Home subwoofer speakers: Best Subwoofers of 2023 | The Master Switch

Best home theater subwoofers for 2023

There are few things better than watching a movie and feeling your couch shake from an impact. It adds so much to your films and helps immerse you even deeper in them. I’m a basshead at heart (much to the chagrin of my neighbors) and have come across some awesome subwoofers in my time working at Crutchfield.

How to choose the right subwoofer

Before we dive in to my top picks, it’s worth noting that choosing a sub can be tricky. There are a few important things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a new subwoofer. Everything from room size, to subwoofer placement, to the rest of the speakers in your system needs to be considered.

If you’d like to do a deep dive on how to choose a subwoofer, check out our subwoofer buying guide for more in-depth tips on picking out the right sub for your needs.

With that being said, here are a few of my personal favorite powered subwoofers.

Best value powered subwoofer — SVS SB-1000 Pro

When I started at Crutchfield, one of the first subs I ever heard was an SVS. The brand has stuck with me ever since. The SB-1000 Pro is a fantastic value. For under $1,000, you get a 12″ subwoofer in a sealed enclosure that has incredible low-end authority.

The deep bass the woofer throws out is remarkable. The sub isn’t excessively boomy. I’d say its bass output is tight and accurate with no noticeable dips or “weak spots” in its frequency response.

The SB-1000 Pro is excellent if you have a dual-purpose system. Not only does it give movies the thump and impact they deserve, but the sub also gives your music crisp, controlled bass.

Traditional powered subwoofers have level/volume, crossover, and phase controls on the back. They’re great, but not for making on-the-fly adjustments. The SB-1000 Pro has those rear-panel controls, but SVS made controlling this low-frequency powerhouse more streamlined with their free SVS app (available on Android™ and iOS®).

You can change all of the sub’s settings straight from the app and hear the changes in real time. That means you don’t have to get up from your couch and fiddle with knobs. You can tune the sub to your room, save sound presets, and play around with the app’s 3-band parametric EQ right from the comfort of your seat (or wherever you may be).

Details

• 12″ front-firing woofer
• 325-watt RMS amplifier (820 watts peak)
• frequency response: 20-270 Hz (±3 dB)
• advanced DSP processing for refined, low-distortion sound
• 13″W x 13-7/16″H x 15-13/16″D
• weight: 26.1 lbs.

Cannot say enough good about this affordable upgrade. The phone app brings out so much that other subs simply cannot deliver.

– Mark, Crutchfield Customer from Gloucester, MA

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best budget subwoofer — Klipsch Reference R-120SW

You don’t have to hurt your wallet to get low-end rumble. Klipsch’s R-120SW is a fantastic option if you’re building a system on a budget. This ported subwoofer uses a 12″ woofer made of Klipsch’s famed IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) spun-copper material. The cone’s light weight helps give the driver a fast, accurate response. This customer-favorite sub can keep up even on the most demanding of tracks.

Details

• 12″ front-firing IMG spun-copper woofer
• 200-watt RMS amplifier
• frequency response: 29-120 Hz
• 14-1/16″W x 16-5/8″H x 20-15/16″D
• weight: 31 lbs.

I bought this subwoofer for a great price from Crutchfield. It’s an awesome product. I didn’t realize what I was missing with my old subwoofer until I plugged the Klipsch into my system. Clean and powerful sound.

– Kenneth, Crutchfield Customer from Cornelius, NC

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best subwoofer for music — GoldenEar SuperSub XXL

GoldenEar crafts exceptional speakers and subwoofers. Their SuperSub XXL delivers incredible room-filling bass. The crispness of the bass tones this sub produces is what makes it a great choice for music. Rather than being super boomy and obnoxious, the SuperSub XXL accurately reproduces bass frequencies in a way seldom matched, with tons of low-end extension to boot.

The sub owes its great sound to its drivers. That’s right — plural. There are two opposing 12″ drivers on the front and rear of the cabinet, and two 13″ x 15″ passive radiators on the top and bottom. This sub can move a lot of air, to say the least.

I strongly recommend keeping this subwoofer away from corners (also called “corner loading”) to get the best sound from it.

Details

• two 12″ opposing long-throw woofers
• two 13″ x 15″ passive radiators
• 1,600-watt RMS Class D amplifier
• frequency response: 10-250 Hz
• 19-1/16″W x 17-9/16″H x 17-1/16″D
• weight: 82 lbs.

Don’t let the size of these subs fool you into thinking it has little output. These subs are absolutely beastly for sound. Clean tight accurate sound with a lot of that low end extension

Crutchfield Customer from Marstons Mills, MA

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best small home theater subwoofer — Cambridge Audio Minx X201

The Cambridge Audio Minx X201 may be small in stature, but don’t let its size deceive you. The first time I heard it, I was impressed that such stout bass could come out of such a small subwoofer.

The Minx X201 uses a 6-1/2″ front-firing woofer and twin 6-1/2″ passive radiators to dish out bass notes. The bass remains pretty solid throughout the sub’s frequency range. I don’t want to give the wrong impression — the Minx X201 won’t shake your windows like a beefy ported 12″ subwoofer. But then again, that’s not what it was designed for. It was made to deliver bass in small spaces, and it excels at that task.

If you’re short on space but still want a cinematic experience, picking up the Minx X201 along with some small speakers will get the job done.

Details

• 6-1/2″ front-firing woofer
• dual side-firing 6-1/2″ passive radiators
• 200-watt RMS amplifier (400 watts peak)
• frequency response: 36-200 Hz
• 8-1/4″W x 8-5/8″H x 10-1/16″D
• weight: 11 lbs.

I needed a sub to fit into a tight space and this does the trick. Small, but great sound.

-Bradford, Crutchfield Customer from Lagrange, GA

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best sub for medium-sized rooms — Klipsch R-112SW

If you have a medium-sized room (somewhere in the 1,500-2000 cubic feet range), Klipsch’s R-112SW is worth checking out.

This powerful beast of a subwoofer kicks movies and music up a couple of notches. Its 12″ woofer has no trouble rattling couches and walls when needed. It makes explosions, jet fighters, and action sequences feel more alive. But it’s also able to deliver delicate, accurate bass at lower listening levels.

It’s not bad on the eyes, either. This sub’s distinct copper-colored woofer and black cabinets make it an eye-catching piece if you’d prefer keeping the grille off.

Details

• 12″ front-firing Cerametallic™ cone woofer
• 300-watt RMS amplifier (600 watts peak)
• frequency response: 24-125 Hz
• compatible with the Klipsch WA-2 wireless audio adapter kit
• 15-3/8″W x 17-3/8″H x 20-15/16″D
• weight: 48.75 lbs.

This is one rockin subwoofer! Along with shaking the walls & windows it kicks your chest. Well worth it. I’m buying another one

-Sue, Crutchfield Customer from Huntington, WV

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best subwoofer for large rooms — SVS PB-2000 Pro

SVS’s PB-2000 Pro is a perfect example of why the company has such a phenomenal reputation. This app-controlled sub fills large rooms (roughly 2,000 cubic feet or more) with deep, audiophile-grade bass without breaking a sweat. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to enhance your movie night and really feel the impact in your chest.

If running a subwoofer cable sounds tricky in your room, the SVS has you covered. Their SoundPath wireless adapter gives you ultimate placement flexibility by making the sub wireless. The transmitter connects to your home theater receiver or stereo amplifier while the receiver gets connected to the sub. You can place the PB-2000 Pro anywhere a convenient AC outlet is located.

Details

• 12″ front-firing aluminum woofer
• 550-watt RMS amplifier (1,500 watts peak)
• frequency response: 16-290 Hz
• 17-3/8″W x 21″H x 23-15/16″D
• weight: 64.8 lbs.

The bass is bowel-shaking at extreme levels and I REALLY drove it hard to test its limits. It proved that it would shake down my house before it would distort.

– Jonne, Crutchfield Customer from Kaneohe, HI

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Hardest-hitting powered subwoofer — SVS PB16-Ultra

If you’re wanting the most room-rattling, couch-shaking bass experience, I highly recommend SVS’s PB16-Ultra. This monster of a sub brings together their expertise in building high-performance speakers with their undying love for incredible bass.

This mighty subwoofer may produce some of the most might-cause-an-earthquake bass I’ve ever heard, but it also delivers unrivaled control for a large ported subwoofer. It sounds just as incredible with music as it does with movies. The PB16-Ultra is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a subwoofer for a large room or if you’re looking for a complement for your high-end stereo or home theater system.

Friendly recommendation: this massive subwoofer weighs 174 pounds. Please have someone (or multiple someones) come help you get it inside.

Details

• 16″ fiberglass resin composite cone with cast aluminum basket
• 1,500-watt RMS amplifier (5,000 watts peak)
• bass-reflex (ported) cabinet with three 3-1/2″ high-flow flared ports
• 21-3/4″W x 25″H x 31″D
• weight: 174.5 lbs.

Many people may hesitate to purchase because of the price tag, but it’s worth every penny if you’re a basshead/audiophile. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

– Bryce, Crutchfield Customer from Broken Arrow, OK

Read all the Crutchfield customer reviews

Get the most out of your new subwoofer

The first sub I owned rattled my room like crazy. After dealing with it for longer than I’d like to admit, I picked up some sound isolating feet and my rattling days were over. This led me to be a feverent adherent to isolating my subwoofer.

Vibration isoloators are a great way to save your shelves from shaking, and they also help to enhance the sound of your subwoofer. Decoupling your sub from your hard floor keeps vibration to a minimum and “focuses” the sound of the sub a bit. This leads to cleaner, tighter bass.

A subwoofer isolation platform, like the Auralex SubDude-II™, can make a huge difference in how your sub sounds.

Once you’ve gotten your new sub home, check out our subwoofer setup guide to get the best sound possible from your system.

Connect with us for a personalized recommendation

If you’re still curious about which sub is the right one for you, give our friendly Advisors a shout. One of the great benefits of shopping with Crutchfield is working with an expert who gets hands- and ears-on with the subs and speakers we carry. For one-on-one shopping advice, contact us today.

Free lifetime tech support is included with every Crutchfield purchase.

Best Subwoofers for Home Theater 2023: Movies, Music, & More

Last updated on March 27, 2023

How low do you want to go? If you love watching movies in your home theater, the answer is very. And the way to get there is by adding the right subwoofer to your sound system. In action films and video games, soundtracks often go lower than humans can hear, though we can still feel those sounds. And that’s one of the main goals of a good subwoofer in your system: To make you feel the dinosaur footfalls, explosions, electronic kick drums, and other things that make big thuds.

In concept, subwoofers are simple. They’re self-powered. Their cabinets are either sealed or ported. They typically put out sound only in the 15Hz – 200Hz range, give or take a few Hertz.

Choosing the best subwoofer for your system may be anything but simple, however, as the decision involves several important factors — with which our in-house experts are extremely familiar, so if you want to skip the stats and time to read through out line-up of the best subwoofers and just get the job done, pick up the phone and call us now!

Important considerations for choosing the right subwoofer include the size of your home theater room in cubic feet (up to 1,500 cu/ft a 10″ driver will do, up to 3,000 go with 12″, above that 15″), the size of cabinet you can accommodate (sealed units are small, ported units can be huge), the type of listening you do (lots of explosions and electronic dance music require superb response below 20Hz, rom-coms and jazz may be fine with 20Hz or higher), wired vs. wireless, and plain old power output. A common misconception holds that sealed is better for music because of fast driver response and that ported is better for sound effects due to raw power at very low frequencies. But some sealed units can rattle your walls below 20Hz and some ported units can make Beethoven’s Ninth into a transcendental listening experience. (For an in depth comparison of ported vs. sealed subwoofers, check out this article.)

So, how to make your choice? If you have a sound bar that offers a subwoofer designed and configured for that system and that you can connect wirelessly by simply turning the unit on, your decision may already be made. If not, read the following reviews closely, contact our experts, and take advantage of our return policy to make sure the subs you get deliver the experience you want.

1. The Best Wireless Subwoofer: 

Sonos Sub Wireless Subwoofer (Gen 3)

$799.00

Let’s cut to the chase: If you have a Sonos Arc or Beam sound bar, should you add this subwoofer to your rig? Definitely. With that out of the way, let’s talk about why you should get one.

The Sonos Sub has been ranked number one in just about everyone’s best subwoofers list out there at one time or another. It’s also been a global best-selling sub for years. That should say a lot right there. But let’s look deeper.. 

Looks aren’t everything in a speaker, but the brilliant design of the Sub (gotta love the name, too) is as functional as it is eye-popping. The hole in the middle hides two ports, inside of which are identical drivers, aimed to fire directly at each other and configured to cancel out excess vibration while enhancing response. The result is that the Sub has almost no rattle or vibration, even when it’s pumping EDM. Another feature of this unique design is that you can stand the Sub vertically or lay it on its side, with no change in performance. You can even slide it under a piece of furniture and still get full response.

Not only does it add serious theatrical thumps to your movie night, but when you’re grooving to music it’ll make your Sonos system sound even better, by letting the Sub handle the low end while the sound bar renders the mids and highs with even more clarity.

The Sub connects wirelessly with the push of its connect button, and your Sonos system automatically configures the Sub optimally for whatever you’re playing. You do have a little control via the Sonos app, which allows you to flip the phase of the Sub and reduce or increase its volume. While the Sub is ideal for the Arc and Beam sound bars, you can add the Sub to any Sonos system that’s running the S2 version; it won’t work with S1-equipped systems, however.

Sub (Gen 3) Wireless Subwoofer for Home Theater

• System-specific: Sonos Arc or Beam
• Cabinet: Ported
• Connection: Wireless
• Driver: Dual drivers
• Frequency response: As low as 25Hz
• Continuous Power Output: N/A
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 15.3″ x 15.8″ x 6.2″

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2. The Best Ported Subwoofer: 

SVS PB-1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer

$799. 00

Let’s face it: SVS rules the low end. SVS is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance subwoofers, and we’ve been highly impressed by the advances and improvements they continue to make. The PB-1000 ported sub is ideal for medium-sized rooms, and it delivers powerful effects and warm bass at satisfying and wall-shaking levels. Going against conventional wisdom that says ported enclosures make for sloppy bass, the response is quick and tight, making the PB-1000 one of those ported subwoofers that excels at music as well as movies, thanks to advanced speaker design and pairing with the amazingly efficient and powerful amplifier. Making this subwoofer an impactful addition to your home theater system or home stereo system. And if you want to put the PB-1000 in its sealed mode and make its response even tighter, just close the ports with plugs that are available at no charge.

Not many subwoofers in this price range offer this much flexibility with configuration. Using the controls on the rear panel or with the app, you can adjust the level and crossover, and with the app, you have parametric EQ and adjustable low pass, phase, polarity, room gain compensation, and port tuning control for best alignment with speakers. Add the optional SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter for wireless connectivity.

Watch our full video review of the SVS PB-1000 Pro.

PB-1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer (Black Ash)

• System-specific: No
• Cabinet: Ported
• Connection: Wired with wireless option
• Driver: 12″
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 270Hz
• Continuous Power Output: 325W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 15” x 18.9” x 20”

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3. The Best Sealed Subwoofer: 

SVS SB-1000 Pro 12″ 325W Sealed Box Subwoofer

$599.00
–
$699.00

This is one powerful little box. Just as its ported cousin the PB-1000 delivers tighter bass response than many other ported subwoofers, this sealed cabinet sub exceeds expectations by delivering bass well into the extended low end range below 20Hz, putting it in the running for any size home theater project. This sub’s exceptional performance is a result of SVS’s engineering achievements with their speaker and amplifier technology as well as their cabinet design and configuration. The long-throw 12″ driver is designed to be highly efficient, dissipating heat quickly and responding instantly to content.

With the SVS BLE smartphone app, you have tremendous tuning control over the SB-1000, including level and crossover, parametric EQ, low pass filter, phase, polarity, room gain compensation, and port tuning control. If you have a system that has a dedicated Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, just connect it via the RCA LFE port. Add the optional SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter to the SB-1000, and you can add the subwoofer to your rig, but skip the cable. Glossy black and white finishes are available, too, for an additional $100.

Watch our full video review of the SB-1000 Pro, here.

SB-1000 Pro 12″ 325W Sealed Box Subwoofer

• System-specific: No
• Cabinet: Sealed
• Connection: Wired with wireless option
• Driver: 12″
• Frequency response: 17Hz to 260Hz
• Continuous Power Output: 325W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 13″ x 13. 5″ x 14.76″

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4. The Best Home Theater Subwoofer: 

SVS SB-3000 13″ Subwoofer

$1,099.00
–
$1,199.00

If you have a big room and love big bass, this just might be your subwoofer. The SB-3000 has a sealed enclosure, but with 800W of continuous power and with a driver designed to accurately transmit very low frequencies, it can deliver sounds well below the range of human hearing. It’s one of those rare beasts that excel at theatrical effects as well as music.

Besides having a beautifully engineered power amp and driver, the SB-3000 gives you an extraordinary amount of control over audio and tuning parameters that do more than just make it sound good: You can tweak it to sound good in any location in your room. With the SVS BLE app, you have control of crossover frequencies, parametric EQ with adjustable frequency and Q, polarity, and room gain compensation control with adjustable frequency and slope. The app and the SB-3000’s display give you visual confirmation of your adjustments.

For a sub with this much power and output, it is remarkably compact. And with a choice of two finishes, you won’t mind having it on display with the rest of your furniture.

Also check out our comparison review of the comparison review of the SVS PB3000 vs. SB3000.

SB-3000 13″ Subwoofer

• System-specific: No
• Cabinet: Sealed
• Connection: Wired
• Driver: 13″
• Frequency response: 18Hz – 270Hz
• Continuous Power Output: 800W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 15.6″ X 15.2″ X 17.8″

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5. The Best Home Audio Subwoofer: 

Klipsch RP-1200SW Reference Premiere 12″ Subwoofer

$999.00

Regular Price:
$1,099.00

Save:
$100.00 (9%)

At the popular 12” woofer size, the Klipsch RP1200SW weighs in at $999. With the increased depth – an inch more than the RP1000SW in fact – its cabinet is nearly 30% larger than the SPL120. Again, this is a smaller front face with a depth increase, helping to make up cabinet volume and pack in all the tech.

Compared to the Klipsch SPL120, the Reference Premiere 1200 features a 33% increase in RMS power, translating to a 25% improvement at peaks. As a result, RP1200SW plays louder than the SPL120 (121dB compared to 118dB) and it also punches lower (17Hz versus 24Hz).

If the price point didn’t already give it away, those specs should: Klipsch is setting up the 12” RP1200SW to compete against the award-winning 13” SVS SB3000. Curiously, Klipsch didn’t chart out any direct comparison, here, but at a minimum, the Klipsch should be worth a look if you’re pairing your sub with Klipsch speakers. If you want a more detailed look at the entire lineup of Klipsch Reference Premiere subs, check out Chris’ full review.

RP-1200SW Reference Premiere 12″ Subwoofer

• Frequency Response: 17-140hz +/- 3db
• Maximum Acoustic Output: 121dB
• Amplifier Type: Class D with Analog Preamp Stage
• Amplifier Power: 400W RMS / 800W Peak
• Woofer: 12″ Ultra-long Throw Cerametallic
• Enclosure Material: MDF
• Enclosure-type: Bass Reflex via Front-firing Aerofoil Slot Port
• Inputs: Dual RCA/LFE line in, WA-2 Wireless Port
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 17. 00″ x 18.89″ x 25.92″
• Weight: 68.6 lbs
• Finish: Ebony Vinyl

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6. The Best Small Subwoofer for Home: 

SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer with Fully Active Dual 8-inch Drivers

$899.00

This subwoofer is almost in a category of its own. Remember the box your basketball or volleyball came in? It’s about that size, but it can put out 800W of continuous power. With that much bass output, how does SVS keep the 3000 Micro from bouncing downcourt and doing a layup? By brilliantly engineering two perfectly tuned 8″ drivers to fire in opposite directions, canceling out all vibrations and unwanted resonance. That, and building a reinforced cabinet that feels as though it’ll withstand being run over by a Mack truck.

Though the sealed cabinet is unbelievably compact, the 3000 Micro can put out sound effects and kick drums at chest-thumping levels. The amp is virtually the same as the one in the SVS subwoofers that cost nearly $20k, and the quality of the sound will convince you of the amp’s lineage.

It’s totally cool-looking, too. The steel grilles are attractive and functional, and whether in black piano gloss or white gloss, the 3000 Micro will attract the eye as much as it delights the ear. Plus, you can add the wireless option and avoid the unsightly cable run.

Watch our full video review of the SVS 3000 Micro sub.

3000 Micro Subwoofer with Fully Active Dual 8-inch Drivers

• System-specific: No
• Cabinet: Sealed
• Connection: Wired with wireless option
• Driver: Dual 8″
• Frequency response: 23Hz to 240Hz
• Continuous Power Output: 800W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 10.9″ x 11.7″ x 10.7″

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7. The Best Budget Subwoofer: 

Polk Audio React Wireless Subwoofer for React Series Sound Bar

$199.00

With built-in Alexa, the Polk Audio React sound bar is a fantastic sound system for small to medium rooms, plus, it’s very affordable. So when it comes time to consider adding the React Wireless Subwoofer, there should be no question for you.

This sub connects wirelessly to your React sound bar, and the React system automatically configures the sub for optimal sound for every kind of content you could stream — it’s the wireless equivalent of “plug-and-play,” but without the plug part — aside from the power cable. This sub has a slim, groovy appearance that suggests “décor” rather than “installation.” You can also add the SR2 Wireless Surround Speakers to maximize your theatrical experience.

With the React sub as part of your home theater system, you’ll notice a big improvement in the sound of your music and more impact in your movie watching experience — and at $199, it’s not much of an impact on your bank account.

React Wireless Subwoofer for React Series Sound Bar

• System-specific: Polk React
• Cabinet: Ported
• Connection: Wireless
• Driver: 7″
• Frequency response: N/A
• Continuous Power Output: N/A
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 13. 7″ x 8.6″ x 16.5″

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8. The Best Subwoofer Under $500: 

Sonos Sub Mini Wireless Subwoofer

$429.00

Sonos’ new Sub Mini fills a gap we’ve all been waiting for: an affordable subwoofer for smaller audio systems. With an entry level price point, it’s an easy conversation to talk about adding the Sub Mini to one of your systems. The Sub Mini comes in the traditional Sonos colors of white and black and weighs less than half of the Sub (Gen 3). Its smaller size makes it very easy to tuck away in your room, but its slick design isn’t something you’ll need to hide.

The Sub Mini is a sealed sub, which may not drop as low but can produce more accurate bass response. Sonos created dual, custom woofers to generate the full-toned low frequencies and advanced processing that further enhances the bass response. Both woofers are powered by class-D digital amplifiers and face inward to create a force-canceling effect, which combined with its sealed cabinet neutralizes distortion and enhances bass response. How enhanced is that bass response? Well, it can drop down to 25Hz.

Adding a subwoofer to your Sonos system will allow your amplified Sonos speakers to focus on the high-frequency and mid-range audio, and the heavy lifting of the low-end will be done by the subwoofer. Sub Mini is best for small to medium-sized rooms and is recommended for Beam, Ray, One, One SL, and Amp (with bookshelf speakers) when you want the bass to be present. Unfortunately, only one Sub Mini can be used with a Sonos system at this time.

We’ve waited a long time to have an affordable alternative to the Sonos Sub. With the addition of the Sub Mini to the Sonos catalog, you now have the opportunity to go from a $1,100 full surround system all the way to a premium Dolby Atmos system for almost $3,500 without having to run a single speaker wire. Make sure to watch Brian’s video review on the Sub Mini to hear his full thoughts and testing notes to learn more!

Sub Mini Wireless Subwoofer

• System-specific: Sonos Beam, Ray, One, One SL, Amp
• Cabinet: Sealed
• Connection: Wireless
• Driver: 6″
• Frequency response: As low as 25Hz
• Continuous Power Output: 100-240V
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 12″ x 9. 1″ x 9.1″

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9. The Best Subwoofer Under $1,000: 

Bluesound PULSE SUB+ 8″ Wireless Powered Subwoofer

$749.00

If you’ve checked out the Bluesound Pulse system, you know what we mean by the term “ecosystem.” At first glance, the Pulse sound bar appears to be a huge enclosure for large drivers — and that’s part of why it sounds so good. But the Pulse also incorporates the latest technology for optimum playback of music and movies, such as full compatibility with Dolby Atmos content, advanced two-way Bluetooth, high-resolution audio compatibility, and — important to our discussion of the Sub+ — dual-band WiFi, which is how the Sub+ connects to the Pulse sound bar, rather than with Bluetooth.

The Sub+ itself is a marvel of engineering, with a slim profile of less than 6″, but a wide 18″ enclosure. This lets you put the Sub+ anywhere, including mounting it on a wall, and still get the best deep bass sound.

And the sound is very impressive. It helps a great deal that the Sub+ is completely configured by the BlueOS system — though you can adjust polarity and crossover with the BlueOS app — and your content will always sound amazing automatically, whether it’s a Dolby multi-channel blockbuster, a high-resolution stereo audio track, or your go-to re-runs.

PULSE SUB+ 8″ Wireless Powered Subwoofer

• System-specific: Bluesound
• Cabinet: Sealed
• Connection: Wireless or wired
• Driver: 8″
• Frequency response: 22Hz – 150Hz
• Continuous Power Output: 150W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.8″ x 18″ x 5.7″

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10. The Best 16″ Subwoofer: 

Klipsch RP-1600SW Reference Premiere 16″ Subwoofer

$1,799.00

Regular Price:
$1,999.00

Save:
$200.00 (10%)

Atop the Klipsch Reference Premiere subwoofer line is the 16” RP1600SW at $1,799. The flagship sub occupies 168L of space (40% more than the RP1400), supported by 27.35” of depth. Extra size and 800W RMS (1600W peak) help the RP1600SW deliver 126dB of output and plummet to 15Hz, both the best Klipsch offers with this line. Read Chris’ review if you want to learn more about the rest of the Klipsch Reference Premiere subwoofers.

In terms of output at lower frequencies, the RP1600 plays louder than the RP1400 when you get below about 18Hz – it’s a subwoofer in the truest sense, delivering visceral bass that you feel, not hear. The RP1400 maintains a tiny edge in output between about 18Hz and 50Hz, but it’s not enough to dissuade a bass-head from wanting the better performance at the very bottom.

Klipsch is taking aim at SVS’s SB16 Ultra, with the stats to back it up. The RP1600SW just barely reaches lower, and it comes in $500 below the price of the SVS. Granted, the Klipsch is a ported sub, and even considering the SB16 Ultra’s grille, the Klipsch has more depth.

RP-1600SW Reference Premiere 16″ Subwoofer

• Frequency Response: 15-150hz +/- 3db
• Maximum Acoustic Output: 126dB
• Amplifier Type: Class D with Analog Preamp Stage
• Amplifier Power: 800W RMS / 1600W Peak
• Woofer: 16″ Ultra-long Throw Cerametallic
• Enclosure Material: MDF
• Enclosure-type: Bass Reflex via Front-firing Aerofoil Slot Port
• Inputs: Dual RCA/LFE line in, WA-2 Wireless Port
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 23.50″ x 23.39″ x 27.35″
• Weight: 110.9 lbs
• Finish: Ebony Vinyl

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Subwoofers can be beasts. So if you’re still not sure which is best for you and your room, give us a call or send us an email. Tell us about your room (dimensions would be very helpful), what kind of movies and TV shows you like, and your budget. We’d be more than happy to help you pick the ideal subwoofer for you.


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A last word of advice: buy your new subwoofer from a trusted dealer. And the more experience and longer the track record, the better. A good dealer will take care of you in the event anything happens.


Speaking of trusted dealers…



World Wide Stereo is home to some 90+ industry-leading audio/video professionals who love what they do and talking about it, too. We opened our doors in 1979, gained a small yet die-hard following, won a slew of national awards for everything from killer car audio installations to customer service, grew the business online… and today we enjoy a faithful following of like-minded TV-watching, music-listening, gear-loving defenders of fun for the whole family. Our only rule: no one leaves unhappy.


Plus, shopping with us means you get our guarantee, which includes perks like free shipping, 60-day returns, award-winning support, and service long after the sale — always. Hence our rule: “no one leaves unhappy.”

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Which subwoofer to choose for your home: tips for beginners

Contents:

• Active or passive subwoofer: which one to choose
• Type of acoustic design
• Frequency band
• Power
• Size
• Which subwoofer to choose for movies or music
• Selecting a subwoofer for home theater and music in brief

Active or passive subwoofer: which one to choose

Subwoofers are active and passive, depending on whether they have a built-in amplifier or whether it needs to be connected separately.

The active subwoofer has its own amplifier and allows you to instantly connect yourself to your home theater system. This is the best solution for those who want to get the result immediately and without unnecessary experiments. It is important to remember that an active subwoofer needs its own 220V outlet.

Passive subwoofers are used with an external amplifier. Due to this, the internal volume of the device is larger than that of active models. Passive devices require only one cable to connect, which gives the user more freedom when organizing a home theater.

The most important feature of passive subwoofers is the ability to build them into the wall.

❓ What to choose: active or passive subwoofer?

As always, the final sound should be judged, but here are a few things to consider when choosing a subwoofer:

1. An active sub is usually cheaper than a pair of sub + amplifier.
2. A passive subwoofer can be cheaper than an active one. If you already have a suitable amplifier, this will help save money.
3. The built-in amplifier may be of lower quality than a separate external device.
4. An active subwoofer needs an extra outlet, and that’s another cable on the floor.

Type of acoustic design


The speakers emit sound both forward and backward. These waves are opposite in phase and, in theory, should cancel each other out so that we would not hear any sound. This is called acoustic shorting. To eliminate it, the speaker is installed in the speaker cabinet, which distributes the waves and gives them the desired characteristics. Depending on how exactly this happens, there are several types of acoustic design.

• Enclosed housing. The speaker is installed in a sealed housing that isolates the rear wave from the front. Such models often have a small body volume. The bass produced by a closed subwoofer is often referred to as warm and crisp.
• Phase inverter. In the case of such models there is a special tunnel – a phase inverter port. Due to the port, the internal volume of the case communicates with the speaker, which makes it possible to use additional sound energy of the rear wave. As a rule, bass reflex subwoofers have a larger cabinet and a lower frequency response.
• Passive radiator. Active and passive emitters are installed in one housing. The second emitter essentially serves as a replacement for the phase inverter port. In terms of sound quality, a passive radiator is very similar to bass-reflex models, but due to its more complex design, it also has a higher cost.
• Transmission line. Subwoofers of this type are arranged like phase inverters, but unlike a direct port, the transmission line is a whole acoustic labyrinth. Transmissionline subwoofers have a more rigid enclosure and, as a result, less distortion. At the moment, there is no clear methodology for designing labyrinths, so manufacturers move by the method of experiments and trials, which are not always successful.
• Isobaric. This type of subwoofer consists of two speakers standing one behind the other in one cabinet. The main feature of these models is the ability to use the cabinet half as much as other types of subwoofers. However, for a small volume, you have to pay with less sensitivity.

Frequency range

The main task of a subwoofer in a speaker system is to reproduce LFE, that is, Low Frequency Effect, low-frequency effects up to 20 Hz. It is believed that frequencies below the human ear are not able to hear, although some music lovers claim the opposite. However, most subwoofers are in the 30 to 150 Hz frequency range. Values ​​higher or lower do not necessarily indicate that you have higher-end equipment in front of you. As we have already said, frequencies below 20 Hz practically do not affect the audible sound quality, and higher values ​​will already be knocked out against the background of the overall sound of the system.

☝️ The lowest thresholds cost the most. At the same time, the presence of a subwoofer with a frequency of 20 Hz or more as part of a home theater seems to be quite controversial, since it will have little effect on the reproduction of special effects, but the cost of such equipment can be very high. For a good home theater, a frequency of 30-35 Hz is enough.

Power

The power of the subwoofer should be selected based on the size of the room. Even a weak amplifier is enough for a small room, and you will have to pay for extra, but useless power. When choosing a subwoofer for your home, you can be guided by the following power values:

• 100 W – for rooms of 30 m²
• 100-200 W – for rooms 50 m²
• From 200 W – over 50 m²

☝️ The power of the subwoofer must exceed the power of the stereo pair with which it will work. Ideally, this superiority should be one and a half to two times.

For example, choosing a subwoofer for a home theater might look like this. Suppose you already have speakers and in this case the power of the selected equipment will depend on the total power of the acoustics. Let’s say the power of the front speakers is 2×50 watts. In this case, the recommended subwoofer power will be (50 + 50) × 1.5 = 150 watts.

Size

When choosing a subwoofer for your home, the thesis “the more, the better” will be quite correct. And it’s not about the sound volume, which should not be large in the apartment. The fact is that only a large emitter can cope with the transmission of the lowest frequencies, and the internal volume of the case must be rather big. Therefore, a compact subwoofer with juicy thick bass is more of a myth.

Which subwoofer to choose for movies or music


If you choose a subwoofer for home theater, then such qualities as loudness and the absence of extraneous sounds come to the fore. After all, the task of the subwoofer in this case is to reproduce explosions, thunder and other movie effects.

If you plan to use the subwoofer, including for listening to music, then the “emotionality” of the sound will be more important here, that is, the characteristic is very subjective. In this case, the sound should be not so much loud as detailed.

You can feel the difference only when you directly listen to the equipment in the studio, so when choosing a subwoofer, you must definitely listen and test different equipment in the cabin.

Selecting a subwoofer for home theater and music at a glance

• The power of the subwoofer is selected based on the size of the room and the power of the speaker system. For a small room in an apartment, a subwoofer with a power of 100 watts or more is enough. This power will be enough for two speakers of 30 watts.
• The larger the driver, the lower frequencies the subwoofer can transmit. However, it is not necessary to chase the minimum values: our ear does not perceive frequencies below 20 Hz, and for most home theaters a threshold of 30-35 Hz is acceptable.
• An active subwoofer can be immediately connected to the speaker system and enjoy good bass. A passive subwoofer will require an additional amplifier. Also, passive equipment can be built into walls to save space.
• There are models with a radiator directed downwards. This is a useful quality for a subwoofer if you have small children or pets at home. In this position, the emitter will be more secure.

And.

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sound accompaniment and give more depth and deepening to low frequencies. Commonly used in stereos and home theaters, as well as in concert halls and other environments where high quality sound is required.

The subwoofer helps create a deep bass effect that can add more realism and intensity to action scenes, thrillers and other movies with powerful sound effects.

The subwoofer can also be useful for music lovers, especially those who prefer genres with a rich low-frequency background, such as hip-hop, rock or electronic music.

Subwoofers are usually presented as a small cabinet with one or more speakers that work in conjunction with an audio amplifier. Subwoofers are usually connected to the main audio system via a subwoofer cable or wireless connection, which allows you to control the level of bass and adjust the sound depending on individual preferences.

What are the types of subwoofers

There are two types of subwoofers: active and passive.

An active subwoofer is a device that has a built-in amplifier and can be connected directly to a sound source. This is a convenient solution as it does not require any additional hardware to work.

Passive subwoofer does not have a built-in amplifier. To operate such a subwoofer, you must connect it to a separate amplifier. Passive subwoofers are often used in professional audio equipment because they typically have higher power output and less distortion than active subwoofers.

So the choice of subwoofer type depends on individual needs and preferences. If you want a convenient solution that doesn’t require any extra equipment, then you should consider an active subwoofer. If you need a more powerful device with less distortion, then the choice may be a passive subwoofer. In both cases, it’s important to consider your needs and consider different options to select the subwoofer that will suit your needs.

There are also cabinet type subwoofers and built-in subwoofers.

Cabinet-type subwoofers have a separate cabinet and are installed separately from the rest of the audio system components. They can be placed on the floor or mounted on special racks that are designed for this purpose.

Built-in subwoofers, on the other hand, are installed in a dedicated space in an existing audio cabinet. They are often used in cases where the installation of a separate subwoofer is impossible or undesirable for some reason.

How to choose a subwoofer?

The choice of subwoofer depends on several factors such as the size of the room, the volume level you want to achieve and the intended use of the unit.