Big Picture Big Sound

In some cases, high-end audio solutions are best heard and not seen. To this end, Snell just announced the IW-B550 In-Wall Subwoofer and Amplifier System, an "invisible" innovation in home theater audio.

It's not exactly magic, but this setup can provide deep, room-filling bass without sticking out like a sore thumb. As part of the company's "Invisible" loudspeaker family, the IW-B550 features two 12-inch in-wall subwoofers, each in a dedicated front-vented enclosure, both driven by a single rack-mounted 750-watt SPA750 Subwoofer Power Activator -- all neatly packaged for $5,000.

The unit boasts a frequency range of 20Hz to 80Hz (±2 dB), 375 watts RMS (continuous 8 ohm) and 750 watts RMS (4 ohm), with low-pass filter variable from 30Hz-200Hz and fixed high-pass outputs @ 80Hz.

"Snell is committed to providing the very best no-compromise listening experience for every possible home entertainment system, regardless of configuration," says Bob Graffy, Snell's VP and brand manager. "By providing consumers with a new ‘invisible' solution for enjoying powerful first octave bass, our IW-B550 Subwoofer System is able to duplicate the impressive bass foundation of our acclaimed B550 model subs, but remarkably for in-wall use."

The Snell IW-B550 is currently pending THX Ultra2 certification. The unit is shallow enough to fit standard 2 x 6 construction, but still provide deep bass. The 5 3/8-inch deep enclosure extends bass response, while quieting the "boomy" and "chesty" characteristics that are typical of "open-back" in-wall designs.

A variety of design options are available, including metal trim ring and grille finished in paintable white. Custom colors are also available for a few extra bucks.

For More Information:

• Snell Acoustics Home Page