Bowers & Wilkins PV1D: Spherical subwoofer that packs a punch

The Bowers & Wilkins PV1D subwoofer is made in a spherical case, which not only gives it an original appearance, but also works great as an acoustic load for the bass speakers. In a case of this shape, there are no resonances and internal standing waves, and its ability to withstand wall vibration is much higher than that of traditional rectangular designs. This made it possible to make the walls of the Bowers & Wilkins PV1D subwoofer case, made of aluminum, thinner, that is, to get a larger internal volume while maintaining compact external dimensions.

The subwoofer is equipped with a pair of low-frequency speakers with paper-Kevlar (with an external aluminum layer) diffusers with a diameter of 8 inches, directed in opposite directions. Their synchronous operation allows you to optimize the load on the case, and make the distribution of bass in the room as uniform as possible. The speakers are connected to a highly efficient IcePower amplifier (class D), which provides 400 W of output power and has low heat generation.

The sound of the subwoofer is controlled by DSP, which allows you to fine-tune the parameters of the Bowers & Wilkins PV1D depending on the acoustic properties of specific rooms. The subwoofer has memory for five user settings that can be activated with one click of a button. To control and monitor the subwoofer, use the cursor keys block and the display, conveniently located in the upper part of the case.

Bowers & Wilkins PV1D has analog sensitivity control and digital gain control, frequency control, cutoff slope and input filter phase. Both linear (2 x RCA) and acoustic inputs are provided. There are also control trigger inputs and outputs, an automatic switching on system when an input signal appears, and an RS-232 connector for integrating Bowers & Wilkins PV1D into installed AV systems. Despite its relatively small dimensions, the subwoofer is capable of providing high-quality sound for rooms up to 25 square meters, and is perfectly compatible even with large floor-standing acoustics.

Specifications Bowers & Wilkins PV1D

Frequency range 7.5 – 450 Hz (+/- 3 dB)
Power 400 W
Speaker 2 x 8 inches
Inputs Line, LFE, acoustic (Neutrik)
Outputs Line, acoustic
Dimensions (WxHxD) 270 x 342 x 358 mm
Weight 18.7 kg