Whatever you do, don't call the Torus a subwoofer. Wilson Benesch hates having the word applied to its product, preferring the term ‘infrasonic generator' instead. Pompous though that sounds, the company has a point.
Most subs that come our way are little more than glorified boom-boxes that produce dollops of bass without the necessary transparency, agility and definition to convince with music. While for many people that doesn't matter – the vast majority of subs are bought with home cinema in mind, and such qualities take a back seat to floor-rumbling with the likes of Star Wars – that's not good enough for Wilson Benesch.
That's why it has worked from first principles to create a product that delivers the same level of performance as its highly rated speakers.
Upwards facing design
We could fill this review with engineering highlights, but the following snapshots will have to do. The upward-facing drive unit and its twin (yes, that's right, two) motors are connected directly to the 8mm thick steel base, so all the vibrational energy is fed straight into the ground, rather than the enclosure, as it would be in a conventional design. Apart from improved rigidity, such an arrangement also minimises cabinet resonance, leaving the cylindrical enclosure to act merely as an airtight container.
The driver itself is made from a newly developed carbon-fibre weave and is immensely rigid for its size, helping it shift air more convincingly, while the use of two motors working in a push-pull configuration means the diaphragm can be controlled with greater ease. Finally, the use of an outboard crossover/amp box (£2200 option) takes all the sensitive electronics out of harm's way as far as vibration is concerned – a good idea we're surprised isn't more commonly used.
The biggest compliment we can give the Torus is to say it's musical: it's fast and tuneful, delivering precise doses of bass with a surgeon's skill. Mate the Torus with any top-quality standmount, or most floorstanders for that matter, and you'll be greeted by a sound of immense authority and integrity once properly set up.
Ready to rumble
Does it rumble when necessary? Yes, it does. Given an appropriate film scene – any battle in Lord of the Rings will do – it will send seismic shudders through most rooms without a struggle.
Some will look at the combined price of sub and amp and wonder if it can ever be worth five and a half grand. After auditioning this infrasonic generator, we're certain the answer is yes.
