The first acoustic systems of our own production appeared in the USSR in the 50s of the last century. There was no talk of any microcircuits then. The loudspeaker, magnetizing element and powerful electrodynamic head were “packed” in a durable and fairly voluminous wooden box. The weight of even the smallest shelf device was at least 5-6 kg.
Marty McFly - come on, goodbye!
We all remember the famous scene from the movie “Back to the Future”, where the main character played by Michael J. Fox turns on the system with a huge speaker at full power. Of course, such special effects do not happen when real titanic bass players work, but in size they can easily compete with a movie dummy.
Mitsubishi Diatone D-160
“Subwoofer, you say? “It’s too small for you.” Nobody dares to say this about the Diatone D-160 project. The speaker diameter is 63 inches or 160 centimeters, as reflected in the name. Speaker PW-1600
equipped with a diffuser made of carbon fiber with a honeycomb structure, traditional for the company’s products.
The lower limit frequency in this design was 8 Hz
, the maximum input power was
3000 Watts
.
True, there is no information about installations implemented on this speaker; its younger brother Diatone D-80
.
This speaker is quite well known to Western and Russian DIY enthusiasts; many projects of monstrous subwoofers for home stereo systems have been implemented on it. Unlike most similar speakers, the FW800HS
was conceived as musical, that is, its task was not only to create enormous sound pressure, but also to combine well with other bands.
Surprisingly, the upper limit frequency reaches 1.5 kHz, and the low-frequency resonance occurs at 25 Hz. The diffuser with a diameter of 80
centimeters is made of paper using a sectional principle, the power of the magnetic system is
30
Tesla. The most musical speaker in our selection.
Alex Audio World's Biggest Speaker
"Hey, Slavs!" This is exactly what I want to exclaim when I see the creation of the Ukrainian company Alex Audio from Mukachevo. After all, this is “the largest audio system in the world,” as its manufacturer positions it. It is based on a carbon fiber diffuser with a diameter of 80 inches
, that is, 2 meters, as well as a huge neodymium magnet.
The input power is 2500 watts
, at peak the speaker can handle 5 kW. The maximum sound pressure reaches 135 dB, the frequency range is from 28 to 2,500 Hz.
It would seem, what could be the connection between audio sound and the largest speakers? The most direct! One of the most impressive subwoofer speakers was created by Cadence specifically for installation in cars. Model DCX34W
was equipped with a metal cone with a diameter of
34 inches
(86 cm) and a solid-sized dual voice coil.
The nominal impedance was 2 Ohms, the input power was up to 10,000
Watts. It's hard to imagine such a speaker inside even a large car, but enthusiasts managed to fit it into a Fiat Punto!
MTX Thunder 1000000
And now - disco! True, at great risk to life, since with proper design and amplification this monster is theoretically capable of creating a sound pressure of 188 dB
.
For comparison, the roar of a jet plane taking off reaches a level of 130 dB. True, the size of the speaker itself is “only” 60 inches
, but the displacement of the diffuser reaches six inches.
The magnetic system, as can be seen in the photograph, is simply incredible in size and weighs 300
kilograms. When the speaker installed in the back of a former bread truck was turned on at half power, the doors in the cabin were knocked out, and the walls of the body began to fall apart at the seams. Before the speaker turned off, it managed to produce 162 dB, thus setting a world record for sound pressure for subwoofers.
How to choose a subwoofer
Choosing the right subwoofer is not only a question of the quality of the speaker or the power of the amplifier. Its design itself has a noticeable “tailoredness” to specific styles of music - for example, subwoofers with a bass reflex are perceived by ear as having a sharper attack (the rear volume does not dampen the movement of the diffuser, and also acts as a sound source), so they have long been loved for synthetic “tink-tink” ”, while the softer and more natural-sounding attack of the closed-back subwoofers will allow you to enjoy not only the blues, but also many rather extreme styles of instrumental music on the move. A Band-pass type case, where the diffuser works on the internal volume on both sides, and all the sound comes out through a hole in the box, gives maximum efficiency, but with a pronounced “hump” in the region of a certain frequency band - such a subwoofer can only be recommended for certain tastes , so in any case you need to listen to a specific instance.
Which subwoofer is better - active or passive? Here the question is solely about budget and requirements: of course, an active subwoofer is easier to connect and install, but sound quality will most likely have to be sacrificed - it’s not for nothing that most high-end products are passive, the amplifier for them is already selected for a specific installation.
Closed enclosure, bass reflex or bandpass? But let’s answer this question simply - choose a subwoofer by at least listening to it in a car of similar volume, and not in a store: the difference will be very strong. And, of course, listen to exactly the music that you like - then you can understand exactly how suitable it is.
Which brand's car subwoofer is better? Over the years, the domestic car audio equipment market has developed a group of favorites whose products are always popular. Car subwoofers from companies such as Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Helix, JBL, Kicx, Yamaha and other famous manufacturers have long proven themselves to be the best.
Shape Audio Organic Harmony
These speakers were born in 2007. They are made of 18-karat gold and exist in a single copy. There is also a version in silver and bronze with a more modest price tag - the total number of copies is 105.
The system is 5-way and weighs 215 kg. The size of the speakers is impressive - 1.35 x 0.27 m. A class D amplifier with a power of 1 kW is provided. There are several ports: USB, XLR, S/PDIF and Ethernet.
Shape Audio's Organic Harmony is priced at $7 million.
Rating of the best subwoofers for home and car
There is quite a large selection of subwoofers on the market, and each seller will recommend his own good subwoofer for a car or home. To buy high-quality equipment for reproducing low frequencies, you should pay attention to many parameters. The best subwoofer will be different for each person, some need a budget option, others choose expensive and professional equipment. This rating will help you make a choice faster. The top included various subwoofers, both in price and in their technical characteristics.
REL T/5i
This is an active subwoofer with decent sound power. A feature of this model is a high-quality amplifier and stylish design. If there is a need to purchase a subwoofer for the home, where it will always be in sight, then you can safely choose this model. The manufacturer has proven itself well in the market and provides high-quality support; the devices do an excellent job. There are few comments about this model, the main one being the price; the cost could be a little lower, then the purchase would be one of the most rational.
| Power | 125 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- Great design.
- Good sound power.
- High quality amplifier.
- Small sizes.
- Easy to connect.
Minuses:
- Inflated price tag.
- No adjustments.
An excellent option for those who are purchasing a subwoofer for a TV or home theater. In this case, the subwoofer is not only an audio device, but also part of the interior, into which it fits perfectly. But it should be said that for this amount you can find more interesting options.
Price: 70,000 rubles.
REL T/5i
SVS SB-1000
For many years, SVS has been a leader in the production of audio systems. These are some of the best manufacturers of subwoofers on the market, which is why the model was included in this rating. Despite its small size, the subwoofer produces 300 W of sound, which is more than enough not only for a home, but also for a small concert hall. A special feature here are high-quality components that guarantee good sounding of the device and a long service life. If you need really powerful and high-quality bass, then this model may well be the best option.
| Power | 300 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- Very powerful.
- High quality components.
- Amplifier adjustment.
- Easy to connect.
- Small sizes.
Minuses:
- Price.
- Fabric protective grille.
This is the equipment that is ideal for a private home; it will look organic and produce very high sound quality. Often this particular subwoofer is installed in a car, creating a special mount for it. There are practically no drawbacks here, the price is high, but the buyer understands what he is paying for.
Price: 54,000 rubles.
SVS SB-1000
JBL Stage A120P
There is no need to talk about JBL's reputation; it is probably the most popular acoustic brand in the world. In addition to the recognizable nameplate on the case and the big name, the company really produces high-quality audio devices. This subwoofer model is suitable for installation in a private home, cafe, or even in a car if you develop your own mount. A special feature is the high sound power, the small size of the device itself, and a fairly low price. If you want to use premium equipment, but not pay a fortune, then this option is more than suitable.
| Power | 250 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- Compact body.
- Optimal price.
- High quality components.
- Recognizable brand.
- Good bass quality.
Minuses:
- Simple design.
- Fabric speaker protection.
For home use, this option will be ideal; the optimal price is combined with unsurpassed sound quality. This is a good way to save money and get premium quality. Reviews about the subwoofer are only positive.
Price: 30,000 rubles.
JBL Stage A120P
Sony SA-CS9
Sony has been producing audio equipment for a long time and is a leader in this field. In addition to famous headphones and professional concert equipment, this brand produces high-quality subwoofers. If you need a small low-frequency emitter for your home, then this model may be the best choice of all those presented. The power is not the greatest, but the sound quality for a small room will be excellent. High-quality Japanese components are used here, so the device will last a very long time. With all this, the price is more than optimal.
| Power | 115 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- Good sound quality.
- Low price.
- Small body dimensions.
- Quality components.
- Premium brand.
Minuses:
- Low power.
- Lack of amplifier settings.
The main reason why this model is in overwhelming demand is the price-quality ratio. For little money you can get a very nice bass that will perform well in a house, apartment, office and even in a car. This is the most affordable option presented in this rating.
Price: 13,000 rubles.
Sony SA-CS9
Onkyo SKW-770
This is a floor-standing, inexpensive subwoofer that is often chosen for home theaters and audio systems. It cannot be said that here the user will receive outstanding sound and deep bass, but he will definitely be satisfied. The power is only 120 W, which in comparison with its competitors does not seem like such a big figure, but for a standard room this will be more than enough. The manufacturer is proven and ready to guarantee quality and provide long-term service. However, it is also impossible to say about the highest reliability; this technique can be problematic, in particular due to overheating under constant operation conditions.
| Power | 120 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- Low cost.
- Attractive design.
- Easy to connect.
- Optimal power.
- Good level of protection.
Minuses:
- Dimensions.
- Overheating problems.
This option is not for professionals, but for home use it will be more than optimal. For little money you can get good, but not outstanding, bass quality. But you should be prepared for the fact that the height of the case is quite large, so it will not always look harmonious in the interior.
Price: 18,700 rubles.
Onkyo SKW-770
Jamo S 810 SUB
Jamo is a company from Denmark that pioneered home theater technology to a whole new level. This subwoofer model is in quite high demand; customers like the quality of bass the device produces and how the product is assembled. This is a reliable and durable technology that will allow you to enjoy music and movies. With all this, the equipment remains quite affordable and occupies an average price position on the market. This is a good choice for those who are trying to get the most for little money, but you will have to put up with some disadvantages.
| Power | 70 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- High quality components.
- Attractive design.
- Good sound quality.
- There are amplifier settings.
- Easy to connect.
Minuses:
- Low power.
- Big sizes.
When choosing this model, you must remember that it was created for small rooms with good acoustic architecture. If we are talking about large rooms, then the power of the amplifier simply will not be enough. However, if you are trying to create a home theater with quality sound, then this model will be a good choice.
Price: 23,000 rubles.
Jamo S 810 SUB
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610
A legendary subwoofer model that has been sold on the market for several years and does not lose its relevance. A special feature of this device is its expressive bass, which saturates any musical composition and makes it more interesting. Also, the products of this manufacturer are often installed in professional cinemas, guaranteeing reliable transmission of sound from the film. If you want to build a truly impressive home theater, then you should definitely pay attention to this model. The price is above average, but here the buyer understands exactly what he is giving his money for.
| Power | 200 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- Good power.
- High quality components.
- Beautiful design.
- Great bass.
- Easy connection and setup.
Minuses:
- Price.
- Fabric speaker protection.
Not the most affordable option from the rating, but clearly one of the most interesting. The company performed professional tuning and focused on bass depth. The result was to create a truly high-quality and rich sound that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Price: 50,000 rubles.
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610
HECO Victa Prime Sub 252 A
This subwoofer was designed to play music in Hi-Fi quality for maximum enjoyment of your songs. The bass is not the most pronounced, not the deepest and loudest, but when it comes to music, then this setting from the manufacturer’s factory is the most optimal. The monopolar acoustic radiation system allows for maximum accuracy in sound transmission. These are high-quality home acoustics that can be a good addition to your home theater. But, nevertheless, the manufacturer recommends using this subwoofer specifically for listening to music.
| Power | 100 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- High build quality.
- Hi-Fi sound quality.
- Compact body dimensions.
- Easy connection.
- Reliable speaker protection.
Minuses:
- Low power.
- Not ideal for a movie theater.
If the audio system in your home is used to listen to music, then this option will be the best. Here the bass is not as deep, it does not fill the entire spectrum of sound waves and does not interfere with your enjoyment of other frequencies from the compositions.
Price: 33,000 rubles.
HECO Victa Prime Sub 252 A
YAMAHA YST-SW315
The most expensive model from this rating, but it is also the most interesting. This is already professional equipment that will allow you to build a high-quality audio system. The subwoofer has great power and produces excellent sound quality, allowing you to customize it at your discretion. Yamaha always uses only high-quality components and is a leader in the production of such equipment. If you want to not just hear bass, but the best bass of your life, then this option is just for you. But you should understand that you have to pay for everything.
| Power | 270 W |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Design | Closed box |
Pros:
- High quality components.
- Best sound.
- Fine-tuning of equipment.
- Easy to connect.
- Stylish design.
Minuses:
- High price.
- Large dimensions.
This model should be treated as professional equipment. When choosing such electronics, you can be sure that the sound will be of the highest quality and balanced. If your financial situation allows you to buy a YAMAHA YST-SW315, then you should take advantage of this opportunity.
Price: 170,000 rubles.
YAMAHA YST-SW315
Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic
The release of these speakers is also limited - only 70 copies. Each pair is represented by main and rear tweeters, two mid-range speakers, and two woofers.
System sensitivity is 90 dB, frequency range is from 20 Hz to 33 kHz. Requires a 100 W per channel amplifier. These impressive characteristics are accompanied by the dimensions of the speakers - 2.15 m in height, 0.53 m in width and 0.95 m in depth. Housing modules are made of proprietary composite materials S- and X-Material.
The Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic costs $700,000.
Criteria for choosing 13 cm speakers in a car
Modern 13 cm speakers with good bass in cars are presented in the following options:
- Component models provide better sound quality; the speakers are installed in the front part of the cabin.
- Coaxial emitters are mounted in a single housing and located coaxially.
- Wideband is represented by one speaker. Choosing good acoustics of this type is not easy; you need to take into account the geometry of the car's interior.
Main selection criteria:
- Power is the nominal RMS value, first you need to select an amplifier, then car speakers, taking into account the parameters of the amplifier.
- Sensitivity is the equivalent of loudness, expressed in dB/watt.
- Impedance is an important indicator for connecting to an amplifier; the resistance of car speakers must be at least 3 Ohms.
The material from which the speakers are made matters, as well as the design of the model and its price.
Tidal La Assoluta
This 4-way speaker system is a three-unit design. Its uniqueness is ensured by midrange/bass drivers having a diamond diaphragm and a diameter of 135 mm. The speakers are designed by Tidal and can only be used by Tidal.
For the speakers, a special polished panel was mounted, for which stainless steel was used. Each membrane weighs 13.5 carats.
La Assoluta has impressive dimensions - 2.32 m high, 0.38 m wide and 0.65 m deep. Each column weighs 485 kg.
The package includes 4 passive radiators. Their diaphragm travel is increased. The phase-frequency response is absolutely consistent thanks to the Assoluta-Unopulse crossover with silver components.
The cost of Tidal La Assoluta is more than $640,000.
Goldmund Apologue Anniversary
A limited edition of these speakers was released in honor of the 25th anniversary of their predecessors, who saw the world in 1987. The design remains the same, but the technical parameters reflect all the experience accumulated by the company during this period.
The signal is transmitted via wi-fi, so no cable is required. The exception is the AC jack, which can be optionally installed under the speaker.
Externally, the system consists of 5 metal blocks of different sizes, fixed by a black frame with reliable fastenings. The height of the structure is 2 m. The system has 2 speakers with a diameter of 31 cm. The parameters are adjusted individually. The total power of the system is 3.6 kW. In addition to wireless communication, the package includes a preamplifier and Proteus correction.
The cost of Goldmund Apologue Anniversary is $550,000.
Genesis Prime
This is the latest addition to the company's flagship loudspeaker system, reflecting the company's decades of experience. Dynamic range is virtually unlimited, as is frequency response and soundstage performance.
The system is represented by 4 towers. The bass amplifier is servo controlled. There are only 6 channels per side, the power of each is 1 kW. Weight on each side is 545 kg.
The frequency range is from 16 Hz to 40 kHz. System sensitivity – 91 dB.
The cost of Genesis Prime is $300,000.
Von Schweikert Audio Ultra 11
The range of this system is amazing - from 10 Hz to 60 kHz, the performance is incredible. You can control the level and frequency of the subwoofer, the level of the tweeter and super-tweeter, and adjust the level of the rear surrounds.
The system is capable of playing back the microphone signal - this is how the dimension of the actual recorded event is decoded. MasterBuilt Ultra internal wiring comes standard.
Speaker sensitivity is 92 dB. The system includes 4 15-inch subwoofers.
The cost of the Von Schweikert Audio ULTRA 11 is $295,000.
Westlake Audio Tower SM-1
This flagship speaker system was appreciated all over the world. The dimensions of the speakers are impressive - 1.9 m high, 1 m wide, 0.75 m deep. Weight – 442 kg.
The system is 5-way. It features dual 18" woofers, a 12" woofer, a 2" compressor midrange driver, a 1" compressor tweeter and a 0.5" compressor super tweeter.
The system range is large - from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 101 dB.
The Westlake Audio Tower SM-1 costs $290,000.
Q Acoustics QB12
Expanding the capabilities of the 3000i or Concept 5.1 kits.
Characteristics:
Dimensions (HSH): 40 x 40 x 44.6 cm | Speaker: 12" long throw with paper cone | Power: 220 W | Weight: 18.5 kg
BEHIND
- Energy and power
- Does not suppress sound in other ranges
- Excellent integration
Against
- It's not easy to find a place
QB12 breaks its way like a locomotive, crashing into the solar plexus and completely carrying the listener along with it. However, its sound is characterized by more than just brute force: it is precise, detailed and extremely dynamic.
When buying a QB12 subwoofer, you should definitely consider three aspects: space, budget and neighbors. Because those who have decided to acquire a large-scale multi-channel Q Acoustics set or want to improve the low-frequency component of their old DC set can only be stopped by these three factors.
