The Best Subwoofer

Buying Guide

If you want your audio to sound as good as it possibly can, then your setup at home requires a subwoofer. This is a type of speaker that enhances the bass to make it sound deeper and firmer. Without a subwoofer, the bass sounds in your audio will sound weak and powerless – without that necessary oomph.

When choosing a subwoofer, one of the first things you will need to decide is whether you’re looking for an active or passive one. An active subwoofer is what you’ll find in most home theaters because AV theater systems do not have enough power or driving force for a passive subwoofer. However, if you have a professional setup, then a passive subwoofer may be the better choice. An active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier and power source, whereas a passive subwoofer requires an outside power source such as a separate receiver.

Another key aspect you’ll need to decide is whether you want a sealed or ported subwoofer. Sealed subwoofers are enclosed in a cabinet, and the air that is compressed within the cabinet helps to create the low-frequency output. This results in a very deep and clear sound that tends to move quickly. Ported subwoofers are typically more powerful than their sealed counterparts because of their cabinet design and circular port(s). They have a built-in air vent, which creates a lower bass output. These subwoofers have a lot of energy and power in the sound, while sealed subwoofers offer better texture and cleaner sound. Keep in mind that ported subwoofers are usually louder than sealed ones, which may affect how you decide.

• Choosing the right size subwoofer for your space is essential. While bigger surface area typically equals better sound, that’s not always the right choice. Also consider the other speakers you have as well as their size, in addition to the size of the room you’re playing audio in. In big, open rooms, larger subwoofers are better, but in cozier rooms the smaller size will provide better sound without overwhelming the space.
• How much bass do you want to hear? It really depends on your personal preference as well as what you like to listen to. For example, if you watch a lot of movies that have thunderous noises, for example, and you like to feel the room vibrate when that happens, then you’re going to want to get something that has a lot of bass. However, if the audio you’re playing is mostly pop songs or children’s shows, then you don’t need a subwoofer that has a lot of bass.
• Traditional subwoofers need to be connected physically to your home theater system in order to receive a signal. However, if running and concealing cords is an issue in your space, there are some wireless subwoofer options available as well. These have a transmitter that receives the signal wirelessly from your home theater system. Keep in mind that they still need to be plugged into a power source – they just don’t need to be physically connected to the rest of your home theater.