Garmin's ultra-thin subwoofer promises "premium sound performance"
Bass without the box
Garmin has unveiled a new line of subwoofers, continuing its expansion into the world of consumer audio.
The new JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers, as the name suggests, leverage the tech and expertise Garmin acquired when it bought US-based subwoofer specialist JL Audio in 2023.
They follow the launch of the firm's first premium audio system, the JL Audio Primacy, which made a brief appearance at High End Vienna last week.
The thin-line JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers boast “incredible performance and durability,” according to Garmin. The brand describes the 8-inch subwoofers as “sleek and inconspicuous”, claiming they can fit nearly anywhere in the home.
Inside the subwoofer, you will find JL Audio’s Concentric Tube Suspension design, which Garmin says allows for a more compact fit “without sacrificing premium sound performance”.
You can install them on your wall or ceiling with a shallow 3.8-inch mounting depth, so you don’t need a dedicated enclosure. There is also a dog-leg mounting system, designed to remove the need for a backplate.
The subwoofers are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and Garmin claims they are built to withstand harsh environments using marine-grade materials.
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They include a fine-mesh grille, which attaches magnetically and is available in circular or square shapes. For finishes, you can choose between black and white.
The JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers are expected to sell for $1000 (around £750 / AU$1425). UK and Australian availability is yet to be confirmed.
That’s quite a premium price, but its versatile and compact design could make for an attractive option. Let’s hope its sound matches that hefty price tag.
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Robyn Quick is a Staff Writer for What Hi Fi?. After graduating from Cardiff University with a postgraduate degree in magazine journalism, they have worked for a variety of film and culture publications. In their spare time, Robyn can be found playing board games too competitively, going on cinema trips and learning muay thai.
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