Focal JMLab gives new evidence of future convergence between IT and Audio Video worlds with its new iCub subwoofer system. In effect, this innovative approach combines the functions of a subwoofer and those derived from the wireless connectivity.
The newborn system, which has been baptised ‘iCub' holds on to the recent Cub2 bass reflex active subwoofer but adds a new functionality through which users will be able to connect various audio sources –DVD player, APPLE iPod, game station etc. using analog RCA, digital optical or mini jack outputs.
In addition to this device two digital, 75 Watts BASH amplifiers feed two loudspeakers. Each amplified output is filtered so that users can define, during the installation, the size of the loudspeaker system while opting for one of the two audio presets.
The subwoofer integrates a 21cm Polyflex bass cone coupled with a 150 Watts digital amplifier and a 0/180° phase inverter.
However, the most innovative feature of this hybrid system resides in its WiFi capacity, particularly with APPLE's Airport Express system that can connect directly to the woofer through its optical input. In such configuration, data transfers –either native WAV or non compressed AIFF- are possible from a computer. The ice on the cake consists in a remote control: it allows to fine-tune the audio level of the whole system.
Again, this system once more predicts the potential of the convergence between consumer AV and IT.