Jan 10, 2012

Alpine Expands Its Lineup with 12 New Subwoofers

Alpine has launched an aggressive plan to support its popular subwoofer line. The company is debuting 12 new subwoofer models at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Jan. 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Alpine’s standard 12-inch and 10-inch subwoofers will now use the same enclosure requirements, so the company will introduce a unified subwoofer box program, making it easy for consumers and retailers to select the best box for optimal output.

“We have had great success with our subwoofers and are committed to growing this important category,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, Alpine “By using a new Alpine subwoofer in a ’Tuned for Alpine’ enclosure, the consumer gets the best subwoofer performance, the way it was meant to be experienced.”

Alpine SWR-10D2

Overall, Alpine boasts 21 models in its subwoofer lineup. More than half of these models are new and come from the Type-R, Type-S and Type-E lines. A distinction of Alpine subwoofers has been the exclusive H.A.M.R (High Amplitude Multi-Roll Surround) technology, which is a suite of features that work together to produce extreme excursion without sacrificing cone area. This technology had previously only been available in the Type-X and Type-R models. But now for the first time, H.A.M.R. technology will also be incorporated in the redesigned Type-S series and the budget friendly Type-E subwoofers, thereby expanding this essential feature across all subwoofer lines.

The new Type-R, Type-S and Type-E subwoofers now have the same cosmetics, sharing an attractive and uniform family look. Type-R subwoofers have an aluminum-look cone, satin black frame and machined-finish back plate. The Type-S and Type-E models also have an aluminum-look cone and aggressive frame cosmetics.

Type-R Subwoofers

The high-performing Type-R models have been upgraded for 2012, offering even more power up to 1000W RMS to accommodate large amplifiers and big systems. These durable subwoofers provide class-leading output and sound quality, thanks to Alpine’s exclusive patented technology that reduces distortion and maximizes musical detail. Their H.A.M.R. surround and powerful CRC motor structure designs provide well over 2 ½-inches of peak-to-peak excursion and up to 20 mm linear Xmax for incredibly deep and clean bass.

Type-S Subwoofers

The popular Type-S series boasts a totally new design for this year. These subwoofers have 500W RMS power handling and a full feature set to produce class-leading output and sound quality. Their improved reliability allows them to withstand extreme use even in vented enclosures. They use an optimized suspension design allowing for nearly 2 ½-inches of peak-to-peak cone travel, providing high output and tight, accurate bass.

Type-E Subwoofers

The Type-E subwoofers have also been redesigned for 2012 and are great add-ons to factory sound systems. The addition of H.A.M.R. technology to the Type-E series brings power and performance. They have the ability to reach outputs of 250W RMS for improved reliability to withstand extreme use even in vented enclosures.

Type-X Subwoofers

The two current Type-X subwoofers continue for 2012. Designed for true audio enthusiasts, these high-end subwoofers have a powerful motor, H.A.M.R. surround, and Kevlar® parabolic cone with Rohacell® core that work together to produce incredible output.

Subwoofer Box Program

A correctly sized and tuned subwoofer box enclosure is essential for the subwoofer’s best performance. Alpine’s new subwoofers now all share the same small sealed and ported enclosure requirements. This will make it easier for retailers to suggest the correct box for their customers, and customers will have peace of mind knowing their Alpine subwoofer will perform as expected.

All Alpine 10-inch subwoofers now require a sealed enclosure of only 0.50-.75 cubic feet or a vented enclosure of only 1.0-1.25 cubic feet at 35-38 hertz. Alpine 12-inch subwoofers will use a sealed enclosure of only 0.75-1.00 cubic feet or a vented enclosure of 1.25–1.50 cubic feet at 32–35 hertz. These specifications are applicable for standard size subwoofers (not the thin subwoofers). The applicable Alpine subwoofers produce the same sound, but output, sound quality and power handling will increase accordingly as the models move from the entry level Type-E series, up to the high-end Type-X series.

Alpine has launched a subwoofer box program, in conjunction with the new uniform enclosure requirements. Box manufacturers Atrend, Bassworx, and Sound Ordnance are the first companies to offer enclosures appropriately sized and tuned within Alpine’s guidelines for optimal subwoofer performance and reliability.

Alpine’s new subwoofers: