An typically underappreciated and ignored facet of any audio setup is the subwoofer. Nevertheless, the very best subwoofer can critically enhance your listening expertise and elevate audio to new heights you’ve got by no means earlier than skilled. Whether or not you are into home theater or music production, have an enormous file assortment, or a sensible dwelling speaker system, a subwoofer is a important a part of the audio equation.
Caring for the low-frequencies, a subwoofer would not simply amplify the bass, it permits your screens to maintain the frequencies they’re designed for, the highs and mids. A well-calibrated subwoofer brings each sound to life with precision and readability. Nevertheless, you have to watch out when selecting the very best subwoofer for you, as in some cases, the incorrect alternative will trigger extra detriment than good. There’s nothing worse than a flabby low-end muddying your sound and making the general audio unlistenable.
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I’m an audiophile with over six years within the music tools {industry} and, with most of those subwoofers, I’ve had hands-on expertise. Participating in day by day conversations about audio and music gear has led me to find extra alternatives, typically really useful by fellow audio nerds who share a ardour for all issues sound-related.
On the finish of the record, you may discover incessantly requested questions to deal with any queries you could have whereas purchasing in your subsequent subwoofer. Hopefully, with the intention of clearing up frequent misconceptions and making your resolution simpler.
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SVS SB-1000 Basic
1. Greatest total subwoofer
The top for each dwelling cinema and audio
Whether or not for music or cinema, the SVS SB-1000 Basic stands out as the final word all-rounder within the realm of subwoofers. With its articulate bass response, compact but strong design, and handy smartphone capabilities, it boasts a large number of perks. All these options come at a remarkably cheap worth, making it a extremely interesting alternative with a lot to admire.
- Crystal clear bass
- Smartphone built-in
- Compact and really sturdy
- Some could choose a bigger driver
When you’re on the lookout for the very best subwoofer total, there aren’t many higher choices than the SVS SB-1000 Basic. Popping out of Youngstown, Ohio, SVS has an excellent fame within the audio world and the SVS SB-1000 Basic sub is a major instance of what the corporate has to supply.
Able to crystal clear but highly effective bass, it is a unbelievable subwoofer for each music and residential cinema purposes. The SB-1000 Basic can go low, tremendous low, with frequency capacities all the best way all the way down to 20Hz, which is decrease than the human ear may even decide. With a 325-watt RMS pounding out of a 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver, it’s able to some stomach-churning low frequencies, notably when utilized in small to medium areas. You will really really feel each explosion, automobile chase and heartbeat in your favourite film.
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As for music listening, the SB-1000 Basic could be fine-tuned utilizing the DSP smartphone app, so you may handle to regulate the sub precisely as your tastes demand. Additionally, should you’re not within the largest area, the SB-1000 Basic is fairly compact in comparison with different choices in the marketplace, it will possibly tuck away neatly in most residing areas.
Cambridge Audio SX120
2. Greatest subwoofer for small areas
A tiny subwoofer with an enormous bass response
If area is a premium, then take a look at the SX120 from Cambridge Audio. This selection is ideal for people in search of bass enhancement, particularly in an audio or Hello-Fi setup, whereas prioritizing nice worth for cash. The SX120 is each detailed and highly effective, and its cupboard excels at eliminating undesirable frequencies.
- Highly effective, but detailed enhancement
- Nice worth for cash
- Incredible at slicing undesirable frequencies
On the subject of audio, the SX120 kicks issues off with an eight-inch woofer, delivering a remarkably detailed and tight bass response. Whereas it could not boast the deep growl of bigger drivers, it enhances dynamic music exceptionally effectively. It additionally throws the audio extremely effectively and does a formidable job of encompassing you in no matter you’re listening to.
As for development, the inflexible MDF cupboard does a commendable job of retaining any undesirable frequencies at bay by minimizing undesirable resonance. Though the SX120 can’t be managed with a smartphone, the onboard controls are greater than sufficient to assist with compatibility in a plethora of various places. With particular person quantity, crossover controls, part switches, and frequency controls, you’ve got received all of the tinkering choices you may ever want.
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An eight-inch driver working at 80RMS is not going to be sufficient for giant residing areas, or for these wanting a window-shaking cinematic expertise. When you think about you are getting all of those good options for a tad over $300, it is easy to see why the SX120 is a critical contender within the subwoofer world.
Yamaha HS8S Studio Subwoofer
3. Greatest subwoofer for the studio
Assured Yamaha sturdiness and craftsmanship
Including to the lineup of industry-standard studio screens, Yamaha’s HS8S subwoofer is the actual deal. Famend for its spectacular construct high quality, highly effective and exact sound, and distinctive crossover capabilities, this subwoofer is a must have for any music studio.
- Adjustable crossover
- Assured Yamaha high quality
- Can be utilized with different manufacturers
- Nuanced change for these not inclined
The acquainted Yamaha HS sequence is actually an industry-standard in music studios the world over. Their HS screens are the go-to alternative for music producers of each caliber and the vary’s iconic black and white design is immediately recognizable. Subsequently, it is no shock to find that the HS8S subwoofer is the very best within the enterprise should you’re after a sub for the studio.
With an eight-inch driver acting at a most functionality of 150 watts, this factor gives all the ability you may ever want when mixing and recording music. Like different merchandise within the HS sequence, the HS8S produces an extremely pure bass response. It is articulate, tight and makes use of glorious crossover that retains excessive element.
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Like every sub price its salt, the HS8S does a unbelievable job of retaining the low finish out of your screens, permitting them to carry out precisely within the frequency vary they’re designed for. Good for music mixing, it helps you pinpoint audio with precision, minus any interference from overpowering bass.
The adjustable crossover can be a unbelievable function for the studio. You possibly can actually get hands-on with the frequencies and the low reduce and excessive reduce management will let you tune the sub to particularly swimsuit the acoustic properties of your studio. Contemplating all of those options, throwing a subwoofer into your studio setup is a stable suggestion — you will not remorse it.
SVS PB16-Extremely
4. Greatest premium subwoofer
The PB16-Extremely will twitch your curtains
The PB16-Extremely will provide you with that stomach-churning, rumbling bass should you so want. This factor is highly effective. With helpful options like a controllable smartphone app, an enormous 16-inch driver and a fantastically detailed sound, that is the best choice should you’re trying to splash the money.
- Unrelenting low-end
- Extremely vast frequency response
- Tremendous detailed sound
- Overkill for lots of wants
Do not get it incorrect, the SVS PB16-Extremely is not going to be appropriate for everybody. With a most energy of 5000 watts and able to operating at 1500 watts RMS, this subwoofer is right for these trying to splash some money and have extraordinarily highly effective bass at dwelling.
Firstly, the headroom of this subwoofer is excellent. By means of a end result of the excessive SPL, most wattage, and a big 16-inch driver, the PB16-Extremely can go all the way down to 11Hz at a really loud quantity and not using a hint of distortion. That is ideally suited when you have a big dwelling cinema room, or a Hello-Fi setup in an unlimited residing area and wish to fill that room with articulate bass.
The Bluetooth management app could be very helpful for tuning the sub to your particular area. The three-band parametric EQ permits deeper enhancing than most different subs, and you’ll stack the bands should you want an additional increase. As for construct high quality, the SVS PB16-Extremely exudes premium high quality, culminating within the metallic grill as an alternative of material which has been designed for minimal resonance. Though this high quality would not come low cost, costing effectively into 4 figures, should you’re trying to deal with your self, settle for no substitutes.
Yamaha DXS15 MKII
5. Greatest subwoofer for venues
Backside-heavy audio directed precisely the place you want
The DXS15 MKII is a superb subwoofer possibility should you’re trying to fill a venue with rumbling bass. This sub could be very sturdy, unbelievable at directing low-frequencies resulting from a cardioid mode directivity and is comparatively compact to permit for hassle-free journey.
- Extremely sturdy
- Superior DSP
- Cardioid Mode gives unbelievable dispersion
- There are lighter choices on the market
A subwoofer for stay music is barely completely different from one in your dwelling setup. It is essential to have the front-of-house audio projected in the direction of the viewers, while private screens present the band with all the things they should hear. That is exactly why the DXS15 MKII stands out because the best choice for venues; its cardioid dispersion gives distinctive directionality, considerably minimizing stage bleed.
The DXS15 MKII can be extremely loud, a lot louder than you’d count on from a 15-inch driver. With a most SPL of 135dB, it is a 3dB enchancment from the earlier iteration, so Yamaha goes in the best path should you’re craving loudness. Certain, there’s an 18-inch possibility in Yamaha’s vary, however this may do most small to medium-sized venues. With its custom-designed 2.5-inch voice coil magnets, readability is the secret — no flabby low-end in sight.
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Through the use of a plywood cupboard, Yamaha aimed to verify the DXS15 MKII would survive a number of knocks while on the street. Coating it with an especially sturdy Polyurea coating makes this sub nearly indestructible, though it nonetheless should not be used as a drink holder at your venue. A wood cupboard additionally impacts the tone, however in one of the best ways potential, because the DXS15 MKII sounds fantastically wealthy. Yamaha has executed a commendable job of marrying tone, reliability, and practicality.
Klipsch R-100SW
6. Greatest subwoofer for smaller budgets
American speaker heritage
The Klipsch R-100SW delivers greater than you’d count on for its modest worth. Something underneath $200 for a Klipsch product is already a win, and with its tight, articulate bass and trendy copper aesthetic, the R-100SW simply claims the title of the very best budget-friendly subwoofer.
- Very gentle and conveyable
- Pretty copper aesthetic
- Punches effectively above its price ticket
- Higher suited to dwelling theater
It might shock some people on the market that Klipsch has claimed the crown of the very best inexpensive subwoofer. In spite of everything, the American model, which has a historical past spanning again to 1946, sells tremendous high-end Hello-Fi audio system that may price upwards of $50,000. Fortunately, for these of us on a finances, Klipsch would not neglect the inexpensive finish both.
Sporting a wonderful 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, the R-100SW reference high quality sub will price you underneath $200. The motive force makes use of Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) cones, which are not simply spectacular on paper, in actuality, it assists in a clean, enduring low-frequency projection while retaining distortion to an all-time low. For the worth, the
Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones are exceptionally gentle whereas being extraordinarily inflexible — offering a outstanding low-frequency response, with minimal cone breakup and distortion to provide the deepest, cleanest bass potential. Though this enticing sub really seems greatest when paired with Klipsch screens, it’s able to performing equally effectively with different manufacturers. The low cross crossover and part controls will let you tune the sub to greatest complement no matter setup you at present have.
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The R-100SW leans extra in the direction of enhancing your private home cinema expertise than being a go-to for Hello-Fi music. Certain, there are pricier choices for the purest tones, however they may dig deeper into your pockets in comparison with the R-100SW’s wallet-friendly tag.
RCF SUB 708-AS II
7. Greatest subwoofer for DJ golf equipment
Low-end punch for DJ centric golf equipment
RCF has been a major participant within the PA world since its inception in 1949. Identified for producing high-quality audio system for venues, stadiums and even vehicles, the SUB 708-AS II continues its prestigious legacy of manufacturing venue-ready tools. This highly effective sub is right should you’re a DJ or personal a DJ venue and want some low-end oomph.
- 18″ woofer can deal with critical low frequencies
- Incredible construct high quality
- Dimension to weight to SPL output ratio is ergonomical
Since 1949, the Italian model RCF has been outfitting venues of all sizes with PA techniques. With a long time of expertise, RCF is well-versed within the artwork of crafting audio system that may immerse concert-goers in sound. The SUB 708-AS II follows RCF’s tried and examined components and should you’re a DJ on the lookout for a sub that may deal with super-low techno kick drums, you’ve got discovered your resolution.
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With an 18-inch driver, a three-inch voice coil, and 1400 watts of output, the 708-AS II is able to dealing with some critical low-frequencies. It is housed in a bass reflex enclosure that makes use of a vent within the speaker cupboard to make the most of the sound from the rear of the diaphragm. This design alternative considerably boosts the speaker’s effectivity, notably at low frequencies, making it an ideal complement to the 708-AS II.
Subs with an 18-inch driver are normally gigantic and extremely heavy. Nevertheless, RCF hasn’t added any pointless bulk and the 708-AS II is surprisingly ergonomic. This is not on the expense of sturdiness both. Utilizing birch plywood coated in a textured black end, these mountable subs are constructed to outlive even the roughest of golf equipment. Even the grille, which has been built-in with a clear acoustic foam, will defend the internals from mud. There’s lots to like concerning the 708-AS II, however relatively unsurprisingly, a sub this measurement isn’t appropriate for dwelling use until you reside with quadruple-glazed home windows.
The underside line: What’s the very best subwoofer?
The SVS SB-1000 Basic is the best choice for the very best subwoofer total. It comes from SVS, a good audio model primarily based in Youngstown, Ohio. This subwoofer impresses with clear and highly effective bass, making it nice for each music and residential cinema. It might attain ultra-low frequencies all the way down to 20Hz, offering a real audio expertise. With a 325-watt RMS energy and a 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver, it excels in smaller to medium areas, permitting you to really feel each element in your favourite motion pictures. Wonderful-tune your music listening with the DSP smartphone app, and its compact design makes it a sensible alternative for varied residing areas.
SVS SB-1000 Basic
Editor’s Selection
The Klipsch R-100SW earns the title of the very best inexpensive subwoofer, shocking some given Klipsch’s historical past of high-end audio system. Priced underneath $200, it contains a 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, delivering enduring low-frequency projection with minimal distortion. Primarily enhancing dwelling cinema, it is budget-friendly in comparison with pricier choices for these in search of pure tones. The low cross crossover and part controls enable customization to enhance any setup.
How we selected the very best subwoofers
With greater than six years within the music tech {industry}, my private experience permits me to work with the Pocket-lint editors and reviewers to curate the very best subwoofers out there as we speak. Our alternatives stem from hands-on product experiences as a result of nothing beats firsthand data. We additionally thought of varied specs when making our alternatives, resembling sound high quality, frequency vary, worth, driver measurement, SPL, wattage and sturdiness.
Do you want a subwoofer?
Chances are high, should you’re studying this information you may most likely be asking your self, do I would like a subwoofer in my audio setup? Though a subwoofer is not crucial, as your screens will deal with low frequencies, should you’re on the lookout for the very best audio expertise potential, a subwoofer is a unbelievable approach to obtain that.
What does a subwoofer do?
Beginning at first, let’s check out the fundamentals and get a number of issues straight. What does a subwoofer do? So, a subwoofer is an exterior speaker that takes care of the low frequencies. Its major goal is to deal with the bass from any audio you occur to be listening to. Particularly, a subwoofer will deal with frequencies between 20-200Hz, though extra specialist subwoofers may even deal with decrease frequencies.
A subwoofer is a superb addition to an audio setup, notably if you’d like essentially the most immersive dwelling cinematic expertise potential. The prolonged low frequencies it gives contribute to finish immersion within the film you are watching, accentuating the audio and bringing an additional layer of depth to your leisure. It is going to let you really feel each explosion and rumbling, similar to being within the cinema.
A subwoofer can even actually assist should you’re on the lookout for essentially the most high-fidelity musical expertise. Very like for dwelling cinema, a sub will assist you to hear each nuance within the music, it can additionally let you really feel the bass in a way more visceral manner. For the reason that subwoofer takes care of the low-frequencies, it frees up your screens to excel on the mid and excessive frequencies they’re designed for.
Are there any disadvantages to a subwoofer?
There aren’t many appreciable disadvantages to including a subwoofer to your audio setup. When you’re trying to preserve your sign chain so simple as potential, including a sub is one other product within the chain, considerably complicating your setup a bit extra. Additionally, should you occur to go for an unsuitable, low-quality subwoofer, it will possibly murk your audio expertise by including flabby bass into the combination. When you keep on with the merchandise on our record, you may not run into these points.
Must you place a subwoofer within the nook of a room?
Usually talking, it’s best to attempt to keep away from putting your subwoofer within the nook. Though putting a sub within the nook of your room could appear fairly handy, it can increase and exaggerate the low frequencies and create additional bass. This can be tempting, particularly in case your sub is on the smaller facet, however you may probably overpower the opposite frequencies and the additional bass you’ll hear will turn out to be boomy and murky. If potential, attempt to preserve your sub 10 to 12-inches away from the nook. This fashion you may scale back any pointless bass construct up, and you will have the cleanest audio potential.
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