Speakers and a subwoofer are integral elements of a modern acoustic system. The first ones are responsible for sound reproduction in different frequency bands, and the second one enhances the bass. The only purpose of the subwoofer is to add lower frequencies, which are actively used in club, rock and other types of music. Anyone who has been to concerts can imagine this device in the form of a huge box with large speakers. Home models are somewhat different from professional ones. The material is precisely intended to help with the selection of subwoofers for the home.
How the subwoofer works
There is no need to delve into the principle of operation; it is enough to understand that a subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker. It is responsible for converting the frequency of the incoming signal into sound. Bass reproduction occurs using a coil, which, under the influence of a signal from an amplifier and a magnet, affects the emitter diffuser. As a result, the speaker creates low frequencies (LF) of sound.
Important! Subwoofers always include large drivers. Their diffuser diameter is always larger than that of speakers. There is a pattern: the more impressive the size of the speaker, the cleaner the low frequencies are. Models with a small diffuser reproduce high and mid frequencies better.
Heco Victa Prime Sub 252 A
pros
- Plays absolutely all types of music well
- Exterior design
- Lack of bass reflex sound
- High power
- Availability of a cooling system
- Compactness of the device
Minuses
- High price
- Heavy weight of the device
From 25425 ₽
This subwoofer is designed to operate in tandem with a full range of Victa Prime series audio systems from the popular German company HECO. This brand is famous primarily for its realistic reproduction of the mid-frequency range, as well as the low-frequency spectrum. The device is ideal for both working in a home theater and for playing a wide variety of music.
Types of subwoofers
The biggest difference between low-frequency devices is the amplifier. By type of construction they differ in:
- Active. They have a pre-installed amplifier located directly in the subwoofer housing. The design also includes an active crossover, which allows filtering high frequencies and improves the interaction of the subwoofer with the rest of the speaker system. Good models have additional functionality for setting up playback: changing the frequency response, rotating the phase, etc.;
- Passive. There is no amplifier, therefore, the device can be connected in parallel with conventional speakers. It also supports a separate connection. A pass-through device is rarely used, because the system creates unnecessary load on the channel output amplifiers. In practice, the technology leads to a drop in sound volume and dynamics. The connection also negatively affects the sound quality, due to the passive crossover.
How to choose the right subwoofer for your home?
To successfully select a subwoofer model, you need to take into account the size, configuration of the room and even the arrangement of furniture. All of these factors are individual and cannot be determined in absentia. Despite the lack of input data, I would like to give some basic tips for choosing.
Recommendations for choosing a good subwoofer:
- High quality and durable case. Plastic models do not fit this description. During operation, the flimsy material creates vibrations that undesirably affect the quality of the bass. It is better to give preference to a case made of MDF. True, it is not completely protected from distortion; powerful systems can lead to rattling of the case. The best option is a wooden base. You can determine the quality of a material by weight; wood is always heavier than its substitutes.
- Price and model type. Closed design models are much more expensive than open ones, but have a richer and clearer sound. Bass reflex devices (without speaker protection) cannot show similar sound dynamics, although they still produce good sound and are much cheaper. However, they are not characterized by a sharp change in volume, unlike the closed type.
- Power. For small rooms and apartments there is no need to take a powerful subwoofer. Instead of high-quality audio, there will be unnecessary rattling of objects and an unpleasant hum. For home use, it is optimal to use models with a power of 5-8 W per 1 m2.
- Frequency range. Numbers will help you understand the issue. Frequencies in the range of 20-40 Hz are responsible for deep bass, frequencies from 40 to 80 Hz are responsible for mid-bass, and high frequencies are considered to be 80-160 Hz. Subwoofers operating in the 40-200 Hz range are widely used and do not support low frequencies. For home, the optimal value is 30-60 Hz.
- Depth and realism of sound. Apart from the frequency range, there are no characteristics that allow you to determine the quality of audio in absentia. Before buying, you should listen to how well the device copes with its task - reproducing low frequencies.
Important! Not all characteristics are listed above; you also need to focus on the availability of settings, additional options, ergonomics, ease of control, etc. All of these parameters play a minor role and affect the final result.
Criterias of choice
It would seem that the more expensive and larger the subwoofer, the better. But the choice is not so obvious. Speaking about selection criteria, it is important to consider the purpose and place of use of the subwoofer.
Choosing a subwoofer for the room
When choosing a subwoofer to complement your home theater, consider the size of the room. If we are talking about a standard room, the average area of which is 15 - 20 square meters. m., a low-frequency speaker from the same line as the entire DC system is quite suitable. Typically this is a subwoofer with a diameter of 8 - 10 inches.
If the task is to sound a larger room, from 40 square meters. m, it is recommended to purchase several devices. The size of the subwoofer also matters.
It may seem a little strange, but the last few hertz of the frequency range will cost the most. Therefore, creating suitable sound pressure in a large room will not be cheap.
For a larger room, choosing a high-quality subwoofer for a home theater is more difficult.
How to choose a subwoofer for speakers based on power, according to Thiel-Small parameters, to the size of the room or house:
Subwoofer selection options for cars
Choosing a subwoofer for a car also has a number of nuances. And first of all, we look at the size of the device. Typically, the optimal speaker diameter is 8-12 inches, which is 200 and 300 mm, respectively. In this case, we get good sound and eliminate the “jitter” effect.
The material from which the body is made is also taken into account. The best option is durable and lightweight aluminum covered with sound-absorbing felt. In addition to this, we pay attention to the presence of rubberized suspensions, which are responsible for anti-nuclear properties and ensure sound quality.
High-quality subwoofer for a car
The next selection criterion is power. Here we distinguish between nominal power, that is, the real efficiency of sound reproduction; and maximum power. By maximum we mean the power of a short signal that the low-frequency speaker can withstand without damage. When choosing a subwoofer for a car, pay attention to the nominal value. The optimal value for the car interior is 150-300 W.
Note! In some device compositions, the maximum power of the amplifier exceeds that of the subwoofer. Therefore, listening to music at full volume is not recommended.
Note. Some users also install a home theater subwoofer in their car. Please note that in this case we may not obtain the desired output power. The design of the home low-frequency speaker system is also not intended for use in conditions of constant vibration and shaking.
How to choose, connect and configure a subwoofer from a home theater to a car without an amplifier:
Best Home Subwoofer Manufacturers
The following brands are at the peak of their fame and enjoy the love of users:
- Yamaha. The company comes from Japan. It is a benchmark in the world of musical equipment. A company with more than a century of history began producing acoustics in 1971, when it invented the first integrated circuit of its own manufacture. It produces subwoofers for various purposes, including household models.
- Pioneer. In terms of popularity and quality of products, it is practically not inferior to the leader. The company is focused on developing all kinds of acoustics, but the greatest emphasis is on receivers, speakers and subwoofers, including automobile ones.
- JBL. The world leader has its head office in America. It is distinguished by the production of advanced, multifunctional subwoofers. Mainly engaged in the production of high-end systems, but there are also budget analogues in the range.
TOP 3 subwoofers for small rooms
This includes models with power up to 80 W. They best reveal their potential in small spaces up to 20 m2.
YAMAHA YST-SW012
The compact bass reflex subwoofer has a cubic shape and a laconic design. The body uses wood to prevent unwanted distortion and maintain high sound quality. The power of the device is 100 W with a radiator diffuser diameter of 20 cm. The listed characteristics are sufficient to create rich and pure low frequencies. The subwoofer is a universal type that can be included in a home theater, music center or any amateur equipment.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 28-200 Hz |
| Power | 100 W |
| Speaker diameter | 200 mm |
| Dimensions | 290x290x328 mm |
| Weight | 8.5 kg |
Pros:
- stable wooden body;
- neat assembly;
- compact dimensions;
- powerful bass.
Minuses:
- there is no cutoff frequency regulator;
- There is no auto shut off feature.
Price: 7990 rubles.
YAMAHA YST-FSW050
The low but wide body allows you to place the subwoofer on any flat surface without the risk of tipping over. The basic controls are located on the front side and are located next to the air intake hole. In small rooms it shows good results both in terms of volume and quality of low frequencies. However, it practically does not produce low bass frequencies, covering only 35-160 Hz, which is due to the small 165 mm speaker. It is made of durable fiberboard, which is ideal for a power of 100 W.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 35-160 Hz |
| Power | 100 W |
| Speaker diameter | 165 mm |
| Dimensions | 349x175x349 mm |
| Weight | 8.45 kg |
Pros:
- deep bass for its characteristics in rooms up to 20 m;
- durable body;
- There is no unpleasant hum in inactive mode, typical of most models.
Minuses:
- there is no automatic switching on and off;
- There are no additional settings, only a volume control.
Price: 9990 rubles.
YAMAHA YST-SW216
An active subwoofer classified as a bass reflex type. The shape resembles the YST-SW012 model, but has a kind of platform-stand. Blends perfectly into home systems with clear, distortion-free bass. A speaker 25 cm in diameter with a power of 270 W is responsible for deep low frequencies. Covers a large frequency range - from 20 to 160 Hz and has the ability to more accurately adjust the sound using controls on the body.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 20-160 Hz |
| Power | 270 W |
| Speaker diameter | 250 mm |
| Dimensions | 350x430x382 mm |
| Weight | 19 kg |
Pros:
- power is optimally selected for rooms up to 20 m2;
- first-class assembly;
- wide range of supported frequencies.
Minuses:
- wheezing may occur at high volumes;
- the varnished surface quickly becomes dirty.
Price: 24,990 rubles.
YAMAHA YST-SW215
pros
- Good sound quality
- Sound control mechanisms are located at the front of the device
- Acceptable cost
- Compactness of the device
- The presence of switches for operating phases and sleep modes on the back of the subwoofer
Minuses
- Glossy finish attracts dust
- The radiator does not have a cooling system
- There is no composite cable included with the device.
From 11980 ₽
This subwoofer reproduces bass in high quality, which makes listening to music and watching movies a real pleasure. The system combines QD-Bass and Advanced YST. These technologies make the bass more powerful and deeper. The BASS switch allows you to select sound modes and set the crossover frequency. This device will improve the sound of any audio system.
TOP 3 subwoofers for rooms up to 30 sq. m
The models listed above are not best suited for rooms with an area of 20-30 m2. In such rooms it is better to use more powerful devices.
YAMAHA YST-SW215
Comes with built-in amplifier. The subwoofer has a power of 150 W, which is enough for medium and relatively large rooms. Provides rich bass across almost the entire frequency band. Impulse parameters and sound purity are maintained down to the lower octave. Equipped with exclusive Q-Bass technology. Its essence comes down to the direction of the speaker down. This solution improves the uniformity of sound propagation over 360°. There is no need to worry about distortion, because the body is based on wood.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 28-200 Hz |
| Power | 150 W |
| Speaker diameter | 200 mm |
| Dimensions | 290x360x322 mm |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
Pros:
- crisp, clean sound;
- there is a system for independent transition to sleep mode;
- manual phase and volume adjustment function.
Minuses:
- auto shutdown can occur even when operating at minimum volume;
- Dust is clearly visible on the coating; you will have to wipe it often.
Price: 16,490 rubles.
PIONEER S-51W
One of the inexpensive and advanced subwoofer models, covering the frequency range from 26-900 Hz. It has a laconic design in the shape of a cube with legs. It has good dynamics and bass depth. Characteristic hums and ringing are not typical for the device; it works quietly and without unnecessary sounds. The only drawback of the device is its sensitivity to overloads, which can cause wheezing. Under normal conditions it works properly, for which a 20 cm emitter with a power of 150 W is responsible.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 26-900 Hz |
| Power | 150 W |
| Speaker diameter | 200 mm |
| Dimensions | 360x382x360 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg |
Pros:
- voluminous, clear and powerful bass;
- handles very low frequencies perfectly;
- Self-on/off technology.
Minuses:
- something needs to be done with the sharp corners of the body if there are children in the house;
- At high volumes, wheezing appears periodically.
Price: 18,390 rubles.
VELODYNE IMPACT-10
A floor-standing bass reflex subwoofer with an amplifier inside can produce high-quality sound in low and mid-bass frequencies. In HF it also shows acceptable results, but does not cover the entire range, because it works in the range of 32-140 Hz. It has an optimal power of 165-275 W for halls with an area of 25 to 30 m2. It is made of high-strength MDF, the material is only slightly inferior to wood. To prevent possible violations of sound purity, all seams are sealed and treated with sealant. The model is based on one speaker 25 cm in diameter.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 29-140 Hz |
| Power | 275 W |
| Speaker diameter | 250 mm |
| Dimensions | 366x391x455 mm |
| Weight | 17 kg |
Pros:
- juicy, clear sound;
- there are sound adjustment functions;
- stylish design.
Minuses:
- the direction of the sound flow is slightly felt;
- slight hum in passive mode.
Price: 29990 rubles.
Pioneer S-21W
pros
- Compactness of the device
- Acceptable cost
- Good bass
- Automatic switching of the device to standby mode
- Additional power regulation
- Convenient volume control mechanism
- Three-meter cable for connection
Minuses
- May not work well with certain audio systems
- Heavy weight of the device
- Blue LED too bright
- No crossover frequency control
From 6990 ₽
This is the best subwoofer for home theater sound enhancement. The device has a built-in amplifier for maximum sinusoidal power. In addition, it features a closed speaker system that supports speaker configurations from 2.1 to 5.1. The phase control mechanism controls the timing and phase characteristics of the loudspeaker, preventing audio delay often caused by filtering of multi-channel recordings.
TOP 3 subwoofers for rooms from 30 sq. m
In large rooms, the following subwoofers are clear favorites.
JAMO SUB 210
Available in different colors: black, wood, white, dark wood. Manufactured in a classic design with a long-throw driver for low-frequency reproduction. The model is characterized by clear and rich bass, for which the amplifier is responsible. The power at moments of maximum load can reach 200 W. The sound is produced by a 203 mm bass reflex driver, directed downward. The solution helps to increase sound pressure and ensure proper distribution of audio in all directions.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 38-200 Hz |
| Power | 200 W |
| Speaker diameter | 203.2 mm |
| Dimensions | 283x313x305 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg |
Pros:
- small size and light weight;
- assortment of colors;
- voluminous, bright bass without distortion.
Minuses:
- excessively bright LED;
- Smooth adjustment knobs impair sensitivity.
Price: 25,990 rubles.
JBL STUDIO SUB 260P
The bass reflex subwoofer from the USA is characterized by high functionality and a power of 300 W. Peak values can reach 600 W. Despite the simple design, the model remains stylish thanks to the black color of the wood and plastic inserts. To prevent plastic elements from degrading the sound, they are treated with insulating materials. The active subwoofer covers the range of 32-150 Hz, that is, this includes almost the entire low-frequency spectrum.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 29-150 Hz |
| Power | 600 W |
| Speaker diameter | 305 mm |
| Dimensions | 381x445x435 mm |
| Weight | 17.2 kg |
Pros:
- huge power, suitable for full-fledged cinemas;
- there is a system for manual adjustment of parameters;
- high-quality and clear sound throughout the entire low-frequency range.
Minuses:
- there is no remote control;
- The controls are located on the rear panel, making them difficult to use.
Price: 37,910 rubles.
BOWERS&WILKINS ASW608
The junior model of the well-known series of subwoofers has a number of unique properties. This includes an unusual design based on Kevlar, paper and special resins. The material is characterized by high strength and mobility. The 20 cm speaker with an easily bending diaphragm produces rich and deep bass. There is no need for a separate amplifier, because the built-in device can output 200 W. The bass extension and equalization system is adjustable using toggle switches on the back cover of the subwoofer.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Frequency range | 32-140 Hz |
| Power | 200 W |
| Speaker diameter | 200 mm |
| Dimensions | 260x260x330 mm |
| Weight | 8.85 kg |
Pros:
- dynamic and deep bass;
- supports many connection methods;
- allows you to adjust the cutoff frequency and volume;
- automatic sleep mode.
Minuses:
- no remote control;
- The power LED is too bright.
Price: 39,490 rubles.
Comparing models
The main characteristics of the considered subwoofers in one place.
| Model | Reproducible frequencies, Hz | Power, W | Emitter diameter, mm | Dimensions, mm | Weight, kg | Price, rubles |
| YAMAHA YST- SW012 | 28-200 | 100 | 200 | 290x290x328 | 8,5 | 7990 |
| YAMAHA YST- FSW050 | 35-160 | 100 | 165 | 349x175x349 | 8,45 | 9990 |
| YAMAHA YST-SW216 | 20-160 | 270 | 250 | 350x430x382 | 19 | 24 990 |
| YAMAHA YST- SW215 | 28-200 | 150 | 200 | 290x360x322 | 11,5 | 16 490 |
| PIONEER S-51W | 26-900 | 150 | 200 | 360x382x360 | 13,5 | 18 390 |
| VELODYNE IMPACT-10 | 29-140 | 275 | 250 | 366x391x455 | 13 | 29 990 |
| JAMO SUB 210 | 38-200 | 200 | 203.2 | 283x313x305 | 7,5 | 25 990 |
| JBL STUDIO SUB 260P | 29-150 | 600 | 305 | 381x445x435 | 17,2 | 37 910 |
| BOWERS & WILKINS ASW608 | 32-140 | 200 | 200 | 260x260x330 | 8,85 | 39 490 |
