The Planet Sub from Elipson is part of the Planet range. This 200-watt RMS class D subwoofer features a cylindrical design. It uses digital amplification and a 20 cm paper-cone driver with a bass-reflex enclosure. Its frequency response ranges from 30 Hz to 240 Hz.
The Planet Sub adopts a bass-reflex architecture with a 20 cm paper-cone driver and ferrite magnet, oriented downward. This downfiring configuration offers several practical advantages: it allows flexible placement in the room without specific orientation constraints and minimizes direct interactions with surrounding furniture. The paper cone delivers that natural texture characteristic of Elipson, favoring musicality over sheer extension into the lowest bass.
The built-in class D amplifier delivers 200 watts RMS with a high-pass filter set at 24 dB at 30 Hz, effectively protecting the driver from potentially damaging frequencies. The 0°/180° phase adjustment is particularly useful for correcting possible timing discrepancies depending on the subwoofer’s position in the listening room.
The cylindrical shape is not just an aesthetic choice: it promotes optimal internal airflow and reduces unwanted resonances thanks to the absence of right angles. This design directly contributes to the clarity of the sound, especially in the upper bass range where the Planet Sub excels.
The Planet Sub reveals its true character in its ability to effectively support compact satellite speakers, especially the Planet M and Planet L from the same range. Its strength lies in the upper bass, that crucial zone between 50 and 120 Hz where many compact speakers reach their limits. Rather than aiming to impress with extreme low-frequency extension, it prioritizes coherence and responsiveness.
This approach results in detailed, textured bass, avoiding the pitfall of subwoofers that simply add “boom” without structure. The adjustable crossover frequency allows for fine integration with different types of speakers, going beyond the Planet range to pair harmoniously with compact or floorstanding speakers from other brands.
In a 2.1 setup, the Planet Sub can literally transform a pair of compact speakers into a coherent and balanced system. For home theater, it anchors sound effects solidly without masking vocal details, thanks to its controlled response in the mid-bass.
The Planet Sub’s connectivity meets both hi-fi and home theater needs with its RCA line inputs and speaker terminals. This dual connectivity allows for direct connection to the subwoofer output of a home theater amplifier, or parallel connection to the speaker outputs of a stereo amplifier without a dedicated subwoofer output.
The auto-on function makes daily use easier by automatically activating the subwoofer when an audio signal is detected, with two adjustable sensitivity levels. This automation avoids constant manual operation while preserving energy consumption.
The available controls—volume, crossover frequency, and phase—are sufficient for most home setups. However, the lack of parametric EQ may limit fine-tuning options in acoustically challenging rooms, where a higher-end subwoofer would offer more correction tools.
Its cylindrical shape, 31.6 cm in diameter and 39.3 cm in height, occupies a relatively compact footprint, making it easy to integrate even in small spaces. An unexpected detail: the flat top of the subwoofer can accommodate decorative objects, potentially turning this technical equipment into a piece of furniture. This versatility will appeal to those looking to minimize the visual impact of their audio setup.
Also available in black and lacquered red, the Planet Sub naturally matches other elements of the Planet range, but its sufficiently neutral design allows it to blend in aesthetically with speakers from other brands.
The Planet Sub favors quality over quantity in its bass reproduction. Its sound signature is characterized by a musical approach, avoiding excess in the lowest frequencies in favor of faithful and fast reproduction of the mid and upper bass.
This philosophy results in bass that “follows” the music rather than dominating it. Percussive transients retain their impact without dragging, a quality especially appreciated for acoustic music and vocals. In home theater, this responsiveness allows effects to punctuate the action without overwhelming the soundstage.
The paper cone contributes to this naturalness, bringing a light but musical coloration that avoids the coldness sometimes associated with synthetic cones. This approach is in line with the French sound tradition, favoring musical emotion over pure performance.
Absolutely. Thanks to its adjustable crossover frequency and multiple types of connections, the Planet Sub adapts to most compact speakers on the market. You just need to carefully adjust the connection settings according to your main speakers’ characteristics, starting with a crossover frequency around 80–100 Hz and fine-tuning by ear.
The Planet Sub reaches its limits in spaces over 30–35 m², where its 200-watt power and 20 cm driver may be insufficient to properly fill the space. It excels more in medium-sized rooms, where its precision and musicality can be fully expressed without constantly operating at its power limits.
Start by placing the subwoofer near a side wall rather than in a corner to avoid excessive reinforcement. Set the crossover frequency between 90 and 110 Hz, then adjust the volume so the bass naturally extends the main speakers without overpowering them. Phase at 0° is generally suitable, but also try the 180° position if you notice a lack of cohesion in the integration.
Like any paper-cone driver, the Planet Sub benefits from a break-in period of about 50 hours for the suspension to reach optimal flexibility. During this time, avoid excessive volumes and favor varied use (music, movies) to work the entire frequency range. The improvement will be noticeable in smoother transitions and increased attack precision.
Technically possible, using two Planet Subs mainly brings increased power and better bass distribution in large rooms. However, this setup requires symmetrical placement and identical settings to avoid interference. For most home installations, a single, well-positioned and properly adjusted Planet Sub is more than sufficient.
Christian
Very good product for home theater and music, integrates perfectly.
Comment from December 10, 2024 — Experience from November 22, 2024
Romain
Original design, robust construction, and powerful, clear bass.
Comment from May 13, 2024 — Experience from October 19, 2020
Herve
Excellent product 👍👍.
Comment from February 26, 2024 — Experience from December 13, 2019
