SAN DIEGO, Calif. – HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today introduced a new range of JBL Synthesis subwoofers — the SSW-2, SSW-3, and SSW-4. All models in the SSW series are designed to complement the JBL Synthesis range of SCL in-wall loudspeakers and provide the highest levels of sonic performance for custom home theater applications.

“We are excited to deliver these powerful new subwoofers on the heels of the award-winning SCL full-range models” stated Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. “The SSW subwoofers provide a host of flexible options to residential cinema designers with two in-wall models and a large in-room/built-in model, all ensuring the highest levels of low-frequency reproduction in virtually any size room.”

The three SSW models have all been designed with goal of providing high-impact bass response in form factors that can be seamlessly integrated into music systems, media rooms, and dedicated theaters. The SSW-4 and SSW-3 in-wall subwoofers are designed for installation into standard 2×4 and 2×6 construction respectively. As the highest performance model of the three, the SSW-2 features a cabinet that is designed to be placed in-room, built-in to custom cabinetry, or hidden behind fabric walls and video projection screens.

The SSW-2 is a completely new design that employs dual high-excursion 12-inch woofers into a rectangular cabinet that can be oriented vertically or horizontally to fit into corners, or below projection screens and video displays. Newly developed transducers feature fully-vented cast aluminum frames with more mass for greater strength and higher heat conduction to assist in driver cooling. Enhanced motor venting delivers increased output, lower distortion, improved airflow, reduced turbulence and greater cooling. Massive four-inch voice coils and coated cellulose pulp fiber-composite cones combine with over-sized SBR rubber surrounds for greater excursion, enhanced moving-mass control, and improved longevity under high-stress usage. With nearly 1,700W RMS power handling, the sub is designed to easily handle the full power output of two bridged channels from a JBL Synthesis SDA-4600 power amplifier.

The SSW-2 sub’s enclosure is solidly constructed with 1-inch thick cabinet walls and extensive internal bracing throughout. Enclosure tuning is via dual front-firing Slipstream™ ports, while connectivity is provided via a set of gold-plated, spring-loaded binding posts located on the lower back panel. The cabinet is finished in matte black and includes a black cloth grille with pressure relief venting on two sides to reduce any unwanted noise. The SSW-2’s dimensions (33” H x 19” W x 14.7” D) allow it to be installed either freestanding or built-in, and oriented horizontally or vertically in corners, or behind or underneath a screen.

The larger of the two in-wall models, the SSW-3 is a flush-mount passive subwoofer with dual high-excursion 10-inch woofers. Its sealed, low-profile, heavy-braced cabinet is designed for walls 6-inches deep. An extremely rigid Sonoglass® molded baffle features extensive external ribbing to ensure ultra-low resonance and provide a firm foundation for the newly developed low-frequency transducers. A zero-bezel, magnetically-attached grille is included and can be painted to match any décor for a discrete, unobtrusive installation.

The 10-inch woofers used in the SSW-3 are designed to provide extremely high-excursion from the relatively shallow cabinet-depth of the enclosure. A newly designed fully vented cast aluminum frame provides more mass for greater strength and higher heat conduction to assist in driver cooling. Enhanced motor venting delivers increased output, lower distortion, improved airflow, reduced turbulence and greater cooling. Extremely long 66mm voice coils and polymer-coated aluminum cones combine with over-sized SBR rubber surrounds for greater excursion, enhanced moving-mass control, and improved longevity under high-stress usage. With 600W RMS power handling, the sub is designed to handle the full power output of a single channel from a JBL Synthesis SDA-4600 power amplifier.

The SSW-3 enclosure is designed to be installed behind drywall and includes duplicate gold-plated, spring-loaded binding post speaker terminals on each end so it can be mounted at floor or ceiling level for ease of installation and wiring. Rubber isolation screw mounts provide secure attachment to traditional 16” on-center framing while greatly reducing vibration and acoustic transmission.

The smaller of the two in-wall models, the SSW-4 is a self-contained passive subwoofer with integrated back-box that allows for easy retrofit installations without the need for installing a large enclosure behind the drywall. Optimized for the highest level of performance and reliability, its compact enclosure is designed to fit into standard 2×4 wall construction and includes both dog legs and rubber isolation screw mounts for direct attachment to traditional 16” on-center framing.

The subwoofer is driven by dual 8-inch front-firing, aluminum cone drivers mounted into a rigid baffle assembly that installs into the back-box enclosure. System tuning is via a sealed cabinet design. Gold-plated, spring-loaded binding posts ensure reliable connections, while a zero-bezel magnetically-attached grille provides for a discrete installation. The SSW-4 is designed to be driven off of a single channel of a JBL Synthesis SDA-8300 power amplifier.

Each of the SSW subwoofers has been developed to match the portfolio of award-winning SCL flush-mount loudspeakers. The compact dimensions of the SSW-4 mirror those of the SCL-4 allowing them to share the same size zero-bezel grille, and to fit into traditional 2×4 construction, while the SSW-3 and SCL-3 are both designed for 2×6 construction. The SSW-2 is designed to partner with the increased output capabilities of the larger SCL-2, or any larger JBL cabinet-type loudspeakers such as the 4367 Studio Monitor. As with all JBL Synthesis loudspeakers, products can be mixed and matched to address individual system needs.

The JBL Synthesis SSW-2 and SSW-3 will be available in Spring 2019 for $3,500 each and $2,500 each, respectively. The SSW-4 is available immediately for $1000 each.