9
WILSON BENESCH DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND LOW
FREQUENCY SOUND
To date, all audio designers attempting to create low frequency sound have produced a variable of
the ubiquitous Subwoofer. In reality, the only option available to the consumer, has been to opt for
brand A’s version of the collection of parts, as opposed to brand B’s version. As competition has
grown, the variables have changed. Bigger amplifiers to drive more inefficient woofers or different
cabinet materials, essentially they have remained the same. After three years of research and
development, the Torus System can be seen to offer a significant departure from the Subwoofer
solution for developing infrasonic sound. This product is so different, that it clearly demonstrates the
fundamental flaws in the design of the Subwoofer and provides a real alternative for Music and
Cinema effects. Wilson Benesch designs have always been driven by the goal of introducing
something that is alternative and superior. The Isobaric Tactic¨ is one good example of this
approach It demonstrates how one innovative development can make another possible.
SUBWOOFER HISTORY
Richard Lord of R.E.L. was the architect of the Sub woofer. It was and still is today, two decades
later, still based around three elements (i) the wooden box (ii) woofer (iii) built in amplifier. Almost
without exception every other audio company has followed the same formula. Even those who claim
to have achieved something different can be seen to use the Woofer and an identical formula, with
subtle variations, such as two drivers instead of one, or different materials for the cabinet. Which
ever design you chose to look at, for the last fifteen years the entire audio industry has devoted all of
its energy to creating designs based upon the same formula. Notably, Wilson Benesch has always
rejected this solution. In fact to its credit it has never seen fit to use large drive units to solve any low
frequency problems. There is no way around the fundamental problems that come with the large
woofer designs, either in loudspeakers or Sub Woofer designs. Insurmountable obstacles stand in
the way of the successful Sub woofer solution, whether it is large or small.
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