An typically underappreciated and neglected side of any audio setup is the subwoofer. Nonetheless, the most effective subwoofer can significantly 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 report assortment, or a wise 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 displays 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. Nonetheless, you have to watch out when selecting the most effective subwoofer for you, as in some cases, the unsuitable selection 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 gear {industry} and, with most of those subwoofers, I’ve had hands-on expertise. Partaking in each day conversations about audio and music gear has led me to find further choices, typically advisable by fellow audio nerds who share a ardour for all issues sound-related.
On the finish of the listing, you will discover often requested questions to handle any queries you could have whereas buying on your subsequent subwoofer. Hopefully, with the intention of clearing up widespread misconceptions and making your choice simpler.
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SVS SB-1000 Traditional
1. Greatest total subwoofer
The top for each dwelling cinema and audio
Whether or not for music or cinema, the SVS SB-1000 Traditional stands out as the last word all-rounder within the realm of subwoofers. With its articulate bass response, compact but strong design, and handy smartphone capabilities, it boasts a mess of perks. All these options come at a remarkably cheap worth, making it a extremely interesting selection with a lot to admire.
- Crystal clear bass
- Smartphone built-in
- Compact and really sturdy
- Some might choose a bigger driver
If you happen to’re on the lookout for the most effective subwoofer total, there aren’t many higher choices than the SVS SB-1000 Traditional. Popping out of Youngstown, Ohio, SVS has an excellent repute within the audio world and the SVS SB-1000 Traditional sub is a primary instance of what the corporate has to supply.
Able to crystal clear but highly effective bass, this can be a implausible subwoofer for each music and residential cinema functions. The SB-1000 Traditional 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 Traditional may be fine-tuned utilizing the DSP smartphone app, so you will handle to regulate the sub precisely as your tastes demand. Additionally, should you’re not within the largest house, the SB-1000 Traditional is fairly compact in comparison with different choices in the marketplace, it could tuck away neatly in most dwelling areas.
Cambridge Audio SX120
2. Greatest subwoofer for small areas
A tiny subwoofer with a giant bass response
If house is a premium, then try the SX120 from Cambridge Audio. This feature is ideal for people searching for 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
- Unbelievable at reducing undesirable frequencies
In relation to 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 nicely. It additionally throws the audio extremely nicely and does a powerful job of encompassing you in no matter you might be listening to.
As for building, the inflexible MDF cupboard does a commendable job of conserving 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 areas. With particular person quantity, crossover controls, part switches, and frequency controls, you’ve got obtained all of the tinkering choices you will ever want.
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An eight-inch driver working at 80RMS is not going to be sufficient for giant dwelling 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 displays, 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 collection is really an industry-standard in music studios internationally. Their HS displays are the go-to selection 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 most effective 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 presents all the facility you will ever want when mixing and recording music. Like different merchandise within the HS collection, the HS8S produces an extremely pure bass response. It is articulate, tight and makes use of wonderful crossover that retains excessive element.
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Like all sub value its salt, the HS8S does a implausible job of conserving the low finish out of your displays, 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 also be a implausible function for the studio. You possibly can actually get hands-on with the frequencies and the low lower and excessive lower management will help 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 advice — 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 extensive frequency response
- Tremendous detailed sound
- Overkill for lots of wants
Do not get it unsuitable, 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 good 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 fruits 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 with out a hint of distortion. That is supreme when you’ve got a big dwelling cinema room, or a Hello-Fi setup in an enormous dwelling house and need to fill that room with articulate bass.
The Bluetooth management app may be very helpful for tuning the sub to your particular house. The three-band parametric EQ permits deeper enhancing than most different subs, and you may 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 nicely 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 good subwoofer choice should you’re trying to fill a venue with rumbling bass. This sub may be very sturdy, implausible at directing low-frequencies as a result of a cardioid mode directivity and is comparatively compact to permit for hassle-free journey.
- Extremely sturdy
- Superior DSP
- Cardioid Mode presents implausible dispersion
- There are lighter choices on the market
A subwoofer for dwell music is barely completely different from one on your dwelling setup. It is essential to have the front-of-house audio projected in direction of the viewers, while private displays present the band with the whole lot they should hear. That is exactly why the DXS15 MKII stands out because the best choice for venues; its cardioid dispersion presents distinctive directionality, considerably minimizing stage bleed.
The DXS15 MKII can also be extremely loud, a lot louder than you’d anticipate from a 15-inch driver. With a most SPL of 135dB, this can be a 3dB enchancment from the earlier iteration, so Yamaha goes in the appropriate course should you’re craving loudness. Positive, there’s an 18-inch choice 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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By utilizing a plywood cupboard, Yamaha aimed to ensure the DXS15 MKII would survive a couple of knocks while on the street. Coating it with a particularly sturdy Polyurea coating makes this sub virtually 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 simplest ways doable, because the DXS15 MKII sounds superbly wealthy. Yamaha has completed 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 anticipate for its modest worth. Something below $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 most effective budget-friendly subwoofer.
- Very gentle and portable
- Pretty copper aesthetic
- Punches nicely 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 most effective reasonably priced 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 value upwards of $50,000. Fortunately, for these of us on a finances, Klipsch would not neglect the reasonably priced finish both.
Sporting a fantastic 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, the R-100SW reference high quality sub will value you below $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 easy, enduring low-frequency projection while conserving 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 doable. Though this enticing sub really seems finest when paired with Klipsch displays, it’s able to performing equally nicely with different manufacturers. The low go crossover and part controls will help you tune the sub to finest complement no matter setup you at present have.
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The R-100SW leans extra in direction of enhancing your house cinema expertise than being a go-to for Hello-Fi music. Positive, 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. Recognized for producing high-quality audio system for venues, stadiums and even automobiles, the SUB 708-AS II continues its prestigious legacy of manufacturing venue-ready gear. This highly effective sub is good should you’re a DJ or personal a DJ venue and want some low-end oomph.
- 18″ woofer can deal with critical low frequencies
- Unbelievable construct high quality
- Measurement to weight to SPL output ratio is ergonomical
Since 1949, the Italian model RCF has been outfitting venues of all sizes with PA methods. 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 method 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 selection 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 often gigantic and extremely heavy. Nonetheless, 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 shield the internals from mud. There’s loads to like in regards to the 708-AS II, however quite unsurprisingly, a sub this measurement isn’t appropriate for dwelling use except you reside with quadruple-glazed home windows.
The underside line: What’s the most effective subwoofer?
The SVS SB-1000 Traditional is the best choice for the most effective subwoofer total. It comes from SVS, a good audio model based mostly in Youngstown, Ohio. This subwoofer impresses with clear and highly effective bass, making it nice for each music and residential cinema. It will possibly 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. Positive-tune your music listening with the DSP smartphone app, and its compact design makes it a sensible selection for numerous dwelling areas.
SVS SB-1000 Traditional
Editor’s Selection
The Klipsch R-100SW earns the title of the most effective reasonably priced subwoofer, shocking some given Klipsch’s historical past of high-end audio system. Priced below $200, it encompasses 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 searching for pure tones. The low go crossover and part controls enable customization to enhance any setup.
How we selected the most effective 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 most effective subwoofers accessible at present. Our choices stem from hands-on product experiences as a result of nothing beats firsthand information. We additionally thought-about numerous specs when making our choices, corresponding to 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 will in all probability be asking your self, do I want a subwoofer in my audio setup? Though a subwoofer is not crucial, as your displays will deal with low frequencies, should you’re on the lookout for the most effective audio expertise doable, a subwoofer is a implausible strategy to obtain that.
What does a subwoofer do?
Beginning at first, let’s check out the fundamentals and get a couple 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 good addition to an audio setup, notably if you’d like probably the most immersive dwelling cinematic expertise doable. The prolonged low frequencies it presents contribute to finish immersion within the film you are watching, accentuating the audio and bringing an additional layer of depth to your leisure. It should help you really feel each explosion and rumbling, similar to being within the cinema.
A subwoofer may also actually assist should you’re on the lookout for probably the most high-fidelity musical expertise. Very similar to for dwelling cinema, a sub will aid you hear each nuance within the music, it’ll additionally help you really feel the bass in a way more visceral means. For the reason that subwoofer takes care of the low-frequencies, it frees up your displays 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. If you happen to’re trying to maintain your sign chain so simple as doable, 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 could murk your audio expertise by including flabby bass into the combo. If you happen to stick with the merchandise on our listing, you will not run into these points.
Must you place a subwoofer within the nook of a room?
Typically talking, you must attempt to keep away from inserting your subwoofer within the nook. Though inserting a sub within the nook of your room could seem fairly handy, it’ll increase and exaggerate the low frequencies and create additional bass. This can be tempting, particularly in case your sub is on the smaller aspect, however you will probably overpower the opposite frequencies and the additional bass you’ll hear will turn into boomy and murky. If doable, attempt to maintain your sub 10 to 12-inches away from the nook. This manner you will cut back any pointless bass construct up, and you will have the cleanest audio doable.
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