Bass Optimizer

The Hsu Optimizer is basically the equalizer section found in all Hsu amps. However, in this case it is installed inside of a tiny, almost cigarette-box-sized, enclosure that allows you to stash it away on a very small shelf, or even behind a component that is occupying a shelf of its own. The actual dimensions are 4 x 2 x 4 inches (h/w/ d).

It is designed to do a few basic things, with the most important being to equalize the Hsu subwoofers for flat response when hooked up to a non-Hsu amp. The Optimizer should also be able to equalize an unpowered, older-model Hsu sub that is not used with a Hsu amp.

The Optimizer is DC-powered, coming with a “wall-wart” power supply and a long skinny wire that you plug into the unit’s backside. The backside also has a pair of input jacks and a pair of output jacks (left and right subwoofer channels). Normally, you would only need to use one input jack and one output jack, and in that case you simply use the right-channel hookups. If you have stereo subwoofers, you would use both.

The front panel has a switch for stereo/mono. It basically is a blend switch and if you have stereo outputs to a pair of subwoofers you can use the switch to determine which sounds best. In the mono mode, the outputs are internally coupled to mono and so you should get, as Hsu says in the brief instruction booklet that comes with the Optimizer, “lower distortion and higher headroom.” This is because mono bass from two subwoofer units will add coherently, whereas with the stereo-mode setting they may not do this, depending upon the program material. Why offer the option at all? Well, some enthusiasts may feel that stereo low bass has an ambiance edge over mono bass. This is debatable, but the Optimizer lets you try out your theories.

The front panel also has an equalization switch, marked EQ1 and EQ2. EQ2 position electrically rolls off the signal below 25 Hz, and also boosts the signal between 50 and 25 Hz more than the EQ1 position.

List Price: $ 129.00

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