CEDIA 2018: Starke Sound’s New SUB45 Subwoofer Anchors a Killer Atmos Demo

CEDIA 2018: Starke Sound’s New SUB45 Subwoofer Anchors a Dynamic 9.4.6 Atmos Demo​

(September 6, 2018) Let me introduce you to Starke Sound, a Southern California-based speaker and amp manufacturer that’s relatively new to the audio game. The word “relative,” of course, is a rather broad term. In this particular case, it refers to an eight year time period, as Starke was launched in 2009. Its founders were initially united by the intent to creatively attack the speaker segment with a unique approach, guided by a passion for audio and the desire to introduce enthusiasts to a fresh take on design.

I had the pleasure of spending time with the company’s Chief Design Director, Scott DeLoache, while experiencing Starke’s devastatingly impressive CEDIA demo room that was locked and loaded with some $190,000 of AV gear. StormAudio’s all-new ISP 3D.20 Immersive AV Processor was part of the mix, in addition to two of Starke Sound’s latest audio creation: the SUB45 Subwoofer ($6,960/each).

Weighing a whopping 203 lbs (22.8” x 31.4” x 19.6”) and coated in a gorgeous blue piano lacquer finish (it comes in black, too), the SUB45 is a statement piece of equipment that oozes power and presence. Internally, it houses a 2500 watt (RMS) Class H amp capable of issuing 6400 watts of peak power. And output is handled by a 15.5” driver flanked by dual side-mounted 15.5” passive radiators – DeLoache says the magnet structure is robust (and I won’t hesitate to take his word for it). Overall frequency response is specified to be 14Hz to 160Hz, with a potent 130dB of max output.

Each SUB45 is shipped in a setup friendly crate equipped with a drop-down side door for easy removal. And forget the need to lift, as the sub arrives with removable rolling caster feet to aid in transport and positioning.

The Starke demo room was anchored by a front three consisting of its IC-H5 Elite Floor Standing speaker ($13,920/pair) and 12 wall and ceiling mounted speakers comprised of its IW-H3 model ($7,240/pair). The audio experience was ridiculously fun, etched with non-fatiguing detailed character, potency, and controlled bass capable of penetrating an audience right to the core – yes, the SUB45’s bass output was deliciously good. It’s a simple fact: Starke’s room commanded a demo experience that could easily be awarded ‘best of show.’

Helping to drive the audio were three of Starke’s in-house 7-channel Mark II modular amplifiers ($7,900/each), which are capable of delivering… wait for it… a massive 240 watts per channel (8 ohms). And because each Mark II sits at 140 lbs when fully configured, you’ll want to recruit the help of a friend to slide one of these beasts into position.

While Starke Sound primarily sells its gear through dealers, they are willing to sell direct consumer when dealers aren’t within a reasonable distance. For more information about Starke Sound and its impressive gear, visit them on them on the web at starkesound.com.

 

[tesseract]

Massive, beastly, beautiful!

 

[Todd Anderson]

The weight alone on this guy is crazy.... and the weight factor is definitely carried over in output!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Todd these look awesome. Starke has been around a while but getting a full line out the door has been long in the works.

That sub looks impressive. The 130dB spec is not real helpful as there is no ways it’s doing that below 20hz but I’m sure it has very impressive output. I like it’s packaging, more sensible than the very deep subs you more commonly see in that size driver.

Any chance you have pics of their other speakers?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Unfortunately I only took photos of the sub. But the speakers, including their on-walls, all had a great "unique" look to them. The room itself was one of my favorite stops of the show. Really fun to stumble across something relatively unknown (to me) that blows my mind!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Unfortunately I only took photos of the sub. But the speakers, including their on-walls, all had a great "unique" look to them. The room itself was one of my favorite stops of the show. Really fun to stumble across something relatively unknown (to me) that blows my mind!

I’ve only ever heard their earlier stuff. I’m a little jealous you got to see this stuff, I’d love to get my hands on it. Their speakers have always had a flashy finish. They like bright shiny automotive finishes and often a fair bit of exposed metal. I can’t fault them, it looks good.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I wouldn't hesitate to make a system out of their gear. The automotive finishes, etc, are gorgeous. Sound was awesome too!

 

[Sonnie]

Hey... I thought I saw a blue sub!

That is crazy serious there... would love to hear it... or feel it.

 

[soundfusion]

Todd these look awesome. Starke has been around a while but getting a full line out the door has been long in the works.

That sub looks impressive. The 130dB spec is not real helpful as there is no ways it’s doing that below 20hz but I’m sure it has very impressive output. I like it’s packaging, more sensible than the very deep subs you more commonly see in that size driver.

Any chance you have pics of their other speakers?

 

[Todd Anderson]

There's the pics you were looking for!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

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Thank you! They do make a nice looking product!

 

[JimShaw]

They're in Gardena, CA about 80 miles from where I live. It would be fun to drive out and take a look.

I'll call to see if they have a room where someone can pop in to see and listen.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Do it! They put on quite a show!

 

[JimShaw]

Todd

I tried.

I went to their web site and tried to send 5-6 different e-mails asking about and appointment or can one just pop in.

Not one of the e-mails got sent. To send I had to fill in the correct code proving I was not a robot. Each time I filled it in and sent, the web site said "Enter the correct" and it was not sent.

I gave up with e-mails and called. I left a message and asked if one has to make an appointment or can I just pop in.

No one has ever called back.

They ask a lot of money for their product and if I'm not able to talk to anyone to get to see them, I am afraid what their customer service might be like after a purchase???? This does not make me feel comfortable.

I will focus my look-for-upgrades elsewhere.

.

 

[Desmond Fretz]

Todd

I tried.

I went to their web site and tried to send 5-6 different e-mails asking about and appointment or can one just pop in.

Not one of the e-mails got sent. To send I had to fill in the correct code proving I was not a robot. Each time I filled it in and sent, the web site said "Enter the correct" and it was not sent.

I gave up with e-mails and called. I left a message and asked if one has to make an appointment or can I just pop in.

No one has ever called back.

They ask a lot of money for their product and if I'm not able to talk to anyone to get to see them, I am afraid what their customer service might be like after a purchase???? This does not make me feel comfortable.

I will focus my look-for-upgrades elsewhere.

.

Jim, thanks for your interest in Starke Sound. We'd be thrilled to host you for a demo at our showroom in Gardena. Our team is traveling overseas together for the next week. Let us know some dates/times that work for you to visit us in early October. I'll get back to you to firm it up. - Dez

Desmond Fretz
Sales Director
desmondf@starkesound.com

 

[Todd Anderson]

There you go, @JimShaw... sounds like a great offer!

Thanks for dropping by, @Desmond Fretz. Appreciate it!

 

[JimShaw]

Jim, thanks for your interest in Starke Sound. We'd be thrilled to host you for a demo at our showroom in Gardena. Our team is traveling overseas together for the next week. Let us know some dates/times that work for you to visit us in early October. I'll get back to you to firm it up. - Dez

Desmond Fretz
Sales Director
desmondf@starkesound.com

I thank you. I'll touch base next month