SVS Sound
Music, films, TV exhibits, and video video games are nothing and not using a good set of audio system or headphones backing up the content material on the display screen. And whether or not you’re utilizing among the best soundbars or encompass speaker configuration, one of the vital vital parts of any audio system is the subwoofer. Whereas many of the drivers in a speaker setup will deal with some quantity of bass, a subwoofer’s singular position is to work with the low-end frequencies that common audio system merely can’t obtain.
That being mentioned, there are a whole bunch of subwoofers to select from, and never all of them are nice. Plus, you’ll wish to be sure to’re going with a woofer that can work effectively with the audio system chances are you’ll already personal. To not fear, although, for we right here at Digital Developments know a factor or two about thump and rumble. That can assist you in your woofer-buying journey, we’ve created this roundup of all the very best subwoofers you should buy proper now!
Invoice Roberson/Digital Developments
SVS SB16 Extremely
The most effective total subwoofer
Execs
Attractive design
Extremely deep, {powerful} bass
Clean and articulate
Does the work of two subs
First-class management app
Cons
Could possibly be massive for some rooms
The SVS SB-16 Extremely has been on our listing for a while, primarily as a result of we have not discovered something worthy to take its place. This subwoofer has grow to be our measuring stick, which could really be unfair to the competitors — it is that good. Beneath a modern, fashionable subwoofer field, the cubic SVS SB16 homes a monstrous 16-inch Extremely driver with an 8-inch, edge-wound voice coil and a ridiculous 1,500-watt steady Sledge amplifier with discrete MOSFET output that tops out at 5,000 watts peak energy.
Moreover, a smartphone app for iOS and Android has upped the SB16 Extremely’s recreation considerably, taking the ache out of establishing your sub by permitting you to fine-tune the speaker out of your optimum listening place and create customized presets for various listening conditions.
All of that is to say: Regardless of the way you’re utilizing the SB16, it impresses. Gunshots and explosions in movies register with a hefty thump to the chest, and the sub manages low-end instrumentation fantastically, permitting acoustic bass to bounce easily whereas digital bass and kick drums shake the muse of your house. For our cash, that is the very best subwoofer you should buy, interval.
Honorable point out goes to the HSU ULS-15 MK 2 and the Monoprice Monolith vary of subwoofers, two of the best-sounding $1,000-plus subwoofers we have checked out just lately.
SVS SB16 Extremely
The most effective total subwoofer
Klipsch
Klipsch Reference Sequence 12 (R-121SW)
The most effective subwoofer for the type aware
Execs
A modern and trendy aesthetic
Highly effective digital amplifier
Revamped cone design means little distortion
Cons
A bit dear
Klipsch-style drivers might not be for everybody
Klipsch is continually reinventing its personal wheel, and when you think about the truth that there aren’t many issues to handle within the first place, it solely goes to indicate simply how a lot the model cares about appears and efficiency. Thus, we arrive on the Klipsch Reference Sequence 12 R-121SW.
We love the truth that Klipsch went again to the drafting board to create an all-new woofer design. The sub’s front-firing 12-inch cone consists of what the corporate calls thermoform crystalline polymer, delivering a convincing low-end expertise with minimal distortion, and with a a lot lighter chassis. There’s additionally the onboard digital amplifier, the guts and lungs of the 121SW, supplying as much as 400 watts of unequaled energy with pinpoint accuracy.
If you happen to’re in search of a rock-solid woofer from a reputation that ensures reliability, the Klipsch Reference Sequence 12 R-121SW is definitely the best way to go.
Klipsch Reference Sequence 12 (R-121SW)
The most effective subwoofer for the type aware
Kanto
Kanto Sub8 Powered Subwoofer
A boutique woofer for a non-boutique worth
Execs
As much as 300W peak energy
Stylish design
40Hz to 120Hz crossover adjuster
Contains part change
Cons
Could sound muddy when paired with sure audio system
Manufacturers like Kanto are super at delivering the forms of audio system that scream “boutique” with out smacking you with specialist pricing. Within the case of the omnipotent Kanto Sub8, the corporate has designed a woofer that may be simply built-in with just about any speaker model on the market.
Out there in Matte Black or Matte White finishes, the Sub8 makes use of medium-density fiberboard housing to maintain vibrations and distortion to a minimal. Rubber ft, a steel grille, and a ultimate layer composed of vinyl are paired with Kanto’s sturdy cabinetry, making for a sub that may reply to audio data in a quick and detailed method. And at nearly 11 inches (each in width and top), the Sub8 is simple sufficient to tuck away, though the its look is one we wouldn’t cross up seeing every day.
Delivering as much as 300 watts of peak energy, the Sub8 additionally features a high-pass filter (adjustable from 40Hz to 120Hz) and a part change, making certain you’ll be capable to match this formidable woofer with any Kanto or non-Kanto encompass setup.
Kanto Sub8 Powered Subwoofer
A boutique woofer for a non-boutique worth
KEF
KEF KC62 Subwoofer
The most effective small subwoofer
Execs
Can ship as much as 1,000 watts
Extremely small footprint
Wonderful sound high quality
Loads of EQ choices
KEF is a type of speaker manufacturers that’s all the time developing with new methods to blow our minds, and the KC62 Subwoofer (obtainable in black and white finishes) is a jaw-dropping sub that is no larger than a basketball. And the craziest half? This basketball can ship as much as 1,000 watts of clean, thumping low-end. We’re not kidding.
That is on prime of two 6.5-inch Uni-Core force-canceling drivers, an assortment of EQ choices to actually dial within the sound, and a cupboard tailored to cut back undesirable distortion and vibrations. Sure, it is dearer than a majority of the woofers you will discover on this roundup, however KEF is just among the best manufacturers cash should purchase, and simply take a look at it, for Pete’s sake.
How can one thing so small be so {powerful}? Thank KEF for that.
KEF KC62 Subwoofer
The most effective small subwoofer
Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio Minx X201
Nice for smaller areas
Execs
Wealthy and punchy sound
Takes up little or no area
Constructed-in DSP for fine-tuned efficiency
Cons
Considerably dear
Not the best choice for bigger areas and audio system
Not each front room may be the dimensions of a full-on movie show. For all of the residence dwellers on the market, we completely perceive the annoyance of making an attempt to suit a encompass system right into a room with square-footage limitations. This is the reason we’d like to attract your consideration to the Cambridge Audio Minx X201.
Whether or not you go for the Gloss Black or Gloss White end, the Minx X201 is the right powered sub for small areas and smaller audio system. At proper round 8.5 inches in top, width, and depth, you’ll be capable to match the X201 into nearly any dwelling theater — and it’s filled with extremely helpful audio options too. One among our favorites has acquired to be the “auto-on” mode, which mechanically turns the sub on when an LFE sign is detected.
You’ll additionally be capable to regulate the crossover from 36Hz as much as 200Hz, and might select from zero, 90-degree, and 180-degree part settings. There’s even a built-in digital sign processor (DSP) that calibrates each audio supply to make sure the very best low-end supply for whichever films, exhibits, and music you’re listening to.
Cambridge Audio Minx X201
Nice for smaller areas
Fluance
Fluance DB10W 10-inch Subwoofer
The most effective subwoofer on a finances
Execs
Meshes effectively with different audio system
Stylish design
Strong worth
Cons
Does not ship the deepest bass
Fluance is an superior AV firm, associates. Whether or not you want a stable set of powered Bluetooth audio system, a full encompass sound configuration, otherwise you’re searching for a sub (which might be why you’re studying this text), Fluance has acquired you lined. When it comes to the latter, we’re large followers of the Fluance DB10W 10-inch woofer.
Out there in Pure Walnut and Black Ash finishes, the DB10W makes use of MDF materials and a front-facing, precision-tuned bass port to ship clear, distortion-free sound. That’s on prime of Fluance’s next-level built-in amp, which ensures you’ll have sufficient energy at high and low volumes.
One among our favourite DB10W options is the auto power-on operate. At any time when the DB10W detects an LFE sign, it mechanically powers on, and shuts down if you toggle off your AV receiver. You’ll additionally be capable to regulate the sub’s grasp quantity and crossover vary (40Hz to 180Hz).
Fluance merchandise are fairly understated and classy-looking too, so even in case you’re including the DB10W to a non-Fluance speaker setup, it ought to play properly with no matter cones and drivers you already personal.
Fluance DB10W 10-inch Subwoofer
The most effective subwoofer on a finances
Polk
Polk Audio HTS 10 Subwoofer
The darkish horse subwoofer
Execs
Terrific efficiency for films and gamings
Distortion-reducing tech for noise-free sound
Contains crossover and part changes
Cons
Not as {powerful} as different fashions
The Polk Audio HTS 10 is an unsung gem on this planet of subwoofers, and we’re glad to have unearthed it.
Using Polk’s spectacular Dynamic Steadiness Expertise, this 10-inch front-firing woofer is engineered to evenly distribute sound all through your theater area. That is on prime of Polk’s distortion-reducing tech that ensures each final decibel is as articulate and profound as may be.
You may additionally get changes for quantity, low-pass filtering, and part toggle — and, relaxation assured, wattage juggernauts. Whereas the HTS 10 will not attain the height heights of one thing just like the KEF62, you may anticipate peak wattage to hit round 200, which is loads of thud for many music, films, and video games.
Polk Audio HTS 10 Subwoofer
The darkish horse subwoofer
Sonos
Sonos Sub (third Gen)
Greatest subwoofer for Sonos techniques
Execs
Enormous, clean low finish
Straightforward setup
May be hidden away
Seamless addition to a Sonos encompass system
Cons
Costly
Can solely be used with Sonos
If you happen to’re already been the proud proprietor of some Sonos Wi-Fi audio system and have been interested in including a Sonos Sub to both enhance the oomph of your music or create a encompass sound system to your dwelling theater, then we’re most likely not the primary to let you know that this can be a nice concept. Whereas it’s kind of on the costly aspect at $800, what you are getting is a few spectacular deep bass sound that not solely provides well-blended room-filling low finish to your tunes but in addition influence and chest-pounding depth to films.
Be sure you warn your neighbors first as a result of the Sonos Sub can get loud. Appropriate with any Sonos speaker (new or previous), together with Period, One, Transfer, and Roam, in addition to the Beam and Arc soundbars, including a Sub (or a number of Subs) to your setup is simple with the Sonos app — and cable-free.
You possibly can then use the app to configure your sound, fine-tune the EQ and mix stage, and even tweak it to particular rooms with the Trueplay software program that measures acoustics and units the sound accordingly. Music is evident, the bass is tight and by no means boomy, and you may just about place the Sub wherever fits your decor or furnishings scenario — even below media stands.
However the place Sonos fans may be most intrigued is how straightforward it’s to create a encompass sound setup by combining a Sub with different Sonos audio system — for instance, the Dolby Atmos-capable Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Arc soundbars within the entrance with a pair of stand-mounted Ones or Period 100s as rears is a great-sounding configuration that is straightforward to do.
Sonos Sub (third Gen)
Greatest subwoofer for Sonos techniques
Regularly Requested Questions
Are larger subwoofers higher?
They are often. Bigger woofers can produce extra correct, room-filling bass with an even bigger “shake” issue than smaller fashions. However that is just one consideration. A poorly constructed massive subwoofer might rattle an excessive amount of, for instance, whereas smaller fashions with loads of energy can nonetheless do an important job.
Does my speaker system want a subwoofer?
It is a actually, actually good concept. Dwelling theater techniques are usually designed with a subwoofer in thoughts. So are the newest film audio requirements.
Can I take advantage of two subwoofers directly?
You possibly can, though it is not frequent in dwelling setups. Simply be sure that your receiver can deal with two subwoofer connections. Some folks want utilizing two smaller woofers that they will strategically place of their theater to get the very best multi-directional bass.
Wait, is there a distinction between a woofer and a subwoofer?
The phrases are ceaselessly used interchangeably. Historically, a “woofer” can discuss with a driver that has the next frequency response than a subwoofer, much less devoted to pure bass sound, and extra prone to be a part of a speaker than a standalone unit.
How do you take a look at?
We run the subwoofer for a number of hours earlier than starting any essential analysis. Whereas there may be a lot debate over whether or not the “break-in impact” is actual, we want to get that issue lined so it would not play a job in our analysis a technique or one other.
Our subwoofer exams happen in no less than two completely different rooms, any of which we’re intimately conversant in, and we usually take a look at the subwoofer in three areas that we all know provide the very best response inside these rooms. Testing materials contains every thing from take a look at tone sweeps to blockbuster films and a choice of music from a number of genres. We search to find out how deep a sub can play, how visceral the low bass response is, how effectively it may be adjusted to combine with each small and enormous satellite tv for pc audio system, and the way musically correct it’s able to taking part in.
We hope for a flexible subwoofer, which can’t solely belt out the massive bass notes wanted for a high-impact motion film, however one which may additionally keep tight and tuneful when taking part in acoustic upright bass, or reproducing the traditional Fender P-bass tone. An excellent subwoofer will keep away from tubby, boomy sound that lacks definition, and as a substitute combine itself seamlessly into a bigger audio system, calling consideration to itself solely throughout situations through which its pure muscle cannot be ignored.
If you happen to’ve already made your alternative, examine our subwoofer setup information to get every thing put collectively appropriately and our calibration information to assist maximize efficiency in any listening area.
