The iSub is the stunning translucent 20-watt subwoofer designed specifically to work with Apple’s slot-loading iMacs and the new Power Mac G4s. The slot-loading iMacs feature Harman/Kardon’s Odyssey transducers for their built in speakers, and the USB-based iSub channels bass frequencies from 44 to 180Hz. Designed by Apple and developed by Harman/Kardon, the iSub causes the iMac to cross over low-frequency sound and music, enabling the iMac’s built-in speakers to channel audio more efficiently.
Although the iSub has been sold primarily to work with slot-loading iMacs (as opposed to tray-loading iMac models), Apple recently complicated things a bit when they introduced new Power Mac G4 models at Macworld Expo San Francisco this past January. Power Mac G4 466Mhz, 533Mhz, 667Mhz and 733Mhz systems all support the iSub when used with Apple’s Pro Speakers.
Other systems can’t use the iSub, so Harman Multimedia and Apple designed the SoundSticks for them — it’s a three-piece speaker system which also incorporates a subwoofer that looks very similar to the iSub. The SoundSticks carry a suggested retail price of US$199 instead.
The iSub itself incorporates a 6-inch woofer. It stands about 10-inches high and has a diameter of about 9-inches. Weighing in at about six pounds, the iSub should be placed underneath a desk for optimal performance, but it’s too pretty to stick it where someone can’t see it.
The iSub carries a suggested retail price of US$99 but is available to Apple Store customers with a $40 instant rebate, lowering the price of the iSub to $59.