Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference is a 1-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Definitive Technology. It features a Tweeter and 1 x 13" Not given Woofer. IW Sub Reference also employs 1 x 13-inch passive radiators. The speaker has a frequency range of 14-200Hz. Definitive IW Sub Reference has an MSRP of 1499$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Definitive IW Sub Reference is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Poor |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
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Frequency Response of the Definitive IW Sub Reference Speaker
Definitive IW Sub Reference has a Frequency response range of 14-200Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 275 watts. With a minimum frequency of 14 Hz, IW Sub Reference delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Definitive IW Sub Reference, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how IW Sub Reference's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Definitive IW Sub Reference
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Definitive IW Sub Reference
As you can see from the chart, Definitive IW Sub Reference with its 14 Hz features the lowest Low Frequency level among the In-wall speakers in our database, promising a very good bass range.
On the treble side, with its upper limit of 200 kHz, Definitive IW Sub Reference has the highest frequency level among the In-wall speakers in our database.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Definitive IW Sub Reference's nominal impedance level is
4 ohms and has a sensitivity of
.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Definitive IW Sub Reference
Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only dB, Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Definitive IW Sub Reference:
Input Type
IW Sub Reference features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Definitive IW Sub Reference External Dimensions and Weight
Definitive IW Sub Reference has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 25.1250-inch x 14.3750-inch x 4.0000-inch (639.0 x 366.0 x 102.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of Definitive IW Sub Reference is approximately 373.3cm2 / 57.9inch2.
Cabinet type and Materials
Definitive IW Sub Reference has a
In-wall type cabinet.
What's in the Box of Definitive IW Sub Reference?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of IW Sub Reference:
In-wall subwooferGrille (attached)4 Long self-adhesive foam gaskets3 Short self-adhesive foam gaskets8 ScrewsWall-templatePaint maskOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference.
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.