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AudioControl, best known for its line output converters and DSPs, is going bigger on bass. Ahead of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas (3–6 November), the company has announced a new EPIC X5 car subwoofer line in four sizes, including the first 15-inch subwoofer it has ever made. It will show them off in a Volkswagen ID. Buzz with a ridiculous 62 speakers.
- EPIC X5 subwoofers are coming in 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch sizes.
- The 15-inch model is rated at 2,000 W RMS and is due in Q1 2027.
- Prices and specs for the smaller X5 models haven’t been published yet.
- AudioControl’s existing EPICX subs (8, 10 and 12 inches) are a separate, cheaper line and are on sale now.
What AudioControl announced
The announcement, released through SEMA’s exhibitor press room on 26 October, is light on detail. AudioControl says the EPIC X5 line brings high-power bass to its EPIC range, with four driver sizes. Only the flagship has a power rating so far: 2,000 W RMS for the 15-inch, with availability in the first quarter of 2027.
Alongside the subs, AudioControl is adding three neodymium speakers to the EPIC range, including the EPICPRO6NX 6.5-inch midrange (neodymium magnet, cast basket) and the EPICPRO6HCX 6.5-inch horn-loaded compression driver. Its more affordable Altitude speaker line is also getting five new sizes.
| What we know | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8, 10, 12 and 15 inches |
| 15-inch power rating | 2,000 W RMS (AudioControl) |
| 15-inch availability | Q1 2027 |
| Smaller models | Power, impedance and dates not yet announced |
| Prices | Not announced |
| Where to see it | Stinger booth 10673, North Hall, SEMA 2026 |
The EPIC BUZZ show car
The new drivers debut in the “EPIC BUZZ”, a VW ID. Buzz built to show off the range. AudioControl lists 62 speakers, 16 EPIC amplifiers and about 30,000 watts in total. The bass section is eight EPIC X5 15-inch subs in an enclosure behind the rear seats, plus eight 8-inch X5 subs in the center console and four more 10-inch drivers. It’s a show car, not a template, but it’s a fair hint at how much the new subs are meant to handle.
EPIC X5 vs the EPICX subs you can buy now
The names are confusingly close. AudioControl already sells EPICX dual-voice-coil subs in 8-, 10- and 12-inch sizes, and they’re on Amazon now: the EPICX 8, EPICX 10 and EPICX 12. Those are the sensible, affordable members of the family. The X5 line sits above them as the high-power option; AudioControl hasn’t said how the smaller X5 models differ from the EPICX drivers of the same size.
What it means for you
- Don’t wait if you need bass now. Only the 15-inch has a date, and it’s months away. A 10- or 12-inch sub is plenty for most cars; our best car subwoofers guide covers options you can buy today.
- Plan the power before the sub. A 2,000 W RMS driver needs a large amplifier, heavy wiring and, in most cars, electrical upgrades. Our amp wire and fuse calculator shows what that power level demands.
- A 15-inch needs space. Check that the enclosure will fit before you get attached to the idea. Our sub box designer gives you real dimensions and a cut sheet.
- Factory stereo? AudioControl’s line output converters and DSPs are still the main reason most people buy the brand. See adding a sub to a factory stereo.
Our take
A 2,000-watt 15-inch is a statement piece, and it puts AudioControl in more direct competition with established bass brands. Until we see full specs, recommended enclosures and prices, it’s one to watch rather than one to plan a build around. We’ll report back with details from the show floor coverage.