Graham Audio Chartwell Sub 6

Chartwell Sub 6 Enhances System Depth with Passive Subwoofer Precision

Chartwell Sub 6 is a passive subwoofer engineered by Derek Hughes to complement classic loudspeakers like the Graham LS3/5 and LS3/5A, while also adapting seamlessly to other compact monitor speakers sharing similar impedance and sensitivity characteristics. It is designed to enrich low-end extension and tonal foundation in high-fidelity stereo systems without compromising the midrange clarity of the main speakers.

Chartwell Sub 6 Delivers Immersive Bass Through Acoustic Bandpass Alignment

Chartwell Sub 6 is a 4th order bandpass subwoofer, a design chosen to maximise bass control and efficiency in smaller listening environments. This advanced acoustic alignment ensures clean, resonant bass without port chuffing or unwanted resonance, delivering a frequency response from 35Hz to 100kHz, enabling smooth integration with a wide range of main speakers. The crossover is precisely calibrated to allow natural low-frequency roll-off and stress relief for the primary drivers, enhancing system headroom and dynamic range.

Chartwell Sub 6 Optimises Integration with Gold-Plated Terminals and High-Grade Crossover

Chartwell Sub 6 integrates directly into passive hi-fi systems using its rear-mounted gold-plated terminals, which provide corrosion resistance and signal integrity. The sub features dual sets of connections—one for amplifier input and another to loop out to the main speakers—making it a highly versatile component in traditional two-channel setups.

Internally, the crossover network is crafted from high-end components, including air-core inductors that eliminate magnetic core distortion and polypropylene capacitors known for low dielectric loss and long-term stability. These parts preserve transient response and low-frequency timing, ensuring that bass is articulate rather than bloated.

Chartwell Sub 6 Features a Space-Efficient Cabinet with Modular Placement Options

Chartwell Sub 6 is housed in a slim, vertical cabinet measuring 19cm wide, 60cm high, and 27cm deep, offering a space-saving solution for compact listening rooms. It is intended to sit directly beneath the main loudspeakers, aligning acoustic centres and maintaining phase coherence. The front-facing reflex port enhances room placement flexibility, making it ideal for near-wall or bookshelf positioning without tonal compromise.

Its solid cabinet base includes fittings for feet or spikes, allowing users to adapt to carpeted, wooden, or concrete flooring to reduce mechanical coupling and vibration transfer.

Chartwell Sub 6 Expands Headroom with Sensible Power Matching and 8Ω Load

Chartwell Sub 6 maintains system synergy with an 8Ω nominal impedance, allowing seamless pairing with amplifiers designed for traditional stereo speakers. With a sensitivity of 84dB (1W, 1m) and a recommended amplifier power range of 30 to 80 watts, the subwoofer supports both vintage and modern amplification systems without demanding extreme current delivery.

By implementing a 120Hz crossover point, especially when paired with the LS3/5 or LS3/5A, the Sub 6 lightens the load on the primary speakers. This configuration increases the system’s total power handling capacity while extending low-end performance, effectively upgrading the entire system's sonic footprint.

Chartwell Sub 6 Complements Heritage and Modern Loudspeakers with Transparent Low-End Support

Chartwell Sub 6 is tailored not only to serve classic British monitors like the Graham LS3/5 series but also functions as a natural extension for other bookshelf loudspeakers of moderate sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance. It empowers audiophiles seeking accurate low-frequency reproduction without compromising the tonal signature of their primary monitors.

Whether in nearfield studio environments, audiophile listening rooms, or vintage hi-fi systems, Graham Audio’s Chartwell Sub 6 introduces a disciplined and articulate bass foundation that enhances musical nuance while staying true to the acoustic legacy of British loudspeaker engineering.

Subwoofer Guides

• How to Position a Subwoofer for Even Bass Response
• Understanding Crossover, Phase & Subwoofer Calibration
• Why Subwoofer Size Matters: 8", 10", 12", 15" Explained