There are hundreds of subwoofer options on the market. For a company to set itself apart from the competition is no easy feat. With that said, Memphis Audio has developed something truly unique that offers value to both retailers and consumers. Let’s take a look at the Memphis Power Reference Series of subwoofers.
Models and Power Handling
There are six models in the Power Reference series. At the top is the 12-inch PRX12FT, which is rated to handle 400 watts continuously and 800 watts peak. The 10-inch PRX10FT has the same power handling ratings. Both of these drivers are available in models with blue LED illumination built into the cone assembly, as part numbers PRXL12FT and PRXL10FT.
The series includes an 8-inch model called the PRX824V2, which is rated for 200 watts continuous and 400 watts max. Next, there’s the 6.5-inch PRX624, rated for 150 watts continuous and 300 watts max.
The series also includes two shallow-mount woofers. The 12-inch PRXS1224 has a 350-watt continuous, 700-watt max power rating. The 10-inch PRXS1024 has the same ratings.
Features of the Power Reference Subwoofers
The Power Reference series includes four sizes: 12-inch, 10-inch, 8-inch, and 6.5-inch models. They are all based on a heavy-gauge stamped-steel chassis that features three thick “M”s on each side, making them unique from all other subs. The drivers feature a polypropylene woofer cone stitched to a rubber surround for reliability. The cone has another giant letter M in two-tone black-on-black artwork. A custom-tooled rubber trim piece serves as a mounting gasket, ensuring an airtight seal against the enclosure face. Memphis sells pressed-mesh grilles compatible with all Power Reference subwoofer sizes.
At the base of the cone is a TIL fiberglass voice coil former to help ensure reliable operation. The tinsel leads are sewn to the spider to ensure quiet operation. Spring-loaded terminals will accept up to 10-AWG speaker wire.
All Power Reference subwoofers feature Direct Voice Coil Cooling (DVCC). DVCC works by including a series of small vents in the bottom plate of the subwoofer. These vents allow hot air to escape from the voice coil. The result is improved power handling and reduced power compression.
FLEX Voice Coil Impedance
If you are used to shopping for subwoofers, then you should have noticed that we listed only a single model in each size. So, what about varying voice coil impedances to optimize the power your amplifier produces? Memphis has developed a system called FLEX Selectable Impedance Technology.
On the 8-inch, 6.5-inch, and shallow-mount subwoofers, there’s a two-position jumper block on the opposite side of the chassis from the speaker terminal block. Depending on where your installer places the jumper, the driver presents a nominal impedance of 4 or 2 ohms. There’s no need to worry about getting the ‘right’ subwoofer for your amplifier. The 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers feature Tri-FLEX. This solution offers three jumper positions with 1-, 2-, and 4-ohm configurations.
FLEX eliminates the potential confusion associated with series- and parallel-wiring for dual-voice-coil subwoofers and lets your installer get you on the road quickly and efficiently. Very cool!
Check Out Memphis Power Reference Subwoofers Today!
If you are shopping for a high-performance subwoofer solution for your car, truck, or SUV, drop into a local authorized Memphis Audio retailer and ask about the very cool Power Reference subwoofers. You can find a shop near you by using the Locator Tool on the company website. Be sure to follow Memphis Audio on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
