Introduction
Subwoofers work like sound modifiers but are designed to produce clear and highly entertaining low-pitched frequencies which regular woofers cannot produce. In a layman’s language we will say that its a device with an amplifier to deliver deep bass for the other speakers in a home theatre or stereo. Think of it as a “SUB” which is lower than a woofer. This genre of sound enhancer devices are best for your movies and music as it gives your entertainment system the best quality bass and sub-bass.
The human ear can hear from 20Hz -20000 Hz. As we age we start loosing the high frequency. So the subwoofers handle frequency from 20-200Hz.
They are not like regular speakers, which only allow you to hear the sound. Rather, subwoofers allow you to feel the sound of the music or movies since it enhances movie sound effects and deep voices of the singer. Subwoofers have their own dedicated enclosure with its private amplifier and crossover.
Does your home theatre entertainment system require a best high end subwoofers? Then, you are in the right place. I know your regular speakers at home can do the magic. However, you would not believe the difference a subwoofer can bring to your home. The bass that comes with the home subwoofer can add drama and tension to songs and subtle scenes in movies.
I am sure that you will get to pick the best powered subwoofer brands for your home theatre or car once you finish reading this article. Be surprisable and expectant since some of the subwoofers will wow you. Despite their small size, some of these subwoofers can produce a pounding bass. You will enjoy a cinema-like experience in the comfort of your HomeKit works best with both classical as well as rock music. Subwoofers also add an extra oomph to your home theatre set giving a realistic feel to action and music as if its playing your room. Here is everything you need to know about the best subwoofers 2024.
Types of Subwoofers
Down-firing Subwoofer
As the name suggests they have their drivers facing towards the floor, for the ultimate thumping of the floor effect. These down firing subwoofers are usually placed near the seating preferably on the carpet rather than a hard or smooth surface as it will reflect the sound and give the listener a boomy and unpleasant experiance. The low frequencies produced by a subwoofer are omnidirectional so its always better to place them on a carpet rather than a smooth and reflective floor. If you have to place it on the floor then put a small carpet underneath or rubber stoppers so that some of the sound is absorbed and it doesn’t disturb your neighbours below. They are mainly used with the surround system in your personalised home theatre to produce all the vibrations and the action effects while watching a movie.
Front-firing Subwoofer
The drivers of front firing sub are placed in the front so they create vibrations in the air. They should be placed nearer to the speaker usually a distance of 4-5 feet is recommended. The front firing speakers are widely used in smaller speakers or smaller channels. Like in a bookshelf speaker it is always recommended to use a front firing sub as they don’t have much bass extension.
So whether to choose a down firing or front firing sub depends on the speakers that you are using , size of the room and the quality of the bass you want to listen. Optimise the position of the sub my moving it around the room and then locating it in a place where your bass is perfect.
Best High-end Subwoofers of 2024
- Mission LX-10 Sub–Subwoofer
- DALI SUB C-8 D 40-120Hz Compact Active Speakers
- Focal Cub Evo Subwoofer
- Polk HTS 12″ 400W Woofer
- Mission MS-400 Power Sub Woofer
- Q Acoustics 3060S Powered Subwoofer
- Mission QX-12 – Subwoofer
- Q Acoustics 7060S Slimline Subwoofer
- Mission MS-450 Subwoofer
- Focal Sub Air Subwoofer
How do we Pick and Review the Best Subwoofer for Home
Choosing a subwoofer is similar to navigating a minefield. You want to buy the one that produces the best bass, but at the same time, you don’t want a subwoofer the size of a rhino in your living room. This article breaks down for you the major factors and steps to take when choosing a subwoofer, from the volume, sound quality, and cost.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is an important factor to consider when purchasing a best subwoofers. It should make the bass of your home theatre richer, deeper, and meatier. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend; your bass should improve with a good subwoofer. They are specifically designed to enhance the sound of music and movies as well.
Size
The quality and range of your bass will solely depend on the size of your sub speakers. The larger the speaker, the higher the bass frequency produced. But, the question is, how big should it be? The most common driver size for subwoofers is 12 inch since it produces a satisfying output and it is not pricy while the audiophile subwoofer box design for deep bass also matter for the bass quality. A 15 ” subwoofer will work best if you love listening to music at higher volume.So the bigger the driver that much energy it will have for the sound waves to vibrate. However, you can go bigger or smaller as you want.
Power and volume
All subwoofers need to be powered for them to operate. Understanding power measurements in watts allows you to pick the best audiophile subwoofer. Higher wattage produces the best audio even at high volumes. However, just know the price of a high-watt subwoofer would be higher.
User-Friendly Design
We test a product before reviewing it to evaluate how easy it is for users to use, comprehend, or learn.
Our Best Picks
Mission LX-10 Sub–Subwoofer
Mission LX-10 Sub-woofer is an affordable, practical, and smart subwoofer with a classic but modern look and customary design. The sound quality of Cub Evo is equivalent to other larger subwoofers, thanks to its larger speaker drivers and powerful amplifier..
While treble units and high performance are the major factors in a sound system, it would not be so if the cabinets are not properly installed. Unreinforced cabinets tend to produce unwanted noise that can be disturbing. LX series speakers have undergone extensive development and research to ensure the cabinets are robust and block unwanted noises. The company has performed numerous listening tests on each speaker to ensure the frequency range is clear.
Features
- Dimensions: Height (412+35)mm, width 312mm, depth (392+15)mm
- Amplifier power output: 200W
- Peak power output: 350W
- Frequency response: 40 – 120 Hz
- Phase inversion, auto on-off
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 85 dB
- 100% Indian operated & owned
- Drive units: 250 mm PP
Pros
- Rich, engaging sound
- flexible spec
- well made
- easy to use
Cons
- Hardens up at higher volumes
- needs three mains leads
DALI SUB C-8 D 40-120Hz Compact Active Speakers
Dali subwoofer is a high-yield with the capacity to produce high-performance output signals for music and videos. The subwoofer has flexible connectivity and is compatible with most processors, receivers, or amplifiers. The subwoofer’s cabinet designs are simple and elegant, and they perfectly fit the woofer.
DALI SUB C-8 D comes with a limiter in the amplifier section to help improve sound production and ensure performance even in difficult circumstances. The limiter compares the input signal to the output signal and compares voltage from the power supply to the output signal. In case of any problem, the limiter cuts the signal. To maximize the bass output, the manufacturer recommends that you position the subwoofer alongside a wall or in a corner.
Features
- Comes in colors white and black ash
- Frequency range: 33 – 200 Hz
- Dimensions: Height 335 mm, width 295 mm, depth 310 mm
- Functions: phase switch, crossover frequency, standby (auto power) on/off switch
- Amplifier power output: 220W
- Diaphragm type: paper fiber cone
- Cross over frequency: 40 – 120 Hz
Pros
- The sound has a great depth
- Refined performance
- Great Design
Cons
- The setup is quite complicated
Focal Cub Evo Subwoofer
Focal Cub Evo woofers have similar designs to Hi-Fi subwoofers in terms of lifestyle. The subwoofer is equipped with a Class-D amplifier, an 8” speaker driver, an MDF structure, and a black matt finish. Focal Cub Evo subwoofer also has the phase inverter, on/off auto power function, the crossover, and the LFE input to allow it meet the requirements of the listening room.
The 8” speaker driver allows it to deliver controlled and powerful bass extending to frequencies below 35Hz. Cub Evo is ideal for combining with loud speakers and satellites from Dolby Atmos. This is the best home subwoofer and perfect for many home theatre systems. The sound quality of Cub Evo is equivalent to other larger subwoofers, thanks to its larger speaker drivers and powerful amplifier.
Features
- Amplifier power output: 200W Class-D amplifier
- Power mode: On / Auto power
- Dimensions: Height 305 mm, width 282 mm, depth 299 mm
- Cut-off frequency: 30 Hz
- Exclusive streamlined port
- Black MDF finish
Pros
- Lifestyle-friendly sub/sat design
- Seamless subwoofer integration
- Integrated Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
Cons
- Fiddly bell wire speaker terminals
- Not suitable for larger rooms
- Upgrades beyond 5.1.2 prohibitively expensive
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How Do We Test the Best Home Theater Subwoofer?
Testing your subwoofer can pose a challenge. However, there are ways you can tell if your sound system is functioning properly. There are some factors that you should put into consideration when testing your subwoofer, including whether the quality of sound is acceptable, if it makes any sounds, and whether the frequencies of its bass are correct. To complete the testing task successfully, you need to follow the subwoofer testing procedure. You will require some essential tools like a wire, a 9-volt battery, and a multimeter or tester.
In a subwoofer, the multimeter tests the voice coil resistance. First, turn off the subwoofer and cut off its power supply. Second, monitor the cone of the woofer when connected and disconnected from the battery. Third, remove all wirings and cables from your subwoofer, including power cables. Next, remove the subwoofer from its cabinet to access the voice coils properly. Attach the multimeter on the subwoofer’s terminals; positive to positive and negative to negative. Turn on the multimeter and measure the resistance.
There are three possible outcomes. The voice coils are damaged if the multimeter does not read any resistance. If the readings keep changing, then the coils might have blown. If you get a resistance greater than one, your subwoofer is safe. There are many other ways to test a subwoofer. Either way, bad subwoofer speaker will produce a terrible bass.
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Let Audio Guru Expert Team helps you choose the right subwoofer for your budget, room size, and best specifications.
Polk HTS 12″ 400W Woofer
A subwoofer with 12” speaker drivers, Class-D amplifier, and power port technology that enables it to enhance music and home theatre effects with powerful bass. Polk HTS subwoofer has easy access controls for phase correction, volume, and low pass filter. The power port technology transitions air from the bass speaker to you while minimizing distortion, turbulence, and port noise. The subwoofer also has a quality cabinet design that helps reduce unwanted noises.
With rounded sides and a slit on the bottom that reveals the down-firing port, the Polk HTS12 has a modern appearance. The cabinet weighs 25.9 kg and is 43.5 cm x 46.1 cm x 47.9 cm (WHD). In the package, you’ll get the powered subwoofer, grille, 8-foot AC power wire, instructions, and product registration form. The subwoofer’s housing is solid and strong, making it resistant to harm from minor bumps. The enclosure also lessens internal standing waves for less audible colouring since it is acoustically inert. A more realistic sound is ensured by the MDF construction’s lack of resonance. It comes in washed black walnut and traditional brown walnut finishes.
Features
- 12” driver subwoofer with power port technology
- Has a deep bass for music and home theatre
- Built-in volume controls
- Dimensions: Height 46.99cm, width 43.5cm, depth 46cm
- Continuous power: 200W
- 400W Class-D amplifier
Pros
- Attractive design that easily fits with the home decor
- Universal ports compatible with most home theater setups
- Built-in controls
- Handles high volume levels without port noise or distortion
Cons
- The price is slightly higher than other similar subwoofers produced by Polk in the past
Mission MS-400 Power Sub Woofer
Mission MS-400 subwoofer is a perfect choice for any stereo system or home theatre since it helps improve bass performance. The subwoofer incorporates a Class-D power amplifier and a long-throw bass driver that creates a powerful response. The cross over frequency seamlessly integrates with other speakers to produce sound that is precise and clear. The subwoofer has a forward-firing or down-firing bass unit that help improve frequencies to produce even sound in the listening room.
Features
- Enhances bass performance in home audio systems
- Dimensions: Height 402mm, width 352mm, depth 375mm
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 85 dB
- Amplifier power output: 215W
- Line input sensitivity: 200mv for maximum output
Pros
- Amazing Subwoofer
- Super clean and deep bass
- Clean and crisp sound quality
Cons
- Installation is quite difficult
Q Acoustics 3060S Centre Speakers
Acoustics 3060s subwoofer delivers deep and controlled bass that completes the movie or music experience in your home theatre. The subwoofer also features a 200 mm speaker driver and a 150-watt amplifier that helps support the bass frequency. The 3060s is among the slimmest subwoofers available on the market today and one of the best quality subwoofers which can be fitted in any home. The subwoofer also comes with 4 spikes and a wall bracket to allow you either mount it on the floor or wall respectively.
The cable connections and system controls are hidden and this gives it a sleek look. The subwoofer is beautiful on the inside and out, and comes in four different colors. The 3060s has a user manual to guide you on how to operate it.
Features
- The 3060s subwoofers delivers an acoustic super bass with the help of a 150-watt amplifier and a 200mm driver
- The subwoofer is slim and ideal for every home, and comes with a bracket for optional mounting
- Controls and connections are hidden behind a magnetic hatch
- Cabinet dimensions: 300 x 480 x 150 mm
- Available in various colors: carbon black, graphite grey, arctic white, and English walnut
- Comes with 4 spikes, a user manual, and one mains power cable
Pros
- Fantastic sound quality
- Great tonal balance
- Flexible placement
- Attractive design
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slightly narrow dispersion
Make an online appointment to get our experts advice and find the best Subwoofer for your needs!
How to Choose the Best Subwoofer for Home Theater?
Subwoofers play a vital role when it comes to listening to music or watching a movie with dramatic scenes. Subwoofers can be used for stereo systems, home theater, or even in vehicles. Regardless, all subwoofers make music sound better. This article explains in detail how to pick the best bass system and subwoofer for you.
Here are some key aspects to consider before buying a subwoofer;
Power – If you want a system that gives you the best bass output, it will require plenty of power. Check the system’s RMS power rating since it measures the output. Ensure the amplifier can handle that amount of power.
Sensitivity – The sensitivity rating of subwoofers is higher and it goes together with the power. Higher sensitivity subwoofers require less power to produce sound compared to woofers with lower sensitivity.
Enclosure – the amount of sound a subwoofer will produce also depends on the type of enclosure. Sealed boxes produce the most accurate and deepest sounds, while bandpass enclosures produce higher volumes.
A number of voice coils – Subwoofers can either have single or dual voice coils. Dual voice coils are more popular because they are flexible when used in wiring systems.
Size of the subwoofer – If you consider enclosure type, power, sensitivity, and space do not trouble you. Then you can buy a big subwoofer. However, small subwoofer that are properly powered and in the right cabinets can also produce plenty of sounds.
Comparison Table
Image | Model | Power | Price | User Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mission QX-12 – Subwoofer | – | ₹46,900 | ||
Q Acoustics Subwoofers Speakers – Q Acoustics 7060S (Slimline Subwoofer) | – | ₹48,900 | ||
Mission MS-450 Subwoofer | – | ₹59,900 | ||
Focal Sub Air Subwoofer | – | ₹60,000 |
Why You Should Trust Us?
Audio Guru deals with high-quality brands and products that bring style and luxury to your home. We only review what we love and want to bring smiles to the faces of our customers. We provide you with the best subwoofer brand that has undergone extensive development and research.
You can contact our specialists any time from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm. Our products are authentic, and we do not compromise on quality and originality. Our products are genuine, and you will love the product once you purchase it. Customer satisfaction is the top priority, and our subwoofers come with a 100% money-back guarantee if it doesn’t meet your requirements. You can refer to the customer reviews and testimonials online before you make your purchase.
Mission QX-12 – Subwoofer
Mission’s brand-new speaker lineup benefits from its 40 years of audio experience. The QX line offers incredible value in both hi-fi and AV setups while having a striking appearance and great performance. No matter what genre of music or film you prefer, a loudspeaker that gives exciting and dramatic performance has emerged as a result of cutting-edge new designs and rigorous listening tests. A dedicated center speaker, a two-way surround speaker, and a variety of subwoofers round out the Mission QX range’s five main hi-fi models, which include two bookshelf models and three floor-standing speakers.
The hits from the Mission QX-12 Subwoofer are comparable with what a nuclear missile might sound like if it were to detonate at the center of an alien mothership. It is a large unit, and its output is also very large. It has a touch of softness at the edges but is still completely good at this pricing point and is quick enough for some tight rumbles.
Features
- Features Cone system with DiaDrive technology.
- The great sensitivity of an oversized magnet motor technology allows for the most dynamic impact from any amplifier.
- A new treble unit called a “ring dome” provides a lot of melodic detail with little distortion.
- The slot port is shaped to produce precise bass performance by reducing “chuffing” distortion.
- Mission’s venerable IDG (Inverted Driver Geometry) driver format is used by the Mission QX series.
- Mission DiaDrive technology is used in bass drivers.
Pros
- Incredible subwoofer
- Powerful bass
- Clean and crisp sound quality
Cons
- Installation is quite difficult
Q Acoustics 7060S Slimline Subwoofer
Similar to the complementary minuscule speakers in the 7000i system, the Q Acoustics 7060S is a compact subwoofer that offers a class-leading audio performance. The 7060S is the optimal choice for music and movies since it has a 200mm / 8″ low-frequency driver that can faithfully reproduce both the speed and “twang” of a double bass and the sustained, earth-shaking rumbling of a “blockbuster” explosion.
The Q Acoustics 7000 series, a former winner of the Product of the Year award, has evolved into a genuinely classic product line. The newest subwoofer to join its prestigious roster of components, the 7060S Slimline Subwoofer, takes it to a completely new level by offering compact, great-looking sonic high performance that can adorn the most opulent of interiors.
Features
- Compact, slimline active subwoofer
- 150-watt Class D amplifier
- 200mm low-frequency driver
- Reproduces the speed and twang of a double bass
- Perfect for movie and music lovers alike
Pros
- Powerful 150-watt Class D amplifier drives
- Attractive design
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slightly narrow dispersion
Mission MS-450 Subwoofer
The Mission MS Subwoofer series is the ideal option for the Mission MS-450 Sub Subwoofer, which is a crucial component of any sound system. Any home theater or entertainment system can benefit from the improved bass performance of the Mission MS Subwoofer series, which provides the full subwoofer solution.
The Mission MS-450 Sub subwoofer line features a specifically engineered long-throw bass driver and an ultra-fast balance-drive Class D power amplifier made to deliver a powerful response, improving bass performance in home theater or audio systems. Additionally, to deliver extended subsonic with complete accuracy and clarity, a variable crossover frequency control offers smooth connection with other speakers in the system.
Features
- A subwoofer system with active dynamic drive type IB.
- 380 mm long throw bass driver and a Class D power amplifier with an incredibly quick balance drive.
- With other speakers, the variable crossover frequency control allows for easy integration.
- 850W at peak power output
Pros
- High bass performance
- 400 Watt Class D Amplifier
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slightly narrow dispersion
Focal Sub Air Subwoofer
The Sub Air powered subwoofer from Focal stands out from the competition in a few interesting ways. For starters, there is no need to give up even an inch of floor space because it is shallow enough to mount on the wall. Even the necessary mounting gear is provided by Focal for installation. Second, the fact that it’s wireless expands your options for positioning even further. Place the subwoofer anywhere within a 49-foot range by connecting the bundled transmitter to your receiver’s subwoofer output. (Just keep in mind that you must connect the transmitter and subwoofer to AC power.)
Features
- Wireless subwoofer with shallow, wall-mountable design
- Bass-reflex (ported) enclosure
- 110-watt rms (150-watt peak) amplifier
- 8″ cellulose pulp cone woofer
Pros
- Good performance
- Wallmountable
- Solid structure
Cons
- Flat design
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FAQs
What is the best subwoofer for sound quality?
Your particular requirements and preferences will determine the best subwoofer for sound quality. When selecting a subwoofer for sound quality, some things to keep in mind are:
Frequency response: A subwoofer with a wide frequency range will be able to reproduce both low and high bass notes, as well as a variety of other frequencies. This may produce a sound that is clearer and more precise.
Size of the driver: Larger drivers are often more effective at creating low frequencies, therefore a subwoofer with a larger driver may have a sound quality advantage.
Kind of enclosure: A subwoofer’s type of enclosure can have an impact on how well it sounds.
Which subwoofer will produce the loudest sound?
If you are looking to buy a subwoofer for home theater that will deliver maximum bass sound, then you need to consider power availability, enclosure type, and sensitivity.
Will I hear the bass if I put my subwoofer in the trunk of my car?
Yes, you will definitely hear the bass since it travels better when it is separated from the passenger compartment. The only thing that can cause you not to hear the bass from the trunk is if the trunk is soundproofed and sealed.
What is a dual voice coil subwoofer?
This type of subwoofer has two different voice coil each having its own connection. Dual voice coil subwoofers are more flexible in sound system wiring that the single coil subwoofers.
Does the position of the vent (bottom, top, middle, or side) affect the sound quality?
The position of the port on the subwoofer does not really matter as long as there is free flow of air to the sound system. In a car, however, the position of the vent makes a huge difference.
How much power do I need for my subwoofer?
The recommended power range in RMS or continuous is always listed in the subwoofer specification. The lower number represents the minimum wattage that allows you to achieve acceptable results. However, higher power is better for quality bass notes.
Review Summary
Subwoofers are becoming increasingly popular in the homes and cars of people who are interested in audio and the dramatic effects in videos. Subwoofers can be used in home theatre systems or in cars. When designed, created, and used appropriately, subwoofers can be convenient and extremely effective. However, it is very easy to destroy good bass by poorly installing a subwoofer.
It may be a difficult task to choose the best subwoofer, let alone know how it works. There are a few factors that you should put into consideration before buying a subwoofer. Some of them include power, enclosure type, sensitivity, size, and the number of voice coils. Consult a sales representative or an expert before you purchase a new sound system since each subwoofer has a specific environment it operates.