Overall

Rated 4.8 Out off 5.0*

Features

Rated 4.8 Out off 5.0*

SW-8MK2 specs include a powerful internal amplifier with 100-watt peak power and a front-firing woofer that deliver the sound of amazing quality on lower frequencies, in comparison with similar subwoofers. Moreover, this item features a vented enclosure which creates an extended and accurate bass sounding. There's a 180-degree phase switch option on the back panel that allows controlling the delivered sound. This subwoofer has 3 available modes; they are – always on so the device won't turn off automatically, music on mode, and a standby mode so the subwoofer will automatically turn off. With the help of a crossover and phase adjustments options, I could easily connect the device with speakers of various models, and the sound quality spoiled neither when I listened to music, nor when I used the device for watching movies. The frequency, volume, and phase adjustments allow customizing a perfect well-rounded bass sounding that may suit rooms of different size.

Performance & Sound Quality

Rated 4.8 Out off 5.0*

The general sounding quality is quite clean and accurate, I didn’t notice any traces of distortion while I tested this subwoofer. The bass quality is well balanced, tight, and rather musical, the device handles low frequencies very well and has a clear bass response. Moreover, the vented enclosure further enhances the bass sound and this feature makes the music experience even better and the bass much deeper and more powerful. I would like to make a remark that the bass is not loaded, which means that this subwoofer is not a boom box type product; it’s rather a musical sound type. The phase adjustment option permits easily setting the perfect sound level and finding the sweet spot where the delivered sound is of the best quality. The Pioneer SW-8MK2 settings have a frequency range of 38 Hz and up to 150 Hz, but the delivered bass sounding starts to lose its capabilities at the range of 100 Hz, so it’s better to use the product with lower frequency.

Setup

Rated 4.9 Out off 5.0*

SW-8MK2 setup is pretty simple, I didn’t have any trouble with it because actually there’s no need to assemble the subwoofer, I just had to determine whether to plug it into an amplifier or to the receiver. The item is rigid and there's no rattling or air trembling sounds while it's working. The con is that it has only the standalone option, and it cannot be mounted to the ceiling, but it may fit into a stand or on a shelf. In general, the item is lightweight and compact; it's easy to carry around because the weight is about 20 pounds.