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.
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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
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...
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.
Select products
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.
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YG Acoustics
What if you spend more?
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.
Our summary
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
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What competes at this price?
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
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.
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