Customer Reviews

Cambridge SoundWorks Newton Series P500 Powered Subwoofer (Slate)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have owned this subwoofer for about a year and a half now. While it is attractive looking and often produces satisfying output, it still has its fair share of problems.
Overall, I can generally get this sub to blend well with my mains and surround speakers (I use MC300's for L/R/C and S300's for surrounds. These are also produced by Cambridge Soundworks and I can recommend these, especially the MC300's.) However, switching between my 3 main sources of audio (DVDs and Television, CDs, and finally multi-channel SACD) requires constant tweaking. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to do with the P500's separate control module as well as a remote control for the volume. It is quite capable of putting out powerful bass that will shake the floor when you need it.
Now for the bad.
First of all, I'm not sure if it's due to the size of the 8" drivers, but this sub often has trouble outputting bass that is focused in the lower frequencies. The bass simply comes out as a dull thud that is very displeasing to the ears (this is true for both pair of woofers I have used - more on that later). This usually requires turning the volume below desired levels or changing the equilizer frequency on the control module to a higher frequency. You can also get stronger output by placing this sub in a corner (just keep it at least a foot away from the wall or it can get boomy).
Second, the exterior of the sub simply does not hold up. I have only used the Slate model, so I do not know if there is a similar problem with the other finishes, but after using the sub for about 6 months, I noticed numerous cracks forming in the corners of the subwoofer's casing as well as along the middle of the surfaces. After being told to send it in for service, and then sending it in (paying the shipping charges of course) I eventually received the unit back exactly the way that I sent it in. They did however notify me that they had replaced the woofers in the unit. Speaking to someone in their service department informed me that they don't service exterior problems with the subs (useful information prior to sending it in), and they didn't seem overly concerned with helping me out.
This has been a long review, but for a reason. While this is a good subwoofer, I can't recommend it to everyone. It definitely requires some configuration and tweaking, and there are several gotchas. You will need to be willing to put some time and patience into it, and if you're not willing to do that then you should try out other brands first. Also, the cracking can be an issue as well, especially if you might be planning on reselling the unit in the future.
3 out of 5.