Elipson Classic Sub: three new subwoofers to boost bass performance

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Elipson is expanding its catalogue with the new Classic Sub series, a family of three active subwoofers designed for both hi-fi and home theatre use. Featuring three models—the Classic Sub 8, Classic Sub 10, and Classic Sub 12—this series is based on a common design featuring fibreglass cone drivers, class D amplification, and settings designed to facilitate integration with the main speakers. With drivers ranging from 8 to 12 inches, power ratings between 150 and 300 watts, and a frequency response extending down to 25 Hz, Elipson caters for everything from small living rooms to large home theatre set-ups.

A new range to boost ultra-low frequencies

Following the Prestige Subwoofer and Premium Sub series, the French manufacturer is expanding its product lineup with the new Classic Sub series, which bridges the gap between the two. This new series aims to offer a balance between compact size, power, and depth, with three models designed for different room sizes and uses.

All share the same technical base, featuring a bass-reflex enclosure and a driver equipped with a fibreglass cone. This material combines rigidity and lightness to allow rapid, controlled cone movement. The goal is to achieve responsive, well-defined bass that can keep pace with the rhythm of a song while also adding depth to the most spectacular effects in a soundtrack. All three models also feature class D amplification, a technology particularly well-suited for subwoofers thanks to its high efficiency and ability to deliver significant power in a compact design.

Classic Sub 8Classic Sub 10Classic Sub 12
Driver8″10″12″
Power150 W200 W300 W
Frequency response37–200 Hz29–160 Hz25–160 Hz
Dimensions (WxHxD)256 x 322 x 350 mm306 x 372 x 410 mm356 x 422 x 470 mm
Price€299€499€699
The Elipson Classic Sub series consists of three active subwoofers designed for different room sizes. From the compact Classic Sub 8 to the powerful Classic Sub 12, all models combine a bass-reflex design, a fibreglass cone driver, and class D amplification to effectively enhance the bass response of a hi-fi or home theatre system.

A boost to add depth

Another feature shared by this new series: Elipson uses DSP-based electronic enhancement in the ultra-low frequencies. The Classic Sub 8 and Classic Sub 10 feature a +6.3 dB boost at 33 Hz, while the Classic Sub 12 features a +6 dB boost at the same frequency. This adjustment accentuates the presence of the deepest frequencies and adds more weight to cinematic effects or instruments that heavily utilise the lower end of the spectrum. Each model also features a subsonic filter designed to limit the driver’s excursion within its operational range. It is set to 22 Hz on the Classic Sub 8 and 10, and to 23 Hz on the Classic Sub 12, with a 12 dB/octave slope in all cases.

Elipson Classic Sub 8: the compact model

The most compact model in the lineup, the Elipson Classic Sub 8 subwoofer combines an 8″ fibreglass cone driver with a 150 W class D amplifier to add more depth to both music and soundtracks while remaining easy to fit into small rooms.

The Elipson Classic Sub 8 subwoofer is the entry-level model in the lineup. It features an 8″ fibreglass cone driver powered by a 150 watt class D amplifier. Its frequency response ranges from 37 Hz to 200 Hz at ±3 dB. Measuring 25.6 cm wide and 32.2 cm tall, it can easily be placed next to a TV stand or along a wall. It is 36.4 cm deep with the grille and 35 cm deep without. Elipson therefore intends it primarily for small rooms and installations where discretion is important. Its relatively compact size allows it to complement a pair of bookshelf speakers without taking up too much space.

Elipson Classic Sub 10: the versatile choice

The Elipson Classic Sub 10 subwoofer is at the heart of the lineup, featuring a 10″ fibreglass cone driver and a 200 W class D amplifier. Deeper and more powerful than the Classic Sub 8, it is designed for medium-sized living rooms and can be paired with both bookshelf and floorstanding speakers in both hi-fi and home theatre setups.

Positioned at the heart of the lineup, the Elipson Classic Sub 10 subwoofer delivers increased power with a 10″ driver and 200 watt amplification. It also extends significantly lower than the 8″ model, with a specified frequency response of 29 Hz to 160 Hz at ±3 dB. This increased extension and driver area allows it to move more air and deliver more pronounced physical impact. It is suitable for medium-sized living rooms and can complement both bookshelf speakers and a pair of floorstanding speakers. Elipson also presents it as the most versatile model in the range, capable of adding more body to music playback while delivering the necessary impact for movie soundtracks.

Elipson Classic Sub 12: prioritising sensations

The Elipson Classic Sub 12 is the top-of-the-line model, featuring a 12″ driver with a fibreglass cone and a 300 W class D amplifier. Capable of reaching down to 25 Hz, it is designed for large rooms and those who love exciting bass.

The Elipson Classic Sub 12 subwoofer tops the new series and takes a significantly more powerful approach. Its 12″ driver is paired with a 300 watt class D amplifier—twice the power of the Classic Sub 8. Its frequency response goes as low as 25 Hz, allowing it to reproduce much deeper frequencies and engage the listener’s physical senses more intensely.

Elipson clearly intends this model for large rooms and users seeking spectacular sound reproduction. The very low-frequency effects of home theatre soundtracks thus benefit from greater depth, while in hi-fi, the Classic Sub 12 can provide a particularly solid foundation for large floorstanding speakers. As expected, it’s quite imposing, measuring 35.6 cm wide by 42.2 cm high by 47 cm deep without the grille. It weighs 20.4 kg.

Line inputs and outputs

The connectors are identical across all three models. They feature line-level RCA inputs and an LFE input, as well as a stereo L/R line output. This output can be used, for example, to send the signal to a second device or to set up multiple subwoofers within the same system. The Classic Sub models also feature an automatic standby function, eliminating the need to manually turn off the subwoofer after each listening session.

Thanks to a stereo RCA input that also serves as a mono LFE input, the Elipson Classic Sub subwoofers can be easily connected to any hi-fi amplifier or AV receiver.

Elipson has also included several settings to make it easier to pair the Classic Sub with the main speakers. The crossover frequency is adjustable from 40 to 200 Hz on the Classic Sub 8, while it ranges from 40 to 160 Hz on the Classic Sub 10 and 12. This allows you to precisely tailor the subwoofer’s operating range to match the bass response of the main speakers. All three models also feature a phase adjustment that can be switched between 0° and 180°.

With this new Classic Sub line, Elipson offers three clearly distinct performance levels while maintaining a consistent technical foundation. The Classic Sub 8 opts for compactness, the Classic Sub 10 for versatility, and the Classic Sub 12 for power and extension in the extreme low frequencies. The inclusion of a fibreglass driver, class D amplification, an ultra-low-frequency boost, and comprehensive settings across all three models ensures a consistent design philosophy from one model to the next. This series should therefore allow many users to find the subwoofer best suited to their room and system, whether they’re looking to add more substance to their hi-fi listening experience or to fully appreciate the scope of movie soundtracks.

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