Perlisten R18is

The Perlisten R18is embodies a sound philosophy where only performance matters. Discreetly integrated into walls, this 18-inch in-wall subwoofer delivers bass with exceptional depth and precision, offering an ideal solution for high-end home theaters where discretion meets acoustic excellence.

A concentration of technologies from the flagship D series

The R18is directly benefits from technology transfer from Perlisten’s prestigious D series, incorporating cutting-edge acoustic innovations in a format specifically designed for in-wall installation. This trickle-down approach allows the manufacturer to offer exceptional performance while maintaining a price proposition consistent with the R-Series segment.

The 460 mm driver uses a fiberglass composite cone, capable of an impressive linear excursion of ±31.9 mm. This especially generous excursion for a driver of this size ensures distortion-free reproduction of subsonic frequencies, even at high sound pressure levels. The design incorporates multiple aluminum shorting rings, massive magnets, multilayer Nomex surrounds, and lightweight aluminum voice-coil wire, all contributing to fast transient response and system linearity.

Proprietary nonlinear modeling techniques enable Perlisten engineers to simulate and optimize every component for peak real-world performance, whether in free field or installed in its enclosure. The Klippel laser measurement system further refines these settings with surgical precision, ensuring perfect consistency between theoretical predictions and measured performance.

An external amplifier for flexible integration

The R18is is powered by an external DSP1500 amplifier delivering 1500 watts RMS, a substantial output that ensures ample dynamic headroom even during the most demanding passages. This remote amplification setup offers several decisive advantages for professional integrators.

The amplifier can be placed on an equipment shelf or mounted in a standard 19-inch (403 mm) rack, providing appreciable installation flexibility. This physical separation between the transducer and electronics also helps minimize parasitic vibrations and optimize overall thermal management.

Signal processing is handled by a 48-bit Texas Instruments DSP paired with a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 processor with double-precision floating point. This sophisticated processing architecture guarantees real-time adjustments with latency measured in microseconds, preserving audio signal integrity under all usage conditions.

A modern and intuitive control interface

The amplifier features a 2.8-inch color LCD touchscreen that centralizes access to all settings. This modern graphical interface advantageously replaces traditional pots and switches, offering smooth, intuitive navigation through configuration menus.

Remote control via iOS and Android mobile apps is a major asset for acoustic optimization. Users can fine-tune parameters from the listening position, a particularly valuable feature during initial calibration or to quickly adapt the subwoofer’s behavior to the content being played.

The 10-band parametric EQ with three user-memorable presets enables precise acoustic correction tailored to the specifics of each room. The preset EQ modes—THX EQ, Boost (large rooms), and Cut (small rooms)—offer optimized starting points based on listening space dimensions.

Extended frequency reproduction capabilities

The R18is delivers a frequency response extending from 20 to 280 Hz (±6 dB) in THX EQ mode, reaching down to 16 Hz in Boost mode for large rooms. This ability to reproduce infrasonic frequencies—revealing acoustic information often imperceptible with conventional subwoofers—literally transforms the listening experience, particularly with modern soundtracks rich in low-frequency effects.

The adjustable low-pass filter from 30 to 160 Hz with selectable slopes from 6 to 24 dB/octave ensures seamless integration with any main speaker system. Variable phase from 0 to 270 degrees and polarity inversion allow you to optimize acoustic summation with the system’s other drivers, eliminating potentially destructive phase cancellations.

A design tailored for professional installation

Specifically developed for integrators designing top-tier systems, the R18is meets the demands of projects requiring specialized products that can be concealed in walls or behind acoustic fabrics. This professional focus translates into pragmatic design choices that prioritize ease of installation and acoustic performance over exterior aesthetics.

The main enclosure dimensions (1000 x 508 x 306 mm) do require significant in-wall volume, but remain compatible with most modern constructions featuring suitable wall cavities. The 68.9 kg weight of the enclosure alone calls for a robust supporting structure—an aspect to consider from the installation design phase.

Connectivity includes balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as corresponding unbuffered outputs and a digital AES output. This connection versatility ensures compatibility with virtually all processors and preamplifiers on the market. Configurable auto-on and a 12V trigger input simplify integration into sophisticated home automation systems.

Frequently asked questions

Can the R18is be used in a behind-screen (behind a projection screen) installation?

The R18is has been specifically designed for installations requiring products that can be concealed behind acoustic fabrics. Its robust construction and suitable cooling system allow optimal operation even in confined spaces, provided minimum ventilation recommendations are followed. The absence of a bass-reflex port eliminates any risk of noise related to airflow, a decisive advantage for installations behind an acoustically transparent screen.

What is the main difference between the R18is and the standard R18s?

The R18is stands out with its design specifically adapted for in-wall mounting and an external 1500W amplifier, versus 1000W for the standard R18s with built-in amplification. The R18is also uses a 2.8-inch touchscreen on the external amplifier, compared to a 2.4-inch screen integrated on the top of the R18s. The R18is’s linear excursion (±31.9 mm) is also greater than the R18s’s (±23.7 mm), enabling higher sound pressure levels in the very low frequencies.

How is the R18is acoustically calibrated?

The iOS and Android mobile app provides full control of advanced parameters, including the 10-band parametric EQ. Calibration can be performed manually using a measurement microphone and acoustic analysis software, or automatically if the system is integrated with a compatible audio processor. The three user presets allow saving different configurations optimized for different types of content.

Technical specifications

Amplification and digital processing

• External amplifier 1500 W RMS
• 48-bit Texas Instruments digital signal processor (DSP)
• Double-precision ARM Cortex-M4 processor for instant, distortion-free response

Driver and acoustic design

• 460 mm (18 in) fiberglass composite cone driver
• Linear excursion ± 31.9 mm
• Enclosure type: sealed acoustic suspension

Frequency response

• Frequency response ± 6 dB
  • THX EQ mode: 20–280 Hz
  • Boost mode: 16–280 Hz
  • Cut mode: 25–280 Hz
• Frequency response ± 10 dB
  • THX EQ mode: 16–345 Hz
  • Boost mode: 14–345 Hz
  • Cut mode: 19–345 Hz

Audio connectivity

• Audio inputs: 1 × balanced XLR, 1 × RCA
• Audio outputs: 1 × XLR, 1 × RCA, 1 × AES/2 digital

Filtering and signal processing

• Low-pass filter: 30–160 Hz with adjustable slopes from 6 to 24 dB/oct, bypass available
• Variable phase: 0–270°
• Polarity: normal or inverted
• Parametric equalizer: 10 bands with 3 user presets

Control and configuration

• 2.8-inch color touchscreen
• iOS / Android compatible mobile app
• 12 V trigger
• Auto power-on

Installation

• In-wall mounting or wall-mounting
• Ideal for invisible installations or behind acoustic fabrics

Dimensions and weight

• Enclosure dimensions (H × W × D): 1000 × 508 × 306 mm (39.3 × 20.0 × 12.1 in)
• Amplifier dimensions (H × W × D): 89 × 429 × 322 mm (3.5 × 16.9 × 12.7 in)
• Net weight
  • Enclosure: 68.9 kg
  • Amplifier: 6.1 kg
• Total packaged weight: 96.4 kg

Finish

• Finish: matte black
• Grille: optional