An typically underappreciated and missed side of any audio setup is the subwoofer. Nonetheless, the very best subwoofer can severely enhance your listening expertise and elevate audio to new heights you have by no means earlier than skilled. Whether or not you are into home theater or music production, have an enormous document assortment, or a sensible dwelling speaker system, a subwoofer is a vital a part of the audio equation.
Taking good care of 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. Nonetheless, you have to watch out when selecting the very best subwoofer for you, as in some situations, the flawed selection will trigger extra detriment than good. There’s nothing worse than a flabby low-end muddying your sound.
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So, with that in thoughts, listed here are the very best subwoofers presently available on the market. I, myself, am 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 further alternatives, typically really helpful by fellow audio nerds who share a ardour for all issues sound-related. However, sufficient of the chit-chat, let’s have a look.
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SVS SB-1000 Traditional
1. Greatest total subwoofer
The head for each dwelling cinema and audio
Whether or not for music or cinema, the SVS SB-1000 Traditional 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 mess of perks. All these options come at a remarkably cheap value, making it a extremely interesting selection with a lot to admire.
- Crystal clear bass
- Smartphone built-in
- Compact and really sturdy
- Some might desire a bigger driver
In case you’re searching for the very best 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 incredible 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, significantly when utilized in small to medium areas. You will really really feel each explosion, automotive 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 manage the sub precisely as your tastes demand. Additionally, should you’re not within the largest area, the SB-1000 Traditional is fairly compact in comparison with different choices available on the market, it could possibly tuck away neatly in most residing areas.
Cambridge Audio SX120
2. Greatest subwoofer for small areas
A wee subwoofer with an enormous bass response
If area 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
- Incredible at reducing undesirable frequencies
In terms of audio, the SX120 kicks issues off with an 8-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 properly. It additionally throws the audio extremely properly 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 places. With particular person quantity, crossover controls, section switches, and frequency controls, you have received all of the tinkering choices you will ever want.
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An 8-inch driver working at 80RMS is not going to be sufficient for big residing areas, or for these wanting a window-shaking cinematic expertise. When you think about you are getting all of those sensible options for a tad over $300, it is easy to see why the SX120 is a severe 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 true 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 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 very best within the enterprise should you’re after a sub for the studio.
With an 8-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 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 several sub value its salt, the HS8S does a incredible job of conserving 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 incredible characteristic for the studio. You’ll be able to actually get hands-on with the frequencies and the low minimize and excessive minimize management will 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 strong 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 need. 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 flawed, 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 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 no hint of distortion. That is preferrred when you’ve got a big dwelling cinema room, or a Hello-Fi setup in an enormous residing area and wish to fill that room with articulate bass.
The Bluetooth management app may 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 enhance. As for construct high quality, the SVS PB16-Extremely exudes premium high quality, culminating within the metallic grill as an alternative of cloth which has been designed for minimal resonance. Though this high quality would not come low-cost, costing properly 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 may be very sturdy, incredible 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 incredible dispersion
- There are lighter choices on the market
A subwoofer for reside music is barely totally different from one to your dwelling setup. It is vital to have the front-of-house audio projected in 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 presents distinctive directionality, considerably minimizing stage bleed.
The DXS15 MKII can 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 route should you’re craving loudness. Positive, there’s an 18-inch possibility in Yamaha’s vary, however this can 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 just a few knocks while on the highway. Coating it with an especially sturdy Polyurea coating makes this sub virtually indestructible, though it nonetheless should not be used as a drinks holder at your venue. A wood cupboard additionally impacts the tone, however in the easiest way 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 anticipate for its modest value. Something beneath $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 mild and conveyable
- Pretty copper aesthetic
- Punches properly above its price ticket
- Higher suited to dwelling theater
It might shock some folks 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 fantastic 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, the R-100SW reference high quality sub will price you beneath $200. The driving force makes use of Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) cones, which aren’t 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 value, the
Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones are exceptionally mild whereas being extraordinarily inflexible — offering a exceptional low-frequency response, with minimal cone breakup and distortion to provide the deepest, cleanest bass potential. Though this engaging sub really appears finest when paired with Klipsch screens, it’s able to performing equally properly with different manufacturers. The low move crossover and section controls will will let you tune the sub to finest complement no matter setup you presently have.
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The R-100SW leans extra in direction of enhancing your own home 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.
The underside line: What’s the very best subwoofer?
The SVS SB-1000 Traditional 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. Advantageous-tune your music listening with the DSP smartphone app, and its compact design makes it a sensible selection for varied residing areas.
SVS SB-1000 Traditional
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 beneath $200, it incorporates a 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, delivering enduring low-frequency projection with minimal distortion. The Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones provide exceptional low-frequency response. Whereas preferrred with Klipsch screens, it performs properly with different manufacturers. Primarily enhancing dwelling cinema, it is budget-friendly in comparison with pricier choices for these searching for pure tones. The low move crossover and section controls permit customization to enrich any setup.
How we selected the very best subwoofers
With greater than 6 years within the music tech {industry}, our experience permits us to curate the very best subwoofers obtainable as we speak. Our alternatives stem from hands-on product experiences as a result of nothing beats firsthand data. We additionally thought-about varied specs when making our alternatives, akin to sound high quality, frequency vary, value, driver measurement, SPL, wattage and sturdiness.
What does a subwoofer do?
Beginning firstly, let’s check out the fundamentals and get just a few 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.
Do you want a subwoofer?
Likelihood is, should you’re studying this information you will most likely be asking your self, do I want a subwoofer in my audio setup? Though a subwoofer is not crucial, as your screens will deal with low frequencies, should you’re searching for the very best audio expertise potential, a subwoofer is a incredible option to obtain that.
A subwoofer is a superb addition to an audio setup, significantly if you’d like essentially the most immersive dwelling cinematic expertise potential. 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’s going to will let you really feel each explosion and rumbling, identical to being within the cinema.
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A subwoofer may also actually assist should you’re an audiophile who’s searching for essentially the most high-fidelity musical expertise. Very like for dwelling cinema, a sub will enable you to hear each nuance within the music, it should additionally will let you really feel the bass in a way more visceral method. 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. With that in thoughts, a subwoofer is especially helpful for music manufacturing the place precision throughout the frequency spectrum is essential for reaching a well-balanced and correct sound.
Are there any disadvantages to a subwoofer?
There aren’t many appreciable disadvantages to including a subwoofer to your audio setup. In case 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 could possibly murk your audio expertise by including flabby bass into the combination. In case you stick with the merchandise on our listing, you will not run into these points.
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