i bought my W-1 over 20 years ago after reading an audio magazine review and had it shipped to my home (i was in the navy at the time). i never got around to hooking it up for 20 years. i have it bi amped and run with B&W CDM1s now. its x-overed @ 50hz / 24db/octave. it sounds good for a slot loaded band pass sub. i don't like running it higher than 50hz as it starts to sound a little boomy and unfocused.i think there are better subs out there like the Hsu line. band pass just does'nt have the ultra tightness i like but the slot loading tames the booming well. i have the slot corner loaded in my room about 12" from both walls and powered with a 100w mono amp. it will shake the whole house if i want ( i usually do !)
Hsu is the better bargin or build your own ultimate (browse:"almighty subwoofer") if you dare. i'll move it to my beroom system when i can afford to replace it. i still like it, its musical and loud but not ultra tight.

Great looking piece of furniture

very little slam/impact

I had two Janis W-1 subs. Circa 1993. I am the curious sort, especially when it comes to seeing how a subwoofer is built, i.e., the driver/s in particular. So, I took one apart. Now, before I piss a lot of people off... As long as these were set up correctly the sound was very accepatable. I suspect that because of the inherent design of the system, you are simply not going to get the visceral 'slam' or impact that a forward firing sub can provide. This can be ok, depending on what type of music you are listening to. Fair enough.

Alright, so I disassemble the unit and inspect the driver. I could not believe that this expensive looking piece of fine furniture could not only house, but reproduce adequate LF response with such a cheap driver! Now, when I say cheap, I don't mean stamped basket with a decent sized magnet and foam rubber surround that you can buy at an auto-sound dealership for $25.00 I am talking about this: A driver that could not have possibly cost more than $20.00 wholesale. A magnetic structure that was at the most 2 lbs. The cheapest of cheap paper cone material, folded paper surround and stamped, sheet metal basket.

I go on like this because it was to me, truly unbelieveable. And a tremendous let down to boot. I was able to rationalize the cabinetry for the cost, that's it. I am telling you, even at a garage sale, I never saw such a cheaply manufactured 15"' driver in my life. Period. My two cents based on a real-life experience, thats all. I can't and won't take away anything from the good sound and other good attributes of this unit nor, slam anybody for owning or contemplating a purchase of one.

Regards,

JC

Similar Products Used:

Velodyne, Infinity.