VELODYNE DB-15 Review – Deep Blue sub aims to plumb the depths
The Velodyne DB-15 represents the pinnacle of the Deep Blue series introduced earlier this year. The number in its name refers to a 15-inch woofer, indicating a powerful device. This series highlight is a German-American collaboration. Tested at 800 euros.
POSITION: Top of Velodyne’s DB series, above 12in,10in and 8in
PEERS: Bowers & Wilkins DB4S; KEF KF92; SVS SB-3000
Flexibility
The DB-15’s connections and adjustment options make it suitable for various applications.
The new Deep Blue series from the American subwoofer specialist Velodyne Acoustics takes a multicultural approach. It was developed by an international team in the USA and Germany. For some time, the brand has been owned by the Hamburg high-end distributor “Audio Reference.” However, the new ownership hasn’t altered the brand’s principles. The series still features closed cabinet construction across all models, prioritizing maximum precision in music and movie sound reproduction. The Deep Blue subwoofers come in four sizes: 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches. Velodyne replaces the successful SPL series with this lineup.
While the DB-8, priced around 800 euros, represents the lower end of the range, for this review we have chosen the top model: the DB-15, which boasts a front-firing 15-inch (38 cm) bass driver. Considering the size of this substantial device, the black-veneered MDF cabinet is remarkably compact.
The long-throw woofer uses a massive double ferrite magnet. The drive technology, optimized for maximum performance, includes a four-layer voice coil with an impressive 7.5 cm diameter, delivering maximum power with minimal distortion. Velodyne Acoustics has a long tradition of extracting maximum depth, level, and precision from small enclosures.
Ample Power
Significant power is required for such performance. The electronics module on the back provides 450 watts RMS and 1000 watts peak power. To ensure robustness, the MDF cabinet is designed accordingly. Weighing 23 kilograms, the DB-15 is about two and a half times heavier than the entry-level DB-8. This is no coincidence: with a thickness of 5.2 mm, the front panel is almost reminiscent of a US Army tank—perfect for an action enthusiast wanting to enjoy the lab-measured 109-decibel maximum level in their home theater while watching films like “Saving Private Ryan.”
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This promises a cinematic experience, but even those starting small, such as with a receiver without preamp or subwoofer outputs, will be catered to. Besides line-level inputs, the DB-15 features four speaker terminals, allowing it to be operated via the speaker outputs of an amplifier. An LFE output enables signal passthrough if multiple subwoofers are used.
Team Player
With a subwoofer array, room modes can be effectively managed. In larger rooms, however, additional woofer power might not be necessary. The DB-15 delivered strong performance in the lower octaves with the precision and punch associated with a closed subwoofer. In terms of substance and solid impact, the Velodyne doesn’t fall behind most bass reflex subwoofers, especially in this price and size category.
The German-American cube successfully bridges the gap between musicality with precise timing and the brutal special effects required in home theater’s lower frequency range. This makes it a robust bass companion even for high-end speakers outside its price class.
FROM THE LAB
Frequency Response
Relatively balanced frequency response with a wide range that allows for seamless integration with other speakers.
Distortion Behavior
As the level increases, the limiter works harder, subtly limiting excursion by raising the lower cutoff frequency.
SPECS
| DRIVEUNITS | 1 x 15in high-excursion reinforced polypropylene woofer |
| ENCLOSURE | Sealed |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE (CLAIMED) | 23Hz-120Hz (+/-3dB) |
| ONBOARD POWER (CLAIMED) | 450W (RMS); 1.000W (peak) Class AB amp |
| REMOTE CONTROL | No |
| DIMENTIONS | 425(w) x 445(h) x 488(d)mm |
| WEIGHT | 23kg |
| FEATURES | Stereo RCA line-level input; LFE input; speaker-level input (on springclip terminals); 50Hz to 180Hz low-pass filter; volume and variable phase control; MDF cabinet with 2ln-thlck front baffle; on/off/auto power control; four-layer 3in voice coil and dual ferrite magnet motor |
| PARTNERS | FREE FIRE: This delightfully straightforward 2016 arms-deal-gone- wrong bulletfest from director Ben Wheatley (next movie: Aquaman 2) misses out on a 4K Blu-ray release or object audio soundmix. In its place, we get a crisp-looking 1080p encode and a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that’s full of snap, crackle and pop. |
| WEBSITE | velodyneacoustics.com |
Verdict
Very precise and deep bass reproduction, versatile, ideal for music and film, simple finish
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