Infinity SW-12 ($799)

What's in the Box? • Driver size 12 inches • Rated power 500 watts • Cabinet design ported • Finish black or cherry woodgrain • Controls variable 50- to 150-Hz low-pass crossover, level, auto-on, phase switch, RABOS EQ (see below) • Ins & outs line- and speaker-level inputs, speaker-level output • Warranty 5 years speaker, 3 years electronics

How Big Is It? • Dimensions (WxHxD) 14 7/8 x 17 3/4 x 20 1/8 inches • Volume 3 1/8 cubic feet • Footprint 2 square feet • Weight 57 pounds

How Low Does It Go?• Bass limit 20 Hz at 85 dB

How Big the Bang? • Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 107 dB • Maximum SPL 113 dB at 50 Hz • Dollars per dB $7.45

What About Setup? Infinity's Room-Adaptive Bass Optimization System (RABOS), which includes a sound-level meter, a test disc, and instructions, greatly improves the SW-12's ability to cope with room interactions, which can make any sub sound louder or softer at certain frequencies. I measured the crossover control's range as 58 to 78 Hz (not 50 to 150 Hz, as marked), which means the sub will work best in systems with front speakers that can play down to 80 Hz or so.

How Does It Sound? The Infinity delivered strong, deep bass. It was especially powerful in the upper range, making midbass notes - like those from a tuba or an acoustic bass - a bit too prominent at times.

The Bottom Line Its combination of good looks, healthy deep-bass output, and RABOS room-tuning system make the SW-12 an attractive choice.

Manufacturer Infinity Systems, www.infinitysystems.com, 516-674-4463 PDF: In the Lab