Overview

The Fostex CW200D is a sealed, music-focused active subwoofer using a 20 cm (8-inch) BKP/Kevlar cone driven by a 150 W (JEITA, 4 Ω) PWM amp in a compact 13.1 kg enclosure. It provides line-level inputs plus a balanced high-level (BTL-safe) input and adjustable low-pass/phase. The model is discontinued and current availability is limited to remaining inventory through marketplace sellers [1].

Scientific Validity

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No independent lab measurements were located; therefore scoring starts from the neutral baseline. Manufacturer specifications state a playback band of 20–220 Hz (–10 dB at LPF 150 Hz) and maximum output sound pressure of 100 dB @ 60 Hz and 85 dB @ 30 Hz (free-field; +6 dB on the floor). Amplifier rating is 150 W (JEITA 4 Ω). These are catalog figures pending third-party verification [1][2].

Technology Level

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Conventional sealed acoustic-suspension cabinet with mixed 18 mm CE plywood + MDF baffle, 0.9 T motor, and PWM amp. Balanced high-level input engineering for BTL compatibility is competent, but there’s little that advances the state of the art versus current designs [1][2].

Cost-Performance

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Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: RSL Speedwoofer 10E—equipped with line inputs, variable LPF/phase, and 26–250 Hz (±3 dB) response with a 300 W RMS amp; independent measurements confirm strong output for the class [3][4].
CP calculation (USD for both articles): 339 USD ÷ 732 USD = 0.46 → 0.5 (rounded to one decimal). The CW200D price reflects a currently verifiable new-in-box marketplace listing because the model is discontinued [7].

Reliability & Support

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Fostex is an established brand and lists a U.S. distributor (American Music & Sound), but CW200D itself is discontinued; support will depend on regional service and seller terms. The Japanese manual notes a one-year warranty domestically; firmware is not applicable to this analog design [2][6].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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A sealed cabinet prioritizes accuracy and integration, a reasonable choice for music use, but given the modest rated output and –10 dB bandwidth spec, the overall design goal is conservative versus modern competitors delivering deeper, louder, and better-documented performance at lower prices [3][4][5].

Advice

If you specifically want a compact sealed sub for 2-channel music and value the CW series aesthetic or the balanced high-level input, the CW200D can serve—subject to the realities of discontinued status and limited published data. For most buyers, RSL Speedwoofer 10E (339 USD) or a sealed option like SVS SB-1000 Pro (20–270 Hz ±3 dB; 599.99 USD) will offer stronger, independently documented performance and better long-term value [3][4][5].

References

1. Fostex — CW200D product page (EN). https://www.fostex.jp/en/products/cw200d/ (accessed 2025-08-23).
2. Fostex — CW200D Owner’s Manual [JA, PDF]. https://www.fostex.jp/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CW200D_Owners_Manual.pdf (accessed 2025-08-23). Key specs: 150 W (JEITA 4 Ω), 20–220 Hz (–10 dB), 100 dB @ 60 Hz / 85 dB @ 30 Hz.
3. RSL Speakers — Speedwoofer 10E (price/specs). https://rslspeakers.com/product/rsl-speedwoofer-10e/ (accessed 2025-08-23).
4. Audioholics — Larson, J. “300 USD RSL Speedwoofer 10E Subwoofer Review” (2024-08-23). https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/rsl-speedwoofer-10e (accessed 2025-08-23). Response ±3 dB 26–250 Hz; Bassaholic Medium rating; output/distortion data.
5. SVS — SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer (20–270 Hz ±3 dB; 599.99 USD). https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000-pro-subwoofer (accessed 2025-08-23).
6. Fostex — Distributors in the Americas (lists AM&S for U.S.). https://www.fostex.jp/en/regions/the-americas/ (accessed 2025-08-23).
7. eBay — FOSTEX CW200D Subwoofer New (732.03 USD listing). https://www.ebay.com/itm/316168204925 (accessed 2025-08-23).

(2025.8.23)