Audio T Verdict
The Dynaudio Sub 6 is a sophisticated active subwoofer designed to add genuine low-frequency extension without sacrificing the speed, control and tonal balance expected from a high-quality stereo system.
Its twin opposed MSP Hybrid Drive woofers, sealed cabinet and 500W amplifier produce substantial bass down to 16Hz, while the opposed-driver arrangement helps reduce unwanted mechanical vibration.
Built-in Dynaudio speaker presets, adjustable crossover filters, distance compensation and three-band parametric equalisation provide considerably more control than a conventional subwoofer. Proper setup takes some care, but the available tools make exceptionally precise integration possible.
For ambitious music systems, larger rooms and installations where balanced connections or detailed DSP adjustment are required, the Sub 6 is a powerful and highly adaptable choice.
Dynaudio Sub 6 DSP Active Subwoofer
The Dynaudio Sub 6 is a premium active DSP subwoofer developed for high-quality stereo systems and ambitious home cinema installations.
Its principal features include:
- Two opposed 23cm MSP Hybrid Drive woofers
- A sealed cabinet
- Built-in 500W amplification
- Bass extension down to 16Hz
- Dynaudio speaker-specific crossover presets
- Adjustable low-pass filtering
- An adjustable 80Hz high-pass filter for the main-speaker outputs
- Three bands of parametric equalisation
- Speaker and subwoofer distance compensation
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
- Unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs
- Automatic signal-sensing operation
- A 5V to 12V trigger input
- Rear display and rotary control
- Firmware-upgradeable speaker presets
The Sub 6 can be used with passive loudspeakers, active speakers, stereo pre-amplifiers, power amplifiers, compatible streaming systems and home cinema processors.
Twin Opposed Woofer Design
The Sub 6 uses two 23cm MSP Hybrid Drive woofers mounted on opposite sides of the cabinet.
When both drivers move simultaneously, their mechanical forces act in opposing directions. This helps reduce vibration that would otherwise be transferred into the cabinet and floor.
The opposed arrangement can provide:
- Reduced cabinet movement
- Lower mechanical vibration
- Greater low-frequency clarity
- Improved transient control
- Substantial output from a relatively discreet enclosure
- Less dependence on a heavily braced conventional front-firing cabinet
Both side grilles should remain unobstructed so that the woofers can move freely.
MSP Hybrid Drive Woofers
The Sub 6 woofers were developed specifically for low-frequency reproduction rather than adapted from conventional midrange or bass drivers.
The diaphragms use a hybrid construction combining:
- A stiff aluminium main structure
- Paper damping material on the rear surface
- A Dynaudio Magnesium Silicate Polymer damping cap on the front
The aluminium provides rigidity, while the paper and MSP elements help control unwanted resonance and ringing.
This dual-action damping system is designed to combine the strength required for substantial bass output with the control needed for accurate music reproduction.
500W Built-In Amplification
A dedicated 500W amplifier is built into the base of the Sub 6 and powers the two opposed woofers.
Integrating the amplifier with the drivers and DSP allows Dynaudio to control:
- Low-frequency extension
- Maximum driver excursion
- Output level
- Crossover behaviour
- Protection
- Phase alignment
- Equalisation
No separate power amplifier is required, although the Sub 6 must be connected to a suitable mains socket.
Sealed Cabinet Design
The Sub 6 uses a sealed cabinet rather than a bass-reflex port.
A sealed enclosure provides several useful characteristics:
- No port opening to obstruct
- No audible port turbulence
- A smooth natural low-frequency roll-off
- Strong transient behaviour
- Greater flexibility when positioning near a wall
- A cabinet that is wider than it is deep
The shallow depth helps the Sub 6 sit relatively discreetly against a wall, although the effects of walls, corners and room modes must still be considered during setup.
16Hz to 230Hz Frequency Range
Dynaudio specifies a frequency response from 16Hz to 230Hz at 85dB within a +/-3dB tolerance.
This wide operating range allows the Sub 6 to complement anything from compact standmount speakers to large floorstanding designs.
The final in-room response will also depend on:
- Subwoofer position
- Room dimensions
- Listening-seat position
- Selected speaker preset or crossover frequency
- Volume setting
- Phase setting
- Distance compensation
- Parametric EQ
Dynaudio Speaker Performance Maps
The Sub 6 includes performance maps developed for selected Dynaudio loudspeakers.
Dynaudio measured the acoustic behaviour of each supported model and created a dedicated low-pass filter designed to complement its natural bass roll-off.
The appropriate speaker model can be selected through the Sub 6 display and menu system. This automatically configures the low-pass response without requiring the user to estimate a crossover frequency.
Current presets include selected models from the Confidence, Contour, Evoke, Editions, Heritage, Evidence and earlier Focus XD ranges.
Compatible Current Dynaudio Speakers
Current Dynaudio models with dedicated Sub 6 performance maps include:
Additional supported models can be added through firmware updates.
Using the Sub 6 with Other Speakers
The Sub 6 is not limited to loudspeakers covered by a Dynaudio performance map.
For another Dynaudio model or a speaker from a different manufacturer, a manual low-pass frequency can be selected through the rear menu.
Dynaudio recommends beginning with a crossover frequency close to the main speaker’s published -6dB bass cutoff.
The manual crossover filters use a fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley response, which is designed to combine smoothly with a suitably matched high-pass filter.
Using the Sub 6 with Focus 10, Focus 30 and Focus 50
The current Dynaudio Focus range does not use the Sub 6’s internal speaker presets.
When the Sub 6 is connected to:
The Sub 6 crossover should be set to bypass. Crossover alignment, distance, level and phase are then controlled through the Focus system and Dynaudio app.
Dynaudio recommends setting the Sub 6 input sensitivity to 0dB when it is used with the current Focus analogue subwoofer output.
Adjustable Low-Pass Filter
The low-pass filter determines the highest frequencies reproduced by the Sub 6.
A lower crossover may suit a large floorstanding speaker, while a higher setting may be required for a compact standmount model.
An incorrectly selected crossover can create:
- A gap between the main speakers and subwoofer
- Excessive mid-bass output
- A thin or lightweight tonal balance
- Male voices appearing to come from the subwoofer
- An audible separation between the subwoofer and speakers
The Dynaudio presets remove much of this uncertainty when a supported speaker model is being used.
Adjustable Main-Speaker High-Pass Filter
The Sub 6 can apply a fourth-order 80Hz Linkwitz-Riley high-pass filter to its left and right outputs.
When enabled, frequencies below 80Hz are reduced before the signal is passed to compatible active speakers or a power amplifier driving passive speakers.
This can provide:
- Reduced excursion from the main speakers
- Greater playback headroom
- Lower distortion
- Improved midrange clarity
- A controlled 80Hz crossover between the speakers and subwoofer
The high-pass filter can also be disengaged, allowing the main speakers to operate across their normal frequency range.
Three-Band Parametric Equalisation
The Sub 6 includes three fully adjustable parametric EQ bands.
Each band provides control over:
- Centre frequency
- Gain or attenuation
- Q, which determines the width of the adjustment
This allows specific low-frequency room resonances to be reduced without applying broad tonal changes across the complete bass range.
The parametric EQ is bypassed by default and should normally be adjusted only after the subwoofer position, crossover, phase and volume have been established.
Use Parametric EQ Carefully
Parametric equalisation is generally most useful for reducing excessive room resonances rather than boosting weak frequencies.
A deep cancellation caused by the room is rarely corrected effectively by adding large amounts of electronic boost. Repositioning the subwoofer or listening seat should be considered first.
Speaker and Subwoofer Distance Compensation
The Sub 6 can compensate for differences between the distances of the left speaker, right speaker and subwoofer from the main listening position.
Once the distances have been entered, the DSP calculates the gain and delay adjustments needed to align their arrival times.
The system can compensate for a maximum distance difference of approximately 5.35 metres.
Distance compensation is particularly useful where the Sub 6 cannot be positioned on the same plane as the main speakers.
When Does Distance Compensation Work?
For the Sub 6 to delay and align the complete system correctly, the left and right speakers must receive their signal through the Sub 6 outputs.
If a mono subwoofer feed is connected while the main speakers are driven directly from another component, the Sub 6 cannot apply delay to the main-speaker signal.
Adjustable Phase
The Sub 6 provides 0-degree and 180-degree phase settings.
The correct selection is normally the one that provides the strongest and smoothest transition between the subwoofer and main speakers around the crossover region.
An unsuitable phase relationship can cause partial cancellation, resulting in:
- Weak bass around the crossover
- Reduced impact
- An uneven transition
- Inconsistent bass between listening positions
Phase should be assessed from the main listening position after the basic crossover and volume settings have been established.
Adjustable Input Sensitivity
The Sub 6 input sensitivity can be matched to the output voltage of the connected pre-amplifier, processor or active speaker system.
Available sensitivity settings include:
The correct setting helps ensure that the Sub 6 receives a suitable signal without overloading its input or forcing the volume control towards the extremes of its adjustment range.
Dynaudio generally recommends the -14dB sensitivity setting when the Sub 6 is used for the LFE channel in a home cinema system.
Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs
The Sub 6 provides left and right balanced XLR inputs and outputs.
Balanced connections can be particularly useful with:
- Compatible high-end pre-amplifiers
- Balanced power amplifiers
- Active loudspeakers
- Longer cable runs
- Installations where electrical interference is a concern
The XLR outputs can carry the processed signal to compatible active main speakers or a power amplifier.
Unbalanced RCA Inputs and Outputs
Left and right RCA inputs and outputs are also provided for conventional domestic audio equipment.
The RCA connections can be used with compatible:
- Stereo pre-amplifiers
- Integrated amplifiers with variable pre-outs
- Streaming pre-amplifiers
- Active loudspeakers
- Power amplifiers
- AV receivers and surround processors
A mono subwoofer output can be connected to either the left or right RCA input. In this arrangement, the main speakers should normally remain connected directly to the source or AV system.
Using the Sub 6 in a Stereo System
The most complete stereo integration is achieved by connecting the pre-amplifier to the Sub 6 inputs and then connecting the Sub 6 outputs to the main power amplifier or active speakers.
This arrangement allows the Sub 6 to apply:
- Speaker-specific or manual crossover filtering
- Optional high-pass filtering
- Distance compensation
- Phase alignment
- Volume matching
The source or pre-amplifier must provide variable volume control so that the subwoofer and main speakers change level together.
Using the Sub 6 with Passive Speakers
Passive speakers cannot connect directly to the Sub 6 because its outputs are line level rather than amplified speaker-level connections.
A typical system requires:
- A source or pre-amplifier connected to the Sub 6 inputs.
- The Sub 6 outputs connected to a suitable power amplifier.
- The power amplifier connected to the passive loudspeakers.
An integrated amplifier can also be used where it provides suitable pre-amplifier outputs and power-amplifier inputs or another compatible signal path.
Using the Sub 6 in a Home Cinema System
A mono subwoofer or LFE output from an AV receiver can be connected to either the left or right Sub 6 input.
When the AV receiver or surround processor is managing the crossover, select the Sub 6 bypass option so that two low-pass filters are not applied to the same signal.
The AV system can then manage:
- Crossover frequency
- Subwoofer level
- Speaker size settings
- Distance and delay
- Room correction
- The dedicated LFE channel
Browse home cinema amplifiers and AV receivers at Audio T for compatible systems.
Using Two Sub 6 Subwoofers
Two Sub 6 units can be used to improve output and reduce variations in bass response between different listening positions.
Possible configurations include:
- Two mono subwoofers receiving the same signal
- Separate left and right stereo subwoofers
- Daisy-chained subwoofers
- Multiple subwoofers managed by an AV processor
Where possible, each subwoofer should be configured according to its individual position rather than relying on identical settings.
The Sub 6 manual provides specific delay guidance for daisy-chained installations because the second unit introduces additional signal latency.
Automatic Signal-Sensing Operation
In Auto mode, the Sub 6 can wake from standby when it detects:
- An audio input signal
- A press of the rotary control
- An enabled trigger signal
The Sub 6 can also be set to remain permanently active where automatic standby is not required.
Maximum standby consumption is specified at 0.5W.
5V to 12V Trigger Input
A trigger input allows compatible pre-amplifiers, processors and control systems to switch the Sub 6 between operating and standby states.
The trigger input operates with a 5V to 12V DC signal and can be enabled or disabled through the rear menu.
This can provide more predictable power control within an automated installation.
Rear Display and Rotary Controller
The Sub 6 is configured through a rear-mounted display and rotary controller.
Turn the control to move through the menus, then press it to confirm a selection or save a setting.
The menu provides access to:
- Volume
- Input sensitivity
- Dynaudio speaker presets
- Manual low-pass settings
- Phase
- Three-band parametric EQ
- High-pass filtering
- Auto standby
- Trigger operation
- Left-speaker distance
- Right-speaker distance
- Subwoofer distance
- Factory reset
- Installed software version
Firmware Updates
Dynaudio can release Sub 6 firmware updates containing refinements and performance maps for additional loudspeakers.
The rear USB connection is used for diagnostics and firmware installation.
The USB Port Is Not an Audio Input
The Sub 6 USB socket cannot be used to connect a computer, phone, music-storage drive or USB audio source.
It is intended only for service, diagnostics and firmware updates.
Subwoofer Positioning
Low frequencies interact strongly with the room, so the Sub 6 position can have a major effect on its sound.
Placing the subwoofer close to a wall will normally increase perceived bass output. Corner placement can increase it further, but may also exaggerate particular room resonances.
A position further from the walls may provide:
- More even bass
- Better low-frequency definition
- Reduced boom
- Improved integration with the main speakers
- More consistent output across different notes
Avoid automatically placing the Sub 6 exactly halfway, one quarter or one third of the way along a wall, as these positions can coincide with strong room modes.
Driver Clearance
The two woofers fire from opposite sides of the cabinet, so both side grilles require clear space.
Do not position the Sub 6 where either grille is pressed against:
- A wall
- Furniture
- Curtains
- Boxes or stored items
- Another subwoofer
- Objects that could vibrate against the cabinet
The rear control panel must also remain accessible for setup, cabling and ventilation.
The Subwoofer Crawl
A practical method for exploring possible positions is to place the Sub 6 temporarily near the main listening seat and play a repeating bass passage or broadband low-frequency signal.
Move around the room and identify positions where the bass sounds relatively even rather than exaggerated or weak.
The Sub 6 can then be moved to the most promising locations for further listening and measurement.
Room Modes and Parametric EQ
Every room reinforces and cancels particular low frequencies according to its dimensions and the positions of the subwoofer and listener.
The Sub 6 parametric EQ can help reduce strong peaks after the installation has been physically optimised.
For the most accurate results, use appropriate measurement equipment or real-time frequency-analysis software to identify:
- The centre frequency of the room resonance
- The amount of attenuation required
- The correct Q or adjustment width
Changing the subwoofer or listening-seat position can sometimes provide a larger improvement than electronic adjustment.
Rubber Feet and Floor Spikes
The Sub 6 is supplied with both rubber feet and adjustable spikes.
The rubber feet are suitable for many hard-floor installations, while the spikes can provide stable contact through carpet to the solid floor beneath.
When using spikes:
- Check for underfloor heating and hidden services
- Protect delicate flooring beneath the carpet
- Adjust the feet so that the cabinet remains level
- Confirm that all four contacts carry weight
- Tighten the locking nuts after final adjustment
The spikes are sharp and should be handled carefully.
Two Removable Driver Grilles
Black removable grilles are supplied for the two opposed woofers.
The Sub 6 can operate with the grilles fitted or removed, but Dynaudio recommends using them during normal operation to protect the diaphragms from dirt and accidental contact.
The grilles have negligible influence on the subwoofer’s performance.
Black Satin and White Satin Finishes
Audio T currently lists the Sub 6 in:
The restrained finishes allow the cabinet to complement a wide range of Dynaudio loudspeakers and room interiors.
Availability can vary according to current UK production and stock.
Sub 6 or Sub 3?
Choose the Sub 6 When
- Twin opposed woofers are preferred
- 500W amplification suits the room
- 16Hz bass extension is required
- Balanced XLR connections are important
- Speaker-specific presets are useful
- Distance compensation is required
- Three-band parametric EQ will assist setup
- The larger cabinet can be accommodated
Choose the Sub 3 When
- A smaller cabinet is essential
- A single front-firing woofer suits the room
- 300W amplification provides sufficient output
- Straightforward analogue controls are preferred
- Balanced connections are unnecessary
- The room is small or medium in size
- The lower purchase price better suits the system
The Dynaudio Sub 3 is a more compact sealed subwoofer with a single 24cm MSP+ Hybrid Drive woofer and 300W amplification.
Cabinet and Grille Care
Clean the cabinet with a soft, clean and lint-free cloth.
The grilles can be dusted gently with a soft brush.
Do not use:
- A vacuum cleaner on the grilles
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Furniture polish
- Solvents
- Aerosol sprays
- Excessive water
Apply any suitable cleaning product to the cloth rather than directly to the cabinet, and test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Key Features
- Premium active DSP subwoofer
- Suitable for stereo and home cinema systems
- Twin opposed woofer configuration
- Two 23cm MSP Hybrid Drive woofers
- Aluminium-based hybrid diaphragms
- Rear paper damping layers
- Front MSP damping caps
- Reduced mechanical cabinet vibration
- Built-in 500W amplifier
- Sealed cabinet design
- 16Hz to 230Hz frequency response
- Dynaudio speaker performance maps
- Firmware-upgradeable speaker presets
- Manual low-pass crossover adjustment
- Fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley manual filters
- Adjustable 80Hz high-pass output filter
- Three-band parametric equalisation
- Adjustable PEQ frequency
- Adjustable PEQ gain
- Adjustable PEQ Q
- 0-degree and 180-degree phase selection
- Adjustable input sensitivity
- Speaker and subwoofer distance compensation
- Maximum 5.35m distance-difference compensation
- Left and right balanced XLR inputs
- Left and right balanced XLR outputs
- Left and right unbalanced RCA inputs
- Left and right unbalanced RCA outputs
- Compatible with active loudspeakers
- Compatible with power amplifiers
- Mono subwoofer-feed compatibility
- Automatic signal-sensing standby
- 5V to 12V trigger input
- Rear display and rotary controller
- USB firmware-update connection
- Maximum standby consumption of 0.5W
- Maximum power consumption of 490W
- Rubber floor feet supplied
- Adjustable carpet spikes supplied
- Two removable black grilles
- Black Satin finish
- White Satin finish
- 21.5kg weight
- Up to eight-year passive-part warranty after registration
- Up to three-year electronic-part warranty after registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dynaudio Sub 6 an active subwoofer?
Yes. It contains a built-in 500W amplifier and must be connected to mains power.
How many woofers does it use?
It uses two opposed 23cm MSP Hybrid Drive woofers.
Why are the woofers mounted on opposite sides?
The opposed arrangement helps cancel mechanical forces and reduces cabinet vibration.
Is the cabinet ported?
No. The Sub 6 uses a sealed enclosure.
What is the frequency response?
Dynaudio specifies 16Hz to 230Hz at 85dB within +/-3dB.
Does the Sub 6 have Dynaudio speaker presets?
Yes. It includes performance maps for selected Dynaudio loudspeakers, with additional models available through firmware updates.
Can it be used with another speaker brand?
Yes. A manual low-pass crossover frequency can be selected for other Dynaudio speakers or models from another manufacturer.
Does it work with Dynaudio Focus 10, Focus 30 and Focus 50?
Yes. Set the Sub 6 crossover to bypass because the current Focus speakers manage subwoofer alignment through their own DSP and app.
Which input sensitivity should be used with current Focus speakers?
Dynaudio recommends the 0dB input-sensitivity setting with the current Focus analogue subwoofer output.
What is parametric EQ?
It provides targeted adjustment of a selected frequency, gain and Q so that specific low-frequency room resonances can be reduced.
How many parametric EQ bands are provided?
Three independently adjustable bands.
Does it have a high-pass filter for the main speakers?
Yes. An adjustable fourth-order 80Hz Linkwitz-Riley high-pass filter can be applied to the left and right outputs.
Can it compensate for different speaker distances?
Yes. Enter the left-speaker, right-speaker and subwoofer distances so the DSP can calculate the required gain and delay adjustment.
What is the maximum distance difference it can compensate for?
Approximately 5.35 metres.
Does distance compensation work with a mono subwoofer output?
Not across the complete system. The main speakers must receive their signal through the Sub 6 outputs for it to delay and align them correctly.
Does it have balanced connections?
Yes. Left and right balanced XLR inputs and outputs are provided.
Does it also have RCA connections?
Yes. Left and right unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs are provided.
Is there a dedicated LFE socket?
A mono LFE or subwoofer output can be connected to either the left or right input. Select the crossover-bypass setting when the AV processor is managing bass.
Can it be used with passive speakers?
Yes, but the Sub 6 provides line-level outputs rather than amplified speaker outputs. A suitable power amplifier is still required for passive speakers.
Can it be used with active speakers?
Yes. Compatible active speakers can be connected to the Sub 6 RCA or XLR outputs.
Does it switch on automatically?
Yes. Auto mode can wake the Sub 6 when it detects an audio signal, a press of the rotary controller or an enabled trigger signal.
Does it have a trigger input?
Yes. The trigger operates with a 5V to 12V DC signal.
Can the USB connection play music?
No. It is intended only for diagnostics and firmware updates.
Can two Sub 6 subwoofers be used?
Yes. They can be configured as multiple mono subwoofers, a stereo pair or part of a compatible managed home cinema system.
Where should the Sub 6 be positioned?
Test several positions. Wall and corner placement increase bass output, while a position further into the room may provide more even and controlled bass.
Do both side woofers need clearance?
Yes. Keep both driver grilles clear of walls, furniture, curtains and other objects.
Are floor spikes supplied?
Yes. Four spikes and four rubber feet are supplied.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Two removable black driver grilles are supplied.
Which finishes are available?
Audio T currently lists Black Satin and White Satin, subject to availability.
What are the cabinet dimensions?
Dynaudio specifies 447 x 300 x 268mm (W x H x D).
What are the complete dimensions including the feet and grilles?
Dynaudio specifies 470 x 333 x 268mm (W x H x D).
How much does the Sub 6 weigh?
Approximately 21.5kg.
What warranty is available?
Registration within 12 months can extend eligible passive-part cover to 96 months and electronic-part cover to 36 months, subject to Dynaudio’s full warranty terms and proof of purchase.
Related Dynaudio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Dynaudio Sub 6 demonstrations
- Comparisons with the Dynaudio Sub 3
- Stereo and home cinema system-matching advice
- Dynaudio speaker-preset selection
- Manual low-pass crossover setup
- Main-speaker high-pass filter guidance
- Input-sensitivity adjustment
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connection advice
- Passive and active speaker integration
- Dynaudio Focus crossover-bypass setup
- Speaker and subwoofer distance alignment
- Phase and volume adjustment
- Three-band parametric EQ guidance
- Subwoofer positioning and room-mode assessment
- Single, dual and stereo-subwoofer setup advice
- Home cinema and LFE configuration
- Subwoofer cable selection
- Firmware-update support
- Finish selection and cabinet-care guidance
- Home setup may be available by arrangement
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Dynaudio warranty-registration guidance
- Ongoing system, setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss positioning, crossover, DSP, cabling and system matching for the Dynaudio Sub 6.