Argon Audio Malmö Sub 8 Active Subwoofer, Walnut (Each)

The Argon Audio Malmö Sub 8 in Walnut is an active subwoofer with a 20 cm driver, a built-in Class D amplifier and a bass-reflex cabinet, taking over from 42 Hz. The wood look here is no accident: this model is meant to stand in the living space, not be hidden behind something.

Why the Malmö Sub 8 in Walnut?

Technically identical to the other finishes, but a different visual statement. If you have furniture in warm wood, you don't need to put a black box next to it. Underneath, the same mechanics work: 100 watts continuous power, 200 watts of headroom, a downward-firing reflex port and a long-throw driver that translates cone area into moving air.

What you get

On the back you'll find three knobs and a switch: level, crossover frequency from 40 to 120 Hz, and phase switching between 0 and 180 degrees. That lets you match the subwoofer to your main speakers instead of just letting it run along. The magnetically held fabric cover is included and can be removed if you prefer the look of the driver.

Who is the Malmö Sub 8 in Walnut suited for – and who isn't it for?

Honestly: in a pure home cinema with a dark wall, the light wood look feels out of place – the black version is the more logical choice there. But in an open living room with oak parquet and wooden furniture, this finish is precisely the reason a subwoofer gets accepted at all.

Our verdict

The Walnut version solves a problem that has nothing to do with technology: the objection from the living room. Sonically you get the same solid foundation as with Black and White. Tell us about your room and your speakers, and we'll tell you honestly whether 8 or 10 inches is the better choice – HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00 or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical data

• Type: Active subwoofer with built-in Class D amplifier
• Driver: 20 cm (8″) long-throw woofer
• Amplifier power: 100 W RMS / 200 W peak
• Frequency range: 42–180 Hz (−3 dB)
• Crossover frequency: adjustable 40–120 Hz
• Phase: switchable 0°/180°
• Cabinet principle: Bass reflex, downward-firing port
• Cabinet material: MDF
• Input: 1× RCA, line/LFE level
• High-level input: not available
• Output: not available (no pass-through output)
• Controls: level, crossover frequency, phase
• Auto standby: yes, auto-on with signal, under 0.5 W in standby
• Finish: Walnut
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 27 × 28.5 × 30 cm
• Weight: 9 kg
• Included: subwoofer, removable fabric front cover, power cable (RCA cable not included)

Frequently asked questions

Is the Walnut finish of the Malmö Sub 8 real wood veneer?

The surface is a wood-effect foil over the MDF cabinet, not solid wood. That keeps the price down, stays dimensionally stable and is unaffected by sunlight. Visually, the subwoofer therefore blends in well among wooden furniture, without you having to care for it like a piece of furniture.

How does the Sub 8 differ sonically from the Malmö Sub 10?

The Sub 8 works with a 20 cm driver and reaches down to 42 Hz, the Sub 10 with 25 cm down to 37 Hz. That's around five hertz and noticeably more cone area – audible mainly with film effects and in larger rooms, less so with stereo music.

Does the subwoofer draw power when no music is playing?

Hardly. The auto-on circuit detects the input signal and powers up the amplifier; if the signal stays away, the Sub 8 switches itself into standby at under 0.5 watts. So you don't need to switch it on and off by hand for every listening session.

Why buy the Malmö Sub 8 in Walnut from HD Zürisee?

Because the question is rarely just which subwoofer, but how it fits your room and interior. Our practised specialist team looks at floor plan, speakers and placement together with you – and our own technician is still there once the unit has long been in place.

Goes well with

For the foundation to carry, it needs the rest: speakers for the main level, an amplifier with a subwoofer output, or a look at the rest of the Argon Audio range.