, aiming right at the emotional core of musical and cinematic enjoyment. This is a subwoofer system with limits that exceed the needs of the typical home theater application, delivering a weight and integrity of reproduction that can only come from a system that is always in control. Its allure lies as much in its ability to convey subtleties as in its prodigious output capabilities. It is simply devastating.
Check Amazon
JL Audio is a hifi brand known for its subwoofer technologies, including the Automatic Room Optimization system that minimizes room-induced bass peaks and the W-Cone unit-body cone-assembly for superior bass performance. The company manufactures many of its premium loudspeakers in the U.S. and includes advanced features like the CR-1 crossover for seamless integration between subwoofers and main speakers, while their VXi amplifiers use internal DSP for extensive sound customization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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

JL Audio is a hifi brand known for its subwoofer technologies, including the Automatic Room Optimization system that minimizes room-induced bass peaks and the W-Cone unit-body cone-assembly for superior bass performance. The company manufactures many of its premium loudspeakers in the U.S. and includes advanced features like the CR-1 crossover for seamless integration between subwoofers and main speakers, while their VXi amplifiers use internal DSP for extensive sound customization.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Wilson Audio
Submerge
29500
/
Released
2023
Found 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.
Check Amazon
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

How to buy

Subwoofers

Search all hifi products

Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.