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Yamaha DXS12mkII and DXS15mkII Powered Subwoofers Debut

Yamaha today announced the DXS12mkII and DXS15mkII portable powered subwoofers that combine a super-efficient Class-D amplifier putting out 1,020 watts of peak power (as compared with 950 watts in the originals) with a unique bandpass cabinet design. This configuration helps the subwoofers achieve remarkable sound pressure levels (SPL) from compact enclosures; the DXS12mkII and DXS15mkII are capable of a maximum SPL of 134dB and 135dB, respectively. Low-frequency response has also been improved, with the DXS12mkII going down to 42Hz and the DXS15mkII to 40Hz. Compared to the competition, the DXS12mkII essentially offers the performance of a 15” powered subwoofer, while the DXS15mkII provides that of an 18” unit. Because the amplifiers do not require active cooling, the DXSmkII subs can be run at high volume for extended periods and not risk the thermal shutdown or distortion issues that plague much of the competition.

On the original DXS models, the XLR thru outputs simply passed the full-range audio from the inputs to any connected speakers. On the DXSmkII models, these outputs have a high-pass filtered option, meaning that all crossover work is done within the subwoofer. In this configuration, connected full-range powered speakers (such as the Yamaha DXR or DBR Series) can devote their full output power to amplifying only those frequencies the DXSmkII subs are not.

For mounting a full-range speaker on a pole atop the subwoofer, both models now have an M20 threaded socket in addition to the standard 1-3/8” (35mm) non-threaded socket, resulting in increased stability. For stacking speakers directly, insets on the top of the cabinet minimize unwanted vibration in even the highest SPL-use cases. Plywood construction decreases weight compared to the original models by approximately six pounds.

Here are the details.

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