Perlisten D15s Review: A New Benchmark in Bass?

When cutting-edge technology meets raw emotion.

Among the elite club of THX Dominus-certified subwoofers, the Perlisten D15s stands out as a true performer. It combines compact dimensions with massive power and refined sonic accuracy. Granted, it comes at a premium—but the performance speaks for itself.

Small in Size, Huge in Sound

The D15s is currently the smallest subwoofer on the market with THX Dominus certification. That means it’s built to handle large rooms and long listening distances—without compromising on precision or dynamics. Housed in a sleek cube measuring about 50 cm and weighing over 46 kg, it packs an unexpected punch.

Perlisten: Young Brand, Big Ambitions

Though still relatively new, Perlisten Audio has quickly carved out a name in the high-end audio scene. Based in Wisconsin (USA), the company has global aspirations. “Perlisten” stands for Perceptual Listening—and it truly delivers on that promise with immersive, detail-rich sound experiences.

Their development philosophy? Advanced simulations, state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) using Klippel technology, and meticulous craftsmanship—and you can hear it in every note.

Design: Understated Luxury

While most subwoofers prioritize function over form, the D15s embraces aesthetic appeal. With its piano black gloss finish and minimalist design, it resembles a luxurious piece of furniture. The curved MDF front adds a modern touch. Subtle, elegant, and bold—all at once.

Connectivity & Control: Smart and Convenient

The D15s is equipped with both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs/outputs. Control is effortless—via a 2.4-inch full-color touchscreen on the top panel or through the Perlisten mobile app (iOS & Android). The app uses Bluetooth Low Energy and gives you full access to settings, including a 10-band EQ. While there’s no real-time EQ visualization, the interface is clean and user-friendly.

Smart Amplification Tech

At its core, the D15s uses a 2000-watt RMS amplifier, a 48-bit DSP, and a 32-bit ARM microcontroller. Together, they create a self-monitoring system that constantly checks voltage, current, and temperature, adapting the output in real time. The result? Consistent, clean performance—even under heavy load.

Sound Test: Finesse and Force

Tested in a semi-dedicated 35 m² room, the D15s didn’t just deliver sound—it delivered impact. The subwoofer generates deep, tactile bass that you can feel in your chest—without ever losing composure.

On complex bass-heavy hip-hop tracks (Crime Mob, Big Tymers, Stormzy), it remains tight, clean, and musical—never boomy or muddy. Blockbusters like Jurassic World: Dominion or Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning shine with lifelike rumble, from helicopter flybys to stomping dinosaurs. You don’t just hear it. You experience it.

Measurements: Numbers That Back the Hype

Covering a frequency range from 16 to 320 Hz, the D15s delivers full-spectrum low-end response with minimal distortion, even at high SPLs. It integrates seamlessly into a variety of speaker setups and adds depth without drawing unnecessary attention to itself.

Verdict: Best in Class?

The Perlisten D15s is more than just a subwoofer—it’s a statement piece for serious listeners. Sonically outstanding, visually elegant, and technologically forward-thinking. Yes, it’s priced around €5,000 / $5,500—but in the world of high-end audio, few offer a better all-around package.

Alternatives to Consider

• Arendal 2S: More affordable, ideal for dual subwoofer setups to even out bass response. Two units come in at around €4,200 / $4,500.

• M&K X15+: Also THX Dominus-certified, featuring a push-pull driver design. A bit more expensive (~€6,000 / $6,500), less modern, but backed by cinematic legacy.

• Perlisten D12s (x2): Two smaller models can achieve Dominus certification as a pair—great for smaller rooms or symmetrical installs.

Summary

✅ Strengths

• Incredibly clean, deep bass

• Premium craftsmanship

• Smart DSP-driven control

• High impact with zero distortion

❌ Keep in mind

• High price tag

• Only available in one finish

• Large and heavy

? Recommendation?
If budget isn’t a barrier and you want a subwoofer that elevates both music and cinema to new emotional heights—the D15s is a strong "yes." It doesn’t just add bass—it adds soul. But be warned: one listen and you might never want to part with it.