DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 In-Wall Subwoofer at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is a 10-inch in-wall, on-wall, and floor-mount subwoofer from DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, Allerød, Denmark), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Introduced at CEDIA Expo 2023 in Denver and the first DALI speaker to feature Constant Surface Surround (CSS) technology co-developed with Purifi Audio in Denmark, the SUB S-100 brings audiophile-grade bass to architecturally invisible installations. Its custom long-throw aluminum cone driver delivers a frequency range of 26 Hz to 250 Hz, a maximum SPL of 110 dB, and a mounting depth of just 102 mm. The fully enclosed integrated backbox requires no separate cavity preparation, and eight spring-loaded dogleg brackets secure it into almost any standard wall. The SUB S-100 is engineered to be paired exclusively with the PHANTOM CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier for perfectly matched, DSP-optimised performance in any custom installation.

Constant Surface Surround (CSS) Technology: Low Distortion, High Excursion

The PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is the first DALI speaker to incorporate Constant Surface Surround technology, co-developed with Purifi Audio in Denmark and previously exclusive to standalone subwoofer driver applications. CSS replaces the conventional half-roll surround geometry with a unique pattern of alternating positive and negative stepped and curved sections. The result is a surround that maintains a constant radiating surface area regardless of the position of the diaphragm, eliminating the surround modulation distortion mechanism that affects conventional driver designs. The SUB S-100 driver shares design principles with the bass driver in the ultra-shallow DALI PHANTOM K-60 LP in-wall speaker, combining long-throw excursion capability with a profile shallow enough for standard wall installation. The custom aluminum cone is engineered for exceptional stiffness, preserving cone rigidity under the high-excursion demands of bass reproduction at elevated output levels without flexing or deforming.

Ultra-Shallow Profile and Integrated Backbox: Effortless Installation

The SUB S-100's fully enclosed cabinet has a mounting depth of just 102 mm, making it compatible with almost any standard residential wall construction without modification. Unlike most in-wall subwoofers that require a separately built backbox, the PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 ships as a complete, self-contained unit with its own rigid, low-resonance enclosure integrated into the speaker body. A supplied cut-out template ensures precise positioning, and eight spring-loaded dogleg brackets lock the unit securely into the wall opening without tools or additional hardware. For installations where wall mounting is not possible or preferred, the optional DALI on-wall frame allows the SUB S-100 to be placed on the floor beneath a sofa, TV console, or cabinetry, maintaining a discreet profile while delivering full bass performance. All three installation configurations, in-wall, on-wall, and floor placement, are supported from the same unit without modification.

Key Features

• 10-Inch CSS Long-Throw Driver: A custom aluminum cone driver featuring Constant Surface Surround technology co-developed with Purifi Audio, delivering high-excursion bass with measurably lower distortion than conventional in-wall subwoofer designs.
• 102 mm Mounting Depth: An ultra-shallow profile of just 102 mm fits into almost any standard residential wall construction, making it one of the slimmest high-performance in-wall subwoofers available.
• Integrated Backbox: The fully enclosed cabinet eliminates the need for a separately constructed backbox, reducing installation time and complexity while providing a rigid, low-resonance enclosure for the driver.
• Three Installation Modes: Supports in-wall, on-wall, and floor placement with the optional DALI on-wall frame, providing maximum flexibility for any room layout or furniture configuration.
• Spring-Loaded Dogleg Brackets: Eight spring-loaded brackets secure the SUB S-100 into the wall cutout without additional hardware, tools, or adhesives for a fast, repeatable professional installation.
• Optimised for PHANTOM CI AMP-2500 DSP: Designed exclusively for use with the PHANTOM CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier, which provides 2 x 500 watts of Class-D power, model-specific DSP presets, and can drive up to four SUB S-100 units simultaneously.
• 26 Hz to 250 Hz Frequency Range: Wide bandwidth coverage from subsonic bass through the lower midrange allows the SUB S-100 to integrate cleanly with any DALI PHANTOM series speaker at virtually any crossover point.
• 110 dB Maximum SPL: High output capability for a slim in-wall form factor, suitable for small home cinema rooms through to larger dedicated screening rooms when multiple units are deployed.
• DALI CONFIGURATOR App Compatible: When paired with the CI AMP-2500 DSP, the full system can be configured wirelessly via the DALI CONFIGURATOR app from any Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• Cut-Out Template Included: A precision cut-out template is supplied to ensure accurate wall positioning for a perfect fit on every installation.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• TNT Award 2024, Residential Loudspeakers / Subwoofers: CE Pro and Commercial Integrator, awarded at ISE 2024, Barcelona. Recognising the PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 as an outstanding product in the residential custom installation subwoofer category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100?

The DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is a 10-inch passive in-wall subwoofer from Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries (DALI), Allerød, Denmark. It features a custom long-throw aluminum CSS driver, an integrated backbox, a 102 mm mounting depth, a frequency range of 26 Hz to 250 Hz, and a maximum SPL of 110 dB. Introduced at CEDIA Expo 2023 and awarded the TNT Award by CE Pro and Commercial Integrator at ISE 2024, the SUB S-100 is designed for discreet in-wall, on-wall, or floor installation in both home cinema and high-performance stereo environments, and is engineered to be driven exclusively by the PHANTOM CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier.

How does the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 compare to the KEF Ci200RLb and SVS in-wall subwoofers?

The DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 differentiates itself from the KEF Ci200RLb and SVS in-wall subwoofer offerings in two key areas: driver technology and system integration. The KEF Ci200RLb uses a conventional rubber surround and relies on its passive radiator design for extension, while SVS in-wall subwoofers are typically paired with external plate amplifiers of the customer's choice. The PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is the only in-wall subwoofer in its class to use Constant Surface Surround technology co-developed with Purifi Audio, which eliminates surround modulation distortion at the driver level. It is also designed as a closed-loop system with the CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier, which includes model-specific DSP presets tuned to the SUB S-100's exact acoustic profile, offering a level of factory-matched optimisation that generic amplifier pairings cannot replicate.

Can the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 be used on-wall or on the floor instead of in a wall?

Yes, the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 supports three installation configurations: in-wall, on-wall, and floor placement. For on-wall and floor installations, the optional DALI on-wall frame is required. This allows the SUB S-100 to be positioned beneath a sofa, TV console, or piece of furniture for a visually hidden installation in rooms where wall mounting is not practical or permitted. All three configurations use the same hardware unit without modification, providing significant flexibility for retrofit installations and rental properties where wall cutting is not possible.

What is Constant Surface Surround (CSS) technology in the SUB S-100?

Constant Surface Surround is a driver surround technology co-developed by DALI and Purifi Audio that uses a geometric pattern of alternating positive and negative stepped and curved sections in the rubber surround. This pattern keeps the driver's radiating surface area constant throughout the full excursion cycle, regardless of whether the cone is moving inward or outward. A conventional half-roll surround changes shape asymmetrically during excursion, which varies the effective radiating area and introduces distortion. CSS eliminates this distortion mechanism entirely, producing measurably cleaner bass at all output levels. The PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 was the first DALI speaker to use this technology, which has since been deployed in the flagship DALI SUB V-16 F.

What amplifier does the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 require?

The DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is engineered for exclusive use with the PHANTOM CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier. The CI AMP-2500 DSP delivers 2 x 500 watts of Class-D amplification and can be bridged to 1,000 watts mono. A single CI AMP-2500 DSP can drive up to four SUB S-100 units simultaneously, making it suitable for both single-subwoofer stereo installations and multi-subwoofer large home cinema configurations. The amplifier includes model-specific DSP presets pre-loaded for the SUB S-100, along with parametric EQ, audio limiters, driver alignment delay, phase control, and a web-based configurator interface accessible via the DALI CONFIGURATOR app on any Wi-Fi-enabled device.

Where can I buy the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 in Toronto or Canada?

The DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is available in Toronto and across Canada at Vinyl Sound, an authorised DALI dealer. Vinyl Sound can advise on installation configurations, PHANTOM series speaker matching, and the complete DALI PHANTOM CI home cinema solution including the CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier. Purchasing from an authorised dealer ensures full DALI manufacturer warranty coverage and access to professional installation support throughout Canada.

How many DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 units do I need for a large home cinema?

A single DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is suitable for small to medium rooms, while larger dedicated home cinema environments benefit from two or more units for improved bass distribution and increased maximum output headroom. A single PHANTOM CI AMP-2500 DSP amplifier can power up to four SUB S-100 subwoofers simultaneously, making it straightforward to scale from a 2.1 or 5.1 installation up to a more ambitious multi-subwoofer configuration without additional amplifier hardware. Vinyl Sound can recommend the appropriate number of units based on room size, seating position, and target output level.

Is the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 suitable for a stereo hi-fi system as well as home cinema?

Yes, the DALI PHANTOM IW SUB S-100 is equally suited to high-performance stereo systems and multichannel home cinema setups. Its wide frequency range of 26 Hz to 250 Hz and low distortion CSS driver make it capable of reproducing the low-frequency fundamentals of acoustic instruments, jazz, classical, and rock recordings with the speed and pitch accuracy that music listening demands. For rooms where a conventional freestanding subwoofer is aesthetically incompatible, the SUB S-100 provides a discreet alternative that delivers comparable performance without occupying floor space or disrupting interior design.