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GoldenEar ForceField 3 8" compact powered subwoofer with digital signal processing

Item # 317FF3

The ForceField 3 brings the thunder with a sleek-looking form factor.

The ForceField 3 brings the thunder with a sleek-looking form factor.

2 questions - 2 answers

Item # 317FF3

In stock
$650.00 -$55.00 Instant savings
$595.00

About the GoldenEar ForceField 3

Colin M.

Ultra-compact with a punch

GoldenEar's award-winning ForceField Series delivers powerful bass with a lineup of space-efficient subs that are easy to fit into your system. Like its big brother, the ForceField 3 produces a surprising amount of low-end output for its size, letting you enjoy accurate, hard-hitting bass even if you have limited room. Its long-throw 8" woofer is driven by the heavyweight power of a 500-watt RMS amplifier. And a down-firing 9" x 11" passive radiator further extends the sub's low frequencies to infrasonic levels, helping you feel the high-impact rumble of your favorite movies and video games.

Ultra-compact with a punch

GoldenEar's award-winning ForceField Series delivers powerful bass with a lineup of space-efficient subs that are easy to fit into your system. Like its big brother, the ForceField 3 produces a surprising amount of low-end output for its size, letting you enjoy accurate, hard-hitting bass even if you have limited room. Its long-throw 8" woofer is driven by the heavyweight power of a 500-watt RMS amplifier. And a down-firing 9" x 11" passive radiator further extends the sub's low frequencies to infrasonic levels, helping you feel the high-impact rumble of your favorite movies and video games.

Smooth and responsive

The ForceField 3 doesn't just hit hard — it also hits with precision. All the little details of the sub's construction add up. The driver's large motor and magnet assembly help it handle a ton of power for wide excursion with very low distortion. And the cabinet's non-parallel walls minimize internal reflections and add rigidity for more accurate bass and a unique look. Soft, vibration-absorbing feet do more than keep the sub in place and provide noise isolation. They also maintain just the right distance between the floor and the passive radiator to maximize low frequency output.

A Crutchfield expert gets hands-on with the GoldenEar ForceField 3

"We like to set up sound system demonstrations here at Crutchfield, so we can really get a sense of how different components perform under real-world conditions. Sometimes we assemble a system that's all made by the same manufacturer. Other times we mix and match, like we did when I auditioned this sub in our training room at Crutchfield HQ."

The system

"I had some very nice bookshelf speakers that could use a little help to round out the low end — a pair of gorgeous Wharfedale EVO4.1s. I wanted to give the speakers plenty of power, so I hooked them up to the rugged Parasound Halo HINT 6 integrated amplifier, which delivers 160 watts per channel. And then I did both of the other components — and my ears — a massive favor by adding this sub."

Setup flexibility

"The cool thing about hooking the ForceField 3 up to the Parasound amp was the flexibility of the connection. The subwoofer output on the amp has a built-in low-pass filter, but I chose not to use it because the subwoofer has its own precise high- and low-pass filters built in, as well as digital signal processing to ensure extreme accuracy."

Delivering the goods

"And that accuracy is very important to me. I like having a powerful sub like this one when I'm watching movies, but I spend far more time listening to my diverse collection of albums, CDs, and digital files. So I'm looking for musical low-end that can keep up with a virtuoso bassist like Meshell Ndegocello or Jaco Pastorius. This sub definitely has the goods on that score — it's very agile and responsive."

"But don't get me wrong, it can absolutely bring the hammer, too. With 500 watts of power, an 8" front-facing woofer, and a large passive radiator on the bottom, this relatively compact sub can really fill a room. You can read about the philosophy behind its unusual shape above — I'm just here to tell you that the clever engineering really works. You just have to remember that GoldenEar does not recommend that you corner-load this sub — make your placement decisions accordingly, and you're in for a real treat."

— Eric A., Crutchfield Senior Copywriter

Simple setup and control

Adding the ForceField 3 to your system is easy with a dedicated LFE input plus speaker-level inputs and outputs. A continuously variable low-pass crossover gives you control over what frequencies the sub is responsible for when using the speaker-level inputs. If you're hooking up your main speakers through the speaker-level outputs, the fixed 150Hz high-pass crossover prevents you from damaging them with low frequencies. A volume dial makes adjustments quick and easy, letting you gently blend the sub into the rest of your system.

Who is GoldenEar?

Since their founding in 2010, GoldenEar has racked up rave reviews across the audio industry for their high-tech speaker lineup and cutting-edge design philosophy. The company's goal is to create speakers that sound better than comparable models costing three, four, or even five times more. Their signature sound includes pinpoint stereo imaging, a spacious three-dimensional soundstage, and ultra-low distortion. Each of GoldenEar's custom-designed drivers, passive radiators, and carefully tuned cabinets help create an ultra-immersive listening experience with your favorite albums and movie soundtracks.

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Product highlights:

  • built-in 500-watt RMS Class D digital amplifier
  • DSP (digital signal processing) monitors the signal in real time for clean, precise bass
  • bass reflex (passive radiator) enclosure
  • front-firing 8" long-throw woofer
  • 9" x 11" quadratic planar down-firing passive radiator
  • can be placed inside a cabinet or cavity with at least two inches of front clearance
  • LFE input (line-level mono-RCA) for use with a home theater receiver's sub output
  • speaker-level inputs and outputs
  • frequency response: 18-250 Hz
  • high-pass filter: 150 Hz
  • low-pass filter: 40-150 Hz
  • 11-3/8"W x 11-1/2"H x 15-3/4"D
  • weight: 26 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years (woofer); 3 years (amp)
  • MFR # EKBA

What's in the box:

  • Powered Subwoofer
  • 10' AC power cord
  • Owner's Manual

Customer reviews for GoldenEar ForceField 3

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More details on the GoldenEar ForceField 3

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Passive Radiator
Woofer Size (inches) 8
Woofer Composition Polypropylene
Firing Direction Front
Amplifier Output (watts) 500
Frequency Response 18-250 Hz
Connections
Preamp-Level Inputs LFE
Speaker-Level Inputs Binding post
Speaker-Level Outputs Binding post
Wireless No
Controls
Low-Pass Crossover Freq 40-150Hz
High-Pass Crossover Freq 150
Phase Switch No
App Control No
Remote No
Other Info
Height (inches) 11-5/16
Width (inches) 11-1/2
Depth (inches) 17
Weight 26 lbs
Speaker Parts Warranty 5 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 5 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 3 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 3 Years

Product Research

Features

ForceField Series: GoldenEar Technology's ForceField Series powered subwoofer has been designed and engineered from the ground up to combine subtle musical detail with high-impact power - all in an attractive, compact enclosure which blends well into practically any room.

High-Output Woofer Coupled To An Infrasonic Bass Radiator: The ForceField Series powered subwoofer combines a high-power, front-firing, ultra-long-throw woofer coupled to a down-firing quadratic planar infrasonic radiator. This configuration brings together the superior transient response and detail of a moderately sized active driver with the subsonic capability and extraordinary room-filling coupling of a large diaphragm radiator.

  • 8" Long-Throw Woofer: The GoldenEar Technology ForceField 3 powered subwoofer houses a custom-designed, high-output 10" long-throw woofer with a very large motor assembly. The 8" woofer is front-firing and can handle massive power, has very long excursion, plus offers ultra-low distortion.
  • 9" x 11" Passive Radiator: The 8" woofer's bass response is enhanced with a carefully tuned, down-firing, quadratic-shaped passive radiator that measures 9" x 11". The quadratic shape allows the radiator to use maximum surface area on the bottom of the cabinet and get even greater bass output that results from the subwoofer's interface with the floor.

500W Class D Amplifier: The GoldenEar Technology ForceField 3 powered subwoofer employs a 500 watt Class D amplifier for dynamic bass performance. The ForceField Series subwoofer amplifier is designed in-house by GoldenEar Technology's engineering team, so each is the perfect amp to power its specific subwoofer model. The ForceField Series powered subwoofer's cutting-edge amplifier design employs state-of-the-art DSP control for frequency shaping so the subwoofer produces accurate, consistent and musical bass performance without distortion or damage from overdriving.

  • Programmable Logic Device (PLD): This sophisticated amp has a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) based state machine with a nearly instantaneous 278 nanosecond update time, to perfectly manage a myriad of functions including: soft-clipping, DC offset control, output-stage anti-saturation protection and discrete multi-band limiting.
  • DSP (Digital Signal Processing): The DSP control also allows for very precise equalization with extremely low THD (total harmonic distortion), so very little negative feedback is required, thus ensuring optimum transient and linear performance.

Rear-Panel Controls: The GoldenEar Technology ForceField Series powered sub is equipped with operating controls on the back-panel to ensure excellent flexibility and maximum performance in practically any installation or application.

  • Volume Output Level: The volume output level control is used to balance the powered subwoofer's output level to blend better with the other speakers in your home audio system.
  • Low-Pass Crossover: The low-pass crossover controls the subwoofer's upper-frequency cut-off, which can be set between 40 and 150 Hz (12dB per octave). The low pass crossover is used to obtain the optimum transition between the subwoofer and your main speakers when the subwoofer is connected using the speaker-level inputs.
  • High-Pass Filter: The powered subwoofer is equipped with a fixed 150Hz (6dB per octave) high-pass filter for its speaker-level inputs and outputs. This high-pass filter is used when you connect your AV receiver's main speaker outputs to the powered sub's speaker-level inputs, and the powered sub's speaker-level outputs to the inputs on your main left and right speakers.

Note: There is no Phase switch on this powered subwoofer.

LFE & Speaker-Level Connectivity: The ForceField Series powered subwoofer is outfitted with an mono-RCA LFE input, as well as speaker-level inputs and outputs. The speaker-level inputs and outputs consist of binding-post terminals that will accept bare wire (up to 12AWG), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single or dual).

  • LFE (Low Frequency Effect) Input: Most AV receivers and preamp/processors feature a mono-RCA Sub/LFE output intended to be used with a powered subwoofer. You can feed this Sub/LFE output of you're AV receiver or preamp/processor to the Sub/LFE input on the powered subwoofer. The Sub/LFE input on ForceField Series powered sub is a direct coupled input which is not affected by the subwoofer's built-in crossover control or low pass filter. Your AV receiver or preamp/processor's bass management setup will be utilized to apply a low pass crossover and filter to the Force Field Series powered subwoofer.
  • Speaker-Level Inputs: The speaker-level input terminals allow the ForceField Series powered subwoofer to be connected to your AV receiver's main speaker outputs. The setting of the low pass crossover and filter is applied to the signal received through speaker-level inputs.
  • Speaker-Level Outputs: If you wish to utilize the high-pass filter built into the ForceField Series powered subwoofer and roll-off the bass to your Left and Right main speakers, then connect your main speakers to the powered sub's speaker-level output terminals. The speaker-level output terminals provide a smoothly contoured roll-off of the low frequencies going to your main speakers, starting at 150Hz (fixed).

Note:

  • Only use one type of connection to connect the powered subwoofer to your AV receiver or preamp/processor.
  • The ForceField Series powered sub does not feature line-level stereo RCA inputs.

Unique Cabinet Design: The ForceField Series powered subwoofer uses a rigid cabinet with non-parallel sides to minimize standing waves and distortion. This unique and attractive cabinet shape, with its non-parallel cabinet walls (the top is narrower than the bottom when viewed from the front), helps the ForceField powered sub achieve extraordinarily deep and accurate bass that is ideal for music and movie soundtracks. 

Isolation Feet: The soft, energy-absorbing feet provided with ForceField Series powered sub serve a number of functions. First, they hold the subwoofer at the correct distance off the floor so the dowing-firing passive radiator creates significantly increased output at the lowest frequencies. Second, the soft feet keep the subwoofer from moving around on the floor.

Placement Options: For best sonic integration, locating the powered subwoofer between your front speakers or beside one of them and close to the front wall will usually provide the best bass performance. If this location is not possible, the subwoofer may be placed anywhere in the room without affecting the image and soundstage of your stereo or multichannel speaker system.

  • For maximum output, the powered subwoofer should be placed close to a wall. Corner placement will increase the subwoofer's output, but may also exaggerate room nodes (peaks in frequency) causing muddy, ill-defined bass performance in the room.
  • Because of its unique low-frequency radiation properties, the ForceField powered sub can even be placed inside a cabinet or cavity and still provide excellent in-room performance. Just be sure to leave at least 2" of clearance on the front of the subwoofer.
  • The use of two subwoofers will enhance your system's performance by providing a smoother and more consistent room response. With two subs, it is recommended that you locate the subwoofers out of the corners on the same side of the room as the main speaker of the same channel, or one in the front of the room and one in the rear of the listening room.

Auto Power On/Off: The GoldenEar Technology ForceField Series powered subwoofer will turn on when it receives an audio signal at its line-level or speaker level inputs. If no signal is sensed for a period of time, the powered subwoofer will automatically switch off.

Detachable AC Power Cord: The Golden Technology ForceField powered subwoofer comes with a detachable 10' AC power cord that will need to be plugged into the back of the sub and into an AC wall outlet or surge protector/line conditioner (sold separately - see Accessories Tab).

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Customer Q&A

2 questions already asked

Q
Will a GoldenEar Aon 2 sit "well" on top of the ForceField 3? They seem to have similar design cues but do the lines of the Non 2 line up with those of the ForceField 3? The style acceptance factor would be greatly increased if the two matched each other's lines.
paul  Jul 29, 2022
1 answer
A
GoldenEar does not list the width specs for the top of the ForceField 3 sadly, Paul. That being said, the Aon 2 Bookshelf in the link below is listed at 8" wide at the bottom. Personally to me it looks like the numbers could match up and that you most likely can stack the Aon 2 on top of the ForceField 3 8" powered sub, but I do not think I would personally consider it "well" to be honest with you Paul. That rolled radius edge at the top of the subwoofer has me concerned. The Aon 2 has that small finished edge to the base and I'm not sure personally that I would like how those matched up. I think I can say for sure that sound wise they would be stellar, and that dual ForceField 8's with a pair of Aon 2's on top would crush in a 2 channel environment! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_317AON2/GoldenEar-Aon-2.html
bo  Jul 30, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Will this pair well with the Triton 7?
john e  May 29, 2021
1 answer
A
This powered subwoofer definitely can work with the Triton 7 speakers to liven up their sound or as part of a home theater system. The potential issue is that it does not meet everyone's sound preferences so I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to discuss your setup and goals for the sound to get a personal recommendation
jason  Jun 12, 2021 (Staff)

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