Bass Goes Bigger: Revisiting AV Designs with the Ascendo 32-Inch Subwoofer

 Posted by Tan

After my last jaw-dropping encounter with AV Designs’ seismic subwoofer setup—where a 24-inch Ascendo woofer redefined what “low-end” meant (read it here) - I was invited back for a follow-up session. This time, things had gotten more serious. The 24-incher was replaced with the 32-inch Ascendo subwoofer that I alluded to in my last post.

Yes, 32 inches. And yes, when you thought bass could not have gone deeper and deeper, this hunk of a subwoofer made a big difference - and profoundly so.

The moment the system engaged, the large room was totally filled. There was an unmistakable sense of scale - the soundstage had grown further, with instruments and effects occupying a more expansive, three-dimensional space.

Bass dug even deeper into the floor, the sound effects from Hollywood blockbusters spreading out around, beneath and above, enveloping you fully. And yet, counterintuitively, everything felt more relaxed. I could not imagine myself saying this comparing with my previous experience with the 24 inch sub, but gone was the ever slightest hint of strain that I didn't even know was there until I experienced its big brother here. Bass line emerged with a natural ease that was almost uncanny, with each bass notes unfurled even more effortlessly.

Despite its sheer size, this sub wasn’t overbearing. What truly impressed me was how coherently the new sub integrated with the rest of the system. James Tan and the AV Designs team had clearly spent considerable effort tuning the setup. The balance remained impeccable. The integration of the 32-inch monster into the existing five-subwoofer array (including dual 21s and dual 18s) was executed with excellence. Each was meticulously integrated and calibrated to provide a bass response that’s linear, clean, and enveloping.

Music and movie sound tracks alike benefited. Music was provided with a rock solid foundation, the mid and highs were even smoother than before. Explosive scenes from action soundtracks hit with visceral impact but with none of the muddiness lesser systems suffer from.

AV Designs continues to chase the limits of what’s possible in the home setting, and this latest installation isn’t just about brute force. It’s about control, precision, and not least excitement. Absolutely an experience that should not be missed by any serious AV enthusiasts and audiophiles. 

Contact AV Designs 03-62411237 for enquiries and audition.