|
 |
|
Features
Anti-thump on/off protection circuitry.
105 watts RMS low distortion amplifier.
Automatic power on and off function.
Bass reflex bass loading system.
Compact enclosure design.
Crossover tailoring control.
Music system compatible.
Pros
Excellent performance.
Anti-thump circuitry.
Solid engineering and construction.
Realistic bass response.
Cons
Can run out of steam in large rooms.
Ratings
| Features: |
  |
| Build: |
|
| Performance: |
|
| Value: |
|
Distributor
Faze 4
Tel: 02 - 9958 0408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richter Son Of Thor
Compact active single box subwoofer
Recommended retail price: $799
(inc. GST)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Reviewer: Richard Morgan
There's no getting around it, only a subwoofer will generate the depth of performance you need from DVD movie entertainment. Preferably it should be an active subwoofer (one with its own in-built power amplifier) so that it can produce low bass on soundtracks without placing any strain on the amplifier.
 The Son Of Thor from Australian speaker manufacturer, Richter, fits all the requirements of subwoofer. It's modelled on the big daddy of Richter subwoofers, the Thor, offering similar sonic characteristics and new technology in a smaller, less expensive package ($799 including GST).
The Son Of Thor measures 325mm high, 365mm wide and 295mm deep. It's small enough to be relatively non-intrusive in most rooms and although it is engineered to operate best in medium to small rooms it can realistically integrate with any home theatre system and form the bass component of a good sub-satellite system for hi-fi music.
A 30-litre vented bass reflex enclosure made from high density MDF board houses the Son's woofer and amplifier. The cabinet is acoustically damped internally with Australian wool. While we're on things mechanical, the woofer is a 250mm doped paper long throw device, while the electronic section generates 105 watts power and contains the crossover actions, level controls and other operating adjustments.
Key features of this subwoofer are extended bass, anti-thump circuitry, automatic signal sensing, switchable phase, crossover bypass and supervisory protection system. Richter rates the frequency response of Son Of Thor down to 25Hz - thanks to the long throw action of the bass driver, a high damping amplifier and a heavy-duty motion and control system.
When many active subwoofers are switched on or off, a loud thump often accompanies the events. Not only is this disconcerting to hear, but these switching transients are potentially hazardous to the speaker's health. The Son Of Thor stops potential turn-on damage dead in its tracks with special anti-thump circuitry.
Actually, there's be no need to switch the power on their Son Of Thor, because it automatically powers-down after about 30 minutes without passing a signal and switches on the instant it senses an input signal from a movie or music source.
A selectable phase function is included in the Son for instances where it can't be placed near the front speakers - simply flick a switch to blend the sound of the sub with that of the front speakers. The crossover bypass function lets owners use an external crossover or outboard processor. Naturally, there's comprehensive protection from heat and sound overload.
The effect of installing the Son was immediately palpable and quite remarkable. The sensory element of added deep bass was filled with sensation, but not tiring the way many full-scale cinemas can be. When switched out-of-system, the familiar catchcry was heard: "I didn't know it (low bass) was missing until it was there and never realised how much I missed it when it was removed."
We used Region 4 DVDs of Fifth Element and The Matrix to assess overall impact and the results were impressive indeed. The Son Of Thor can really shake the rafters yet has enough refinement to add that important extra bit to, shall we say, more delicate movies. In large rooms like mine the Son Of Thor ran out of steam a bit on heavy tracks (particularly big action sequences), but even then it still did a great job.
The icing on the cake is how well the Son Of Thor performs in music mode. Plug in a set of half decent small speakers, spend a couple of minutes adjusting energy level (decreasing the bass emphasis preferred for home cinema) and crossover activity and you're away. You'll hear good music, no major holes in sound stage or performance and an excellent reproduction range.
This is a helluva lot of subwoofer for the money. It's affordable, versatile, well built and ideal for movies and music in small to medium rooms. In short, the Richter Son Of Thor is a really solid piece of engineering from an equally solid and reputable Australian company.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Your reviews:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {ad-1} |
| {ad-2} |
| |
|
