Sound United’s Definitive Technology speaker company introduced Tuesday its Descend Series subwoofers.

The new high-performance sub line includes four models all of which are said to have been developed to deliver more impactful, dynamic and extended bass response than competitive offerings.

The Definitive Technology Descend Subwoofer models and suggested retail prices include the following: the DN8 $499; DN10 $799; DN12 $1199; DN15 $1799. All are available now through the Definitive Technology web site and at authorized Definitive Technology dealers.

The Descend Series will debut the company’s new 3XR technology, which utilizes dual passive radiators coupled to an active drive unit to triple the bass- producing radiating area.

This architecture is said to produce deeper bass and higher output levels due to the unique design of the two radiators, which are the same size as the woofer. This approach eschews conventional bass ports that can produce chuffing or distortion common to most models, the company said.

Each Descend Subwoofer is equipped with custom amplification for deep powerfully dynamic and extended bass “that easily out-performs competitive offerings of similar size,” the company claims.

Each model offers connectivity options to fit the subwoofer to any home theater system. All four models include LFE, while the 12- and 15-inch models add a stereo line level RCA input. Definitive said all four models are available in attractively crafted non-resonant mid-night black cabinets. Two models (DN8 and DN10) are also available in Glacier White.

“Definitive Technology was founded on the premise that superior technical innovation can deliver thrilling high-performance audio experiences for any need or application,” stated Frank Sterns, Definitive Technology president. “We take R&D seriously, and we’re home to some of the best engineering minds in the industry. The Descend Series is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates impactful, dynamic and extended deep bass.”

Definitive Technology Descend Subwoofer models DN15 and DN12 are positioned as “ultra-high-performance 15-inch and
12-inch subwoofers designed for reference music systems and significant home theater applications,” the company said.

Each model is driven by a custom-built 1500-Watt H sliding rail amplifier, which handles both transient peaks and super low bass extension to below 20Hz (in the case of the DN15). To reproduce smooth and precise tones from the deepest bass-heavy content, the 3XR Architecture pairs custom drivers with a same-sized, dual-radiator array.

Both models also include Intelligent Phase Control, which provides a full 360-degrees of customizable phase adjustment. To better align phase, most subwoofers offer either a polarity toggle between zero or 180-degrees, or an all-pass filter that can cause smearing.

In contrast, Intelligent Phase Control enables listeners to fine-tune the subwoofer’s phase by combining the best elements of a polarity toggle, but with greater granularity, along with an all-pass filter, while automatically aligning the phase adjustment with the low-pass filter to support the entire audio system most precisely, the company said.

The DN15 and DN12 also employ an advanced 56-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that improves bass response and overall sound quality while closely monitoring the woofer system to prevent potentially harmful distortion at ultra-high volumes.

Both models have three built-in performance EQ modes (Flat, Deep, and Loud), to accommodate any space or personal listening preferences. Definitive said the out-of-the-box “Flat Mode” is a good starting point for level adjustment and system calibration. It’s suitable for most applications. “Loud Mode” provides listeners with the most output level and is said to excell in big action movies and cinematic sound effects.

“Deep Mode” offers the lowest frequency extension possible for music reproduction, particularly passages with wide dynamic range.

To operate the DN15 and DN12, each model has a slim remote and built-in front LED display that allows users to adjust volume level, phase and EQ with visual confirmation from the listening position. Further, each model features a 12V trigger and IR pass- through to integrate with popular control systems for full functionality and custom adjustments from anywhere in the room.

The Definitive Technology Descend models DN10 and DN8 offer high performance levels for subwoofers with 10-inch and 8-inch subwoofers. Both models are said to have “outstanding extension and detail from music and home theater soundtracks.”

Both are powered by a 500-Watt Class D amplifier matched with custom drivers and use the same 3XR dual-radiator architecture found in the 15-and 12-inch models. The DN10 and DN8 are said to produce “visceral bass listeners can feel in their chest while maintaining the detail and musicality enthusiasts expect.”

To ensure the DN10 and DN8 are tuned to the rest of the system and room acoustics, each model features built-in controls to adjust output level, low-pass filter and phase (0/180°). The DN8 was engineered to produce surprisingly deep and loud bass from a small, 1-foot-squared form factor that can be discreetly tucked out of sight.

The Definitive Technology Descend Series subwoofers include 5-year warranties on drivers and cabinets and 3 years on amplification and electronics.