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  1. Home
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  4. Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference
Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference Subwoofer Review
Definitive IW Sub Reference - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 13" Woofer
  • 1 x 13-inch Passive Radiators
  • 14-200Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 26.00 lbs / 11.79kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 25.1250" x 14.3750" x 4.0000"
MSRP: $1,499 (list price)
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Definitive IW Sub Reference Subwoofer Review
Definitive IW Sub Reference Definitive IW Sub Re...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Definitive Technology · United States · since 1990 · sold through dealers

IW Sub Reference is a In-wall type Passive In-wall by Definitive Technology with a frequency range of 14-200Hz. It was released in 2016. It features 1 x 13" Woofer. IW Sub Reference also employs 1 x 13-inch passive radiators.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Where should the crossover go? →  ·  What will your room do to this bass? →

Definitive IW Sub Reference has a Frequency response range of 14-200Hz. Thanks to its 1 x 13-inch driver, at 14Hz the IW Sub Reference can generate bass levels that is even below 20Hz which is considered to be the bottom limit of Full Range sound (20Hz -20kHz) that human can hear.

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
Passive In-walls
Definitive IW Sub Reference
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Definitive IW Sub Reference
Min
Average
Max

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.


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.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

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 subwoofer
  • Grille (attached)
  • 4 Long self-adhesive foam gaskets
  • 3 Short self-adhesive foam gaskets
  • 8 Screws
  • Wall-template
  • Paint mask
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration card

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Definitive IW Sub Reference Detailed Specifications

General
BrandDefinitive Technology
Full Model NameDefinitive Technology IW Sub Reference
TypePassive In-wall
Release Date2016
Frequency Response14-200Hz
Enclosure TypeIn-wall
EnclosureIn-wall
Amplifier & Driver
Woofer13-inch
Passive Radiator1 x 13-inch

Controls & Connections
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD)25.1250" x 14.3750" x 4.0000" (639.0 x 366.0 x 102.0mm)
Weight11.79 kg (26 lbs)
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
Klipsch R-5800-W II
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40-23k Hz 8" — 14.6875-inch x 9.1250-inch x 3.9375-inch"
Klipsch R-5502-W II
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46-20k Hz 5.25" — 16.3750-inch x 6.5000-inch x 3.3750-inch"
JBL Studio 6 88LCR
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43-20k Hz 8" — 20.4375-inch x 8.7500-inch x 3.7500-inch"
B&W CWM7.3 S2
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48-28k Hz 6" — 28.0000-inch x 9.9375-inch x 4.0625-inch"
MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR
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44-25k Hz 6.5" — 27.0000-inch x 6.6250-inch x 3.5625-inch"
JBL Studio 6 Theater
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65-20k Hz 5.25" — 25.3125-inch x 6.2500-inch x 3.7500-inch"
JBL Stage 280W
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42-25k Hz 8" — 14.6875-inch x 9.3750-inch x 3.8750-inch"
Focal 300 IW6 LCR
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40-28k Hz 6.5" — 22.5000-inch x 7.5000-inch x 4.0000-inch"
B&W CWM7.4 S2
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45-28k Hz 4" — 23.5000-inch x 5.8125-inch x 3.6875-inch"
Definitive UIW RLS III
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24-30k Hz 5.25" — 23.7500-inch x 5.8750-inch x 3.8750-inch"
Focal 100 IW LCR5
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55-23k Hz 5.125" — 16.3130-inch x 5.8130-inch x 3.2500-inch"
Klipsch R-5650-S II
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60-23k Hz 6.5" — 13.0000-inch x 8.0000-inch x 3.6875-inch"
JBL Stage 260W
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50-25k Hz 6.5" — 12.2500-inch x 7.2500-inch x 3.5625-inch"
B&W CWM663
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45-50k Hz 6" — 11.0000-inch x 7.2500-inch x 3.7500-inch"
JBL Studio 2 55IW
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40-20k Hz 5.25" — 14.1250-inch x 6.4375-inch x 3.3750-inch"
Polk Audio RC85i
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50-20k Hz 8" — 12.7500-inch x 8.6875-inch x 3.5000-inch"
Frequently Asked Questions about Definitive Technology IW Sub Reference

How low can the Definitive IW Sub Reference go?

The Definitive IW Sub Reference has a frequency response of 14-200Hz. It digs below 20Hz, the bottom limit of human hearing, so you get deep, physical bass you feel as much as hear.

Is the Definitive IW Sub Reference sealed or ported?

The Definitive IW Sub Reference uses a In-wall enclosure. Ported (bass-reflex) designs use a tuned vent to move more air, giving deeper, louder output for the same driver, which suits home theater.

What driver does the Definitive IW Sub Reference use?

The Definitive IW Sub Reference has a 13-inch driver. It is paired with 1 x 13-inch passive radiators to reinforce the low end.

How big and heavy is the Definitive IW Sub Reference?

The Definitive IW Sub Reference weighs 11.79kg / 25.9lbs and measures 25.1250" x 14.3750" x 4.0000" (HxWxD).

How much does the Definitive IW Sub Reference cost?

The Definitive IW Sub Reference has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,499.

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