PSB SubSeries 250 Powered Subwoofer at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The SubSeries 250 is a compact powered subwoofer from PSB Speakers (Pickering, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed in collaboration with sister company NAD Electronics, the SubSeries 250 features a front-firing 10-inch polypropylene cone woofer, a custom-designed 200-watt Class D discrete MOSFET amplifier, and a sealed cabinet voiced by PSB founder and chief designer Paul Barton at Canada's National Research Council. With a frequency response reaching down to 20 Hz and proprietary Smart Bass limiting circuitry, the SubSeries 250 brings musical accuracy and home theatre impact to any room. Available in Black Ash Woodgrain, it is engineered to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of loudspeaker systems, from compact bookshelf speakers to full-range floor-standers.

Class D Discrete MOSFET Amplifier and Smart Bass Limiting

The SubSeries 250's amplifier was co-developed with NAD Electronics, PSB's sister company under Lenbrook International, and represents a significant engineering achievement in its class. The Class D discrete MOSFET design delivers 200 watts of continuous power and dynamic peaks of 600 watts while drawing less than 0.5 watts in standby, making it one of the most energy-efficient subwoofer amplifiers available. PSB's proprietary Smart Bass limiting circuitry monitors incoming signal levels at all times, automatically protecting both the driver and the amplifier from being overdriven regardless of source level. The result is a subwoofer that can be pushed hard during demanding cinematic passages without breaking up or distorting, and stays composed and controlled during subtle musical passages.

Sealed Cabinet Design and Paul Barton Voicing

The SubSeries 250 uses a sealed cabinet that delivers tight, accurate bass with a naturally smooth rolloff below its operating range. Unlike ported designs, the sealed enclosure eliminates port noise and turbulence, producing bass that integrates cleanly with the main speakers across a broad range of listening positions and room placements. The compact cube form factor, with softly curved edges and a high-gloss black finish, allows the SubSeries 250 to tuck discreetly into any room without compromising placement flexibility. Final voicing was performed by Paul Barton using objective measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council, combined with evaluation by panels of blind-tested listeners, ensuring the SubSeries 250 sounds as accurate as it measures.

Key Features

• 10-Inch Polypropylene Cone Woofer: A front-firing 10-inch driver with a polypropylene cone delivers punchy, articulate bass down to 20 Hz with long-term composure under demanding conditions.
• 200W Class D Discrete MOSFET Amplifier: Co-developed with NAD Electronics, this high-efficiency amplifier delivers 200 watts continuous and 600 watts dynamic peak power while consuming less than 0.5 watts on standby.
• Smart Bass Limiting Circuitry: PSB's proprietary protection system monitors signal levels continuously to prevent the driver and amplifier from being overdriven at any input level.
• Sealed Cabinet: An acoustic suspension enclosure eliminates port noise and resonances, producing tight, accurate bass that blends naturally with any main speaker system.
• Wide-Range Crossover (50 Hz to 350 Hz): An unusually broad crossover adjustment range allows the SubSeries 250 to integrate with everything from small satellite speakers to large floor-standing towers.
• Continuously Variable Phase Control: A smoothly adjustable phase control provides more precise subwoofer-to-speaker alignment than a fixed two-position switch.
• High and Low Level Inputs and Outputs: Speaker-level binding posts and line-level RCA inputs and outputs ensure compatibility with virtually any amplifier or AV receiver, including those without dedicated subwoofer outputs.
• LFE Input and Output: A dedicated LFE connection enables direct integration with AV receivers and processors in home theatre configurations.
• Line-Level Outputs High-Passed at 80 Hz: Stereo line-level outputs filtered at 80 Hz (12 dB/octave) allow the SubSeries 250 to serve as a bass management hub, redirecting low frequencies away from the main speakers.
• USB Power Output for RT100 Wireless Accessory: An onboard USB power connector supports PSB's optional RT100 wireless transmitter and receiver for flexible cable-free placement.
• Vibration-Absorbing Rubber Feet: Custom-designed rubber feet isolate the subwoofer from the floor, reducing vibration transfer to and from the cabinet for cleaner bass reproduction.
• Under 0.5W Standby Power Consumption: Qualifies as one of the lowest standby power figures in its class, making the SubSeries 250 an energy-responsible choice for everyday use.
• Paul Barton Voicing at the National Research Council: Final tuning performed at Canada's National Research Council using anechoic measurements and blind listener panels for reference-quality accuracy.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Stereo RCA line-level inputs and outputs (outputs high-passed at 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
• LFE input and output (RCA)
• Speaker-level (high level) inputs and outputs via gold-plated binding posts
• Rear-panel volume, crossover, and continuously variable phase controls
• USB power output for optional RT100 wireless transmitter and receiver
• On / Standby / Off power switch
• Detachable 8-foot IEC AC power cord

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSB SubSeries 250?

The PSB SubSeries 250 is a compact powered subwoofer from PSB Speakers, engineered and voiced in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. It features a front-firing 10-inch polypropylene cone woofer, a 200-watt Class D discrete MOSFET amplifier co-developed with NAD Electronics, and a sealed cabinet tuned by PSB founder Paul Barton at Canada's National Research Council. It delivers accurate, musical bass down to 20 Hz and integrates with both hi-fi and home theatre systems through an unusually comprehensive set of input and output connections.

How does the PSB SubSeries 250 compare to the SVS SB-1000 Pro?

The PSB SubSeries 250 and the SVS SB-1000 Pro are both sealed, compact subwoofers targeting listeners who prioritise accuracy and musical integration over sheer output. The SVS SB-1000 Pro uses a 12-inch driver and smartphone app-based DSP control, offering greater low-end extension in a similarly compact footprint. The SubSeries 250 counters with a broader crossover range (50 Hz to 350 Hz), comprehensive speaker-level and LFE connectivity, a USB port for wireless operation via PSB's RT100 accessory, and the advantage of Paul Barton voicing at the National Research Council. For listeners seeking exceptional versatility and connection flexibility alongside accurate, musical bass, the SubSeries 250 is a strong alternative to the SVS SB-1000 Pro, Polk Audio HTS 10, and Hsu Research VTF-1 Mk3.

What is Smart Bass limiting circuitry and how does it protect the SubSeries 250?

Smart Bass limiting is PSB's proprietary protection system built into the SubSeries 250's amplifier. It monitors the incoming signal level continuously and automatically reduces gain before the woofer or the amplifier can be driven into distortion or mechanical overload. Unlike a simple fuse or thermal cutout, Smart Bass limiting acts proactively rather than reactively, preserving dynamic performance while preventing damage during extended high-volume use. The result is a subwoofer that can be used confidently at demanding volumes without the risk of driver failure or amplifier shutdown.

Can the PSB SubSeries 250 work with an amplifier that has no subwoofer output?

Yes, the SubSeries 250 is fully compatible with amplifiers and integrated amplifiers that lack a dedicated subwoofer or LFE output. Its high-level speaker inputs accept a full-range signal directly from the amplifier's speaker terminals via gold-plated binding posts. The subwoofer's internal crossover then filters the signal, directing bass frequencies to the woofer while the line-level outputs pass a high-passed signal at 80 Hz back to the main speakers if needed. This makes the SubSeries 250 equally useful in a traditional stereo hi-fi setup as it is in a modern AV receiver-based home theatre system.

What is the benefit of the unusually wide crossover range on the SubSeries 250?

The SubSeries 250's crossover is adjustable from 50 Hz all the way to 350 Hz, which is significantly broader than the 50 Hz to 150 Hz range found on most subwoofers. This wide range allows the SubSeries 250 to blend seamlessly with a much wider variety of main speakers, from compact satellite speakers that need the subwoofer to take over from as high as 200 Hz, to full-range tower speakers that only require bass support below 60 Hz. It also makes the SubSeries 250 easier to dial in by ear, giving the listener more room to find the crossover point that sounds most natural in their specific room and system.

How does the optional RT100 wireless accessory work with the SubSeries 250?

The PSB RT100 is an optional wireless transmitter and receiver kit that allows the SubSeries 250 to receive its audio signal wirelessly from the main system. The SubSeries 250 includes a USB power connector on its rear panel specifically to power the RT100 receiver, eliminating the need for a separate power supply at the subwoofer end. This makes it practical to place the SubSeries 250 in acoustically optimal positions in the room without being constrained by cable runs, a particularly useful feature in open-plan living spaces or rooms where cable management is difficult.

Where can I buy the PSB SubSeries 250 in Toronto or Canada?

The PSB SubSeries 250 is available in Toronto, Canada at Vinyl Sound, an authorised PSB Speakers dealer. Vinyl Sound carries the SubSeries 250 in Black Ash Woodgrain finish, with knowledgeable staff available to assist with system matching, placement advice, and integration guidance. Customers across Canada are welcome to contact Vinyl Sound for purchasing and shipping inquiries.