Monacor Sound

     100 SUB

When adding a subwoofer to the product portfolio, it's essential to subject it to testing first. Initially, the thought was that it might appeal to TiFi Argos buyers who already possess their amplifiers but require a small active subwoofer. However, upon unpacking the box, it became apparent that this assumption was not entirely accurate. The Monacor SUB 100 is notably larger than the TiFi Kraken, boasting two ports. These ports are directed downwards, making placing it on a table ill-advised. Firstly, it occupies the entirety of the table, and secondly, even at relatively low volumes, the table begins to vibrate. Thus, the only suitable location for this subwoofer is on the floor.

Another surprise was that, aided by the ports, this subwoofer is capable of producing quite low frequencies. The first audible tone is around 25 Hz, aligning with the level at which the Kraken's speakers operate, albeit without producing any sound. A ten-inch driver, naturally, possesses twice the surface area of two five-inch ones. The speaker itself initiates slightly higher, thus the manufacturer's stated 35 Hz for the speaker and ports together proves to be quite accurate. In reality, lower bass frequencies can also be perceived, albeit at a lower volume. However, coaxing anything below 25 Hz out of it, even with an equalizer, seems improbable.

The most balanced profile is achieved when the subwoofer's filter is precisely set to the middle position. This results in a cutoff within the 80-100 Hz range, with the sound profile mirroring that depicted in the graph. Setting the filter to 150 Hz introduces a corresponding amplification peak around 80 Hz. Nonetheless, everything remains symmetrical and logical. Naturally, these room-based measurements do not claim absolute precision, hence why no measurement graphs are included.

The inputs function as promised. It's important to ensure the use of quality cables; my initial attempt resulted in picking up some power grid noise. A faint transformer sound can be discerned even without an input when placing one's ear against the subwoofer. The auto-on function operates as intended but necessitates a relatively strong signal to activate. When listening at low volumes, it may fail to activate the subwoofer. As function can be activated at will, there is no worry. The finish is respectable.

For testing, I sampled Béla Fleck and the Flecktones' "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo," Massive Attack's "Angel," James Blake's "Limit to Your Love," and Lorde's "Royals." Using the same amplifier alongside the TiFi Kraken, the enjoyment distinctly split equally. "Royals" and "Limit To Your Love" sounded more pleasing with the Monacor subwoofer, especially "Royals." In these tracks, where the bass extends to very low frequencies, it's better balanced with the Monacor subwoofer's lower starting point. "Limit To Your Love" appeared slightly boomy, although this may have been due to room resonance. "Angel" suited both equally well. "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo" was more enjoyable with the Kraken.

This subwoofer is a good fit for home theater sound. When subjected to the subwoofer test noise and the amplifier turned up to the maximum, the entire room began to vibrate. Naturally, an even larger speaker and a more powerful subwoofer would be necessary for spacious rooms, but it comfortably fills a typical living room and smaller spaces with pleasing bass. With a maximum volume of 108 dB at a distance of 1 meter, its reach extends to the far end of the room. For instance, at a distance of four meters, it delivers 96 dB outdoors (likely 102 dB indoors), which is still within the realm of hearing-damaging levels. Focused music listening typically occurs at around 75 dB, ensuring ample dynamic range in this context.

The Monacor Sound 100 SUB offers excellent value for its price and very good connectivity options.