Eltax SW800 black

The subwoofer Eltax SW800 is a bass-reflex model equipped with a 20 cm driver and a 60-watt amplifier. It’s designed for small rooms and modest audio setups that need reinforcement in the low-frequency range. Its dimensions are 29 × 33 × 30.5 cm with a black ash finish. Its frequency response extends down to 40 Hz, providing deeper bass extension.

Bass-reflex design and refined finish for discreet integration

The SW800 adopts a classic bass-reflex construction with a port positioned on the side of the cabinet to deliver generously scaled bass. This acoustic loading allows the 20 cm transducer to reach down to 40 Hz, sufficient to feel rumbles and impacts in action movies. The MDF enclosure ensures solid structural rigidity, limiting unwanted vibrations during dynamic passages.

The matte black ash finish lends the SW800 a certain sobriety that makes it easy to blend into various interiors. Unlike larger subs with wide front-firing ports, this model remains visually discreet thanks to its compact 6.7 kg form factor. Four rubber feet under the chassis provide partial decoupling from the floor, reducing vibration transmission to nearby furniture.

The internal layout is simple yet functional. The 20 cm driver with treated paper cone offers a good balance between responsiveness and the ability to move enough air for low frequencies. The compliant surround allows for substantial excursion without excessive distortion, at least within the power limits specified by the manufacturer.

Class D amplification: energy efficiency in the service of bass

Class D amplifiers are well-suited for reproducing low frequencies, such as those in subwoofer applications. The 60-watt module built into the SW800 uses this switching technology, which offers very high efficiency at around 90%. This energy efficiency allows the sub to operate without bulky heatsinks or noisy fans, contributing to its compactness.

Class D amplification operates via pulse-width modulation (PWM), converting the analog audio signal into a series of rapid pulses. This technology, perfectly suited to subwoofers, minimizes thermal losses while maintaining sufficient instantaneous power reserves to reproduce fast transients from cinematic explosions or punchy basslines in music.

While 60 watts may seem modest compared to subs delivering several hundred watts, this output remains consistent with the SW800’s intended use: augmenting a hi-fi or home theater system in rooms under 25 m². Under these conditions, the amplifier module has enough dynamic headroom to handle demanding passages without audible compression.

Versatile connectivity and precise adjustments

The SW800’s rear panel consolidates all the connections and controls needed for flexible integration. The sub features a stereo RCA input and an LFE input, allowing it to pair with many hi-fi or home theater amplifiers. This dual connectivity supports connection to a stereo amplifier without a dedicated subwoofer output as well as to a modern AV receiver with LFE channel management.

The crossover frequency knob, adjustable from 40 to 150 Hz, lets you precisely tailor the acoustic handoff with the main speakers. This wide range allows pairing with compact speakers that roll off relatively high (around 80–100 Hz) as well as floorstanders that reach deeper into the bass. The independent output level control makes it easier to balance the system’s overall tonality.

A phase switch (0 or 180°) is available to ensure perfect compatibility with any speaker setup or with a second sub placed in the same room. This function, often overlooked on entry-level subs, is crucial for optimizing acoustic summation between the sub and the main speakers, avoiding phase cancellations that create dips in the frequency response.

The on/off switch on the rear panel allows you to fully cut power, avoiding any standby consumption. Some users might prefer auto-standby, but its absence helps keep the price down while preventing false triggers on low-level signals.

A suitable complement for compact and satellite systems

This sub can complement a wide range of existing systems, notably compact speaker packs or small satellites. Small bookshelf speakers, physically limited in the bass by their reduced dimensions, particularly benefit from the SW800’s contribution. The sub handles reproduction below roughly 80 Hz, allowing the small satellite drivers to focus on the mids and highs where they excel.

In a home theater setup with a budget 5.0 pack, the SW800 can transform the movie experience by adding the physical dimension of low frequencies. Deep rumbles, impacts, and LFE effects gain substance, creating that coveted sense of immersion without requiring a large investment. The sub remains agile enough to keep up with the fast rhythms of electronic music and the abrupt transitions of modern soundtracks.

Technical specifications

Amplification and signal processing

• Built-in amplification: 60 W Class D
• Frequency response: 40–150 Hz (±4 dB)
• Phase adjustment: 0° to 180° for precise alignment with speakers
• Available settings: adjustable crossover frequency and level

Driver and acoustics

• System type: 1-way bass-reflex
• Driver: 20 cm (8”) for dynamic, responsive bass
• Design: optimized for small to medium setups

Connectivity and controls

• Inputs: stereo RCA
• Volume: adjustable
• Compatibility: wide range of compact and satellite speakers

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 290 × 330 × 305 mm
• Net weight: 6.7 kg
• Gross weight: 7.7 kg

General information

This 1-way subwoofer delivers precise, dynamic low frequencies, ideal for movies and music. Its compact, discreet design integrates easily into any interior, with optimal performance thanks to adjustable settings tailored to the room.