Greatest subwoofers in 2024

An usually underappreciated and ignored facet of any audio setup is the subwoofer. Nonetheless, the very best subwoofer can severely enhance your listening expertise and elevate audio to new heights you have by no means earlier than skilled. Whether or not you are into home theater or music production, have an enormous report assortment, or a sensible residence speaker system, a subwoofer is a important a part of the audio equation.



Caring for the low-frequencies, a subwoofer would not simply amplify the bass, it permits your displays to maintain the frequencies they’re designed for, the highs and mids. Nonetheless, you have to watch out when selecting the very best subwoofer for you, as in some cases, the improper selection will trigger extra detriment than good. There’s nothing worse than a flabby low-end muddying your sound.

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So, with that in thoughts, listed here are the very best subwoofers at the moment in the marketplace. I, myself, am an audiophile with over six years within the music tools {industry} and, with most of those subwoofers, I’ve had hands-on expertise. Partaking in day by day conversations about audio and music gear has led me to find extra alternatives, usually beneficial by fellow audio nerds who share a ardour for all issues sound-related. Nonetheless, sufficient of the chit-chat, let’s have a look.


Greatest subwoofers: Our favourite sounds

SVS-SB-1000-Subwoofer

SVS SB-1000 Traditional

1. Greatest general subwoofer

The head for each residence cinema and audio

Whether or not for music or cinema, the SVS SB-1000 Traditional stands out as the last word all-rounder within the realm of subwoofers. With its articulate bass response, compact but sturdy design, and handy smartphone capabilities, it boasts a mess of perks. All these options come at a remarkably cheap worth, making it a extremely interesting selection with a lot to admire.

 

Professionals

  • Crystal clear bass
  • Smartphone built-in
  • Compact and really sturdy
Cons

  • Some might want a bigger driver

In the event you’re on the lookout for the very best subwoofer general, there aren’t many higher choices than the SVS SB-1000 Traditional. Popping out of Youngstown, Ohio, SVS has an excellent repute within the audio world and the SVS SB-1000 Traditional sub is a first-rate instance of what the corporate has to supply.

Able to crystal clear but highly effective bass, this can be a unbelievable subwoofer for each music and residential cinema functions. The SB-1000 Traditional can go low, tremendous low, with frequency capacities all the way in which all the way down to 20Hz, which is decrease than the human ear may even decide. With a 325-watt RMS pounding out of a 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver, it’s able to some stomach-churning low frequencies, notably when utilized in small to medium areas. You may really really feel each explosion, automotive chase and heartbeat in your favourite film.

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As for music listening, the SB-1000 Traditional might be fine-tuned utilizing the DSP smartphone app, so you may handle to manage the sub precisely as your tastes demand. Additionally, for those who’re not within the largest area, the SB-1000 Traditional is fairly compact in comparison with different choices in the marketplace, it will possibly tuck away neatly in most residing areas.

Cambridge-Audio-SX120-Subwoofer

Cambridge Audio SX120

2. Greatest subwoofer for small areas

A wee subwoofer with an enormous bass response

If area is a premium, then try the SX120 from Cambridge Audio. This feature is ideal for people searching for bass enhancement, particularly in an audio or Hello-Fi setup, whereas prioritizing nice worth for cash. The SX120 is each detailed and highly effective, and its cupboard excels at eliminating undesirable frequencies.

 

Professionals

  • Highly effective, but detailed enhancement
  • Nice worth for cash
  • Improbable at slicing undesirable frequencies

On the subject of audio, the SX120 kicks issues off with an 8-inch woofer, delivering a remarkably detailed and tight bass response. Whereas it could not boast the deep growl of bigger drivers, it enhances dynamic music exceptionally effectively. It additionally throws the audio extremely effectively and does a powerful job of encompassing you in no matter you might be listening to.

As for development, the inflexible MDF cupboard does a commendable job of conserving any undesirable frequencies at bay by minimizing undesirable resonance. Though the SX120 can’t be managed with a smartphone, the onboard controls are greater than sufficient to assist with compatibility in a plethora of various places. With particular person quantity, crossover controls, section switches, and frequency controls, you have received all of the tinkering choices you may ever want.

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An 8-inch driver working at 80RMS is not going to be sufficient for big residing areas, or for these wanting a window-shaking cinematic expertise. When you think about you are getting all of those sensible options for a tad over $300, it is simple to see why the SX120 is a critical contender within the subwoofer world.

Yamaha-HS8S-Studio-Subwoofer

Yamaha HS8S Studio Subwoofer

3. Greatest subwoofer for the studio

Assured Yamaha sturdiness and craftsmanship

Including to the lineup of industry-standard studio displays, Yamaha’s HS8S subwoofer is the actual deal. Famend for its spectacular construct high quality, highly effective and exact sound, and distinctive crossover capabilities, this subwoofer is a must have for any music studio.

 

Professionals

  • Adjustable crossover
  • Assured Yamaha high quality
  • Can be utilized with different manufacturers
Cons

  • Nuanced change for these not inclined

The acquainted Yamaha HS sequence is actually an industry-standard in music studios internationally. Their HS displays are the go-to selection for music producers of each caliber and the vary’s iconic black and white design is immediately recognizable. Subsequently, it is no shock to find that the HS8S subwoofer is the very best within the enterprise for those who’re after a sub for the studio.

With an 8-inch driver acting at a most functionality of 150 watts, this factor presents all the ability you may ever want when mixing and recording music. Like different merchandise within the HS sequence, the HS8S produces an extremely pure bass response. It is articulate, tight and makes use of wonderful crossover that retains excessive element.

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Like several sub price its salt, the HS8S does a unbelievable job of conserving the low finish out of your displays, permitting them to carry out precisely within the frequency vary they’re designed for. Good for music mixing, it helps you pinpoint audio with precision, minus any interference from overpowering bass.

The adjustable crossover can also be a unbelievable function for the studio. You’ll be able to actually get hands-on with the frequencies and the low reduce and excessive reduce management will assist you to tune the sub to particularly swimsuit the acoustic properties of your studio. Contemplating all of those options, throwing a subwoofer into your studio setup is a strong suggestion — you will not remorse it.

SVS-PB16-Ultra-Subwoofer

SVS PB16-Extremely

4. Greatest premium subwoofer

The PB16-Extremely will twitch your curtains

The PB16-Extremely will provide you with that stomach-churning, rumbling bass for those who so need. This factor is highly effective. With helpful options like a controllable smartphone app, an enormous 16-inch driver and a fantastically detailed sound, that is the most suitable choice for those who’re trying to splash the money. 

 

Professionals

  • Unrelenting low-end
  • Extremely extensive frequency response
  • Tremendous detailed sound
Cons

  • Overkill for lots of wants

Do not get it improper, the SVS PB16-Extremely is not going to be appropriate for everybody. With a most energy of 5000 watts and able to working at 1500 watts RMS, this subwoofer is right for these trying to splash some money and have extraordinarily highly effective bass at residence.

Firstly, the headroom of this subwoofer is excellent. By a end result of the excessive SPL, most wattage, and a big 16-inch driver, the PB16-Extremely can go all the way down to 11Hz at a really loud quantity with out a hint of distortion. That is ultimate if in case you have a big residence cinema room, or a Hello-Fi setup in an enormous residing area and wish to fill that room with articulate bass.

The Bluetooth management app could be very helpful for tuning the sub to your particular area. The three-band parametric EQ permits deeper modifying than most different subs, and you’ll stack the bands for those who want an additional enhance. As for construct high quality, the SVS PB16-Extremely exudes premium high quality, culminating within the metallic grill as an alternative of material which has been designed for minimal resonance. Though this high quality would not come low-cost, costing effectively into 4 figures, for those who’re trying to deal with your self, settle for no substitutes.

Yamaha-DXS15-MKII-Subwoofer

Yamaha DXS15 MKII

5. Greatest subwoofer for venues

Backside-heavy audio directed precisely the place you want

The DXS15 MKII is a good subwoofer possibility for those who’re trying to fill a venue with rumbling bass. This sub could be very sturdy, unbelievable at directing low-frequencies on account of a cardioid mode directivity and is comparatively compact to permit for hassle-free journey. 

 

Professionals

  • Extremely sturdy
  • Superior DSP
  • Cardioid Mode presents unbelievable dispersion
Cons

  • There are lighter choices on the market

A subwoofer for dwell music is barely completely different from one to your residence setup. It is necessary to have the front-of-house audio projected in direction of the viewers, while private displays present the band with all the things they should hear. That is exactly why the DXS15 MKII stands out because the best choice for venues; its cardioid dispersion presents distinctive directionality, considerably minimizing stage bleed.

The DXS15 MKII can also be extremely loud, a lot louder than you’d anticipate from a 15-inch driver. With a most SPL of 135dB, this can be a 3dB enchancment from the earlier iteration, so Yamaha goes in the appropriate route for those who’re craving loudness. Certain, there’s an 18-inch possibility in Yamaha’s vary, however this may do most small to medium-sized venues. With its custom-designed 2.5-inch voice coil magnets, readability is the secret — no flabby low-end in sight.

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By utilizing a plywood cupboard, Yamaha aimed to verify the DXS15 MKII would survive a number of knocks while on the street. Coating it with an especially sturdy Polyurea coating makes this sub nearly indestructible, though it nonetheless should not be used as a drinks holder at your venue. A picket cupboard additionally impacts the tone, however in the easiest way doable, because the DXS15 MKII sounds fantastically wealthy. Yamaha has accomplished a commendable job of marrying tone, reliability, and practicality.

Klipsch-R-100SW-Subwoofer

Klipsch R-100SW

6. Greatest subwoofer for smaller budgets

American speaker heritage

The Klipsch R-100SW delivers greater than you’d anticipate for its modest worth. Something below $200 for a Klipsch product is already a win, and with its tight, articulate bass and trendy copper aesthetic, the R-100SW simply claims the title of the very best budget-friendly subwoofer.

 

Professionals

  • Very mild and portable
  • Beautiful copper aesthetic
  • Punches effectively above its price ticket
Cons

  • Higher suited to residence theater

It could shock some folks on the market that Klipsch has claimed the crown of the very best reasonably priced subwoofer. In any case, the American model, which has a historical past spanning again to 1946, sells tremendous high-end Hello-Fi audio system that may price upwards of $50,000. Fortunately, for these of us on a finances, Klipsch would not neglect the reasonably priced finish both.

Sporting a fantastic 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, the R-100SW reference high quality sub will price you below $200. The driving force makes use of Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) cones, which aren’t simply spectacular on paper, in actuality, it assists in a easy, enduring low-frequency projection while conserving distortion to an all-time low. For the value, the

Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones are exceptionally mild whereas being extraordinarily inflexible — offering a outstanding low-frequency response, with minimal cone breakup and distortion to provide the deepest, cleanest bass doable. Though this engaging sub really seems to be finest when paired with Klipsch displays, it’s able to performing equally effectively with different manufacturers. The low go crossover and section controls will assist you to tune the sub to finest complement no matter setup you at the moment have.

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The R-100SW leans extra in direction of enhancing your property cinema expertise than being a go-to for Hello-Fi music. Certain, there are pricier choices for the purest tones, however they may dig deeper into your pockets in comparison with the R-100SW’s wallet-friendly tag.

The underside line: What’s the very best subwoofer?

The SVS SB-1000 Traditional is the best choice for the very best subwoofer general. It comes from SVS, a good audio model primarily based in Youngstown, Ohio. This subwoofer impresses with clear and highly effective bass, making it nice for each music and residential cinema. It might attain ultra-low frequencies all the way down to 20Hz, offering a real audio expertise. With a 325-watt RMS energy and a 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver, it excels in smaller to medium areas, permitting you to really feel each element in your favourite films. Wonderful-tune your music listening with the DSP smartphone app, and its compact design makes it a sensible selection for numerous residing areas.

SVS-SB-1000-Subwoofer

SVS SB-1000 Traditional

Editor’s Alternative

The Klipsch R-100SW earns the title of the very best reasonably priced subwoofer, shocking some given Klipsch’s historical past of high-end audio system. Priced below $200, it encompasses a 10-inch front-firing driver with a spun-copper IMG woofer, delivering enduring low-frequency projection with minimal distortion. The Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones supply outstanding low-frequency response. Whereas ultimate with Klipsch displays, it performs effectively with different manufacturers. Primarily enhancing residence cinema, it is budget-friendly in comparison with pricier choices for these searching for pure tones. The low go crossover and section controls permit customization to enhance any setup.

How we selected the very best subwoofers

With greater than 6 years within the music tech {industry}, our experience permits us to curate the very best subwoofers accessible right this moment. Our alternatives stem from hands-on product experiences as a result of nothing beats firsthand data. We additionally thought of numerous specs when making our alternatives, resembling sound high quality, frequency vary, worth, driver measurement, SPL, wattage and sturdiness.

What does a subwoofer do?

Beginning in the beginning, let’s check out the fundamentals and get a number of issues straight. What does a subwoofer do? So, a subwoofer is an exterior speaker that takes care of the low frequencies. Its major goal is to deal with the bass from any audio you occur to be listening to. Particularly, a subwoofer will deal with frequencies between 20-200Hz, though extra specialist subwoofers may even deal with decrease frequencies.

Do you want a subwoofer?

Likelihood is, for those who’re studying this information you may in all probability be asking your self, do I want a subwoofer in my audio setup? Though a subwoofer is not crucial, as your displays will deal with low frequencies, for those who’re on the lookout for the very best audio expertise doable, a subwoofer is a unbelievable solution to obtain that.

A subwoofer is a good addition to an audio setup, notably if you would like essentially the most immersive residence cinematic expertise doable. The prolonged low frequencies it presents contribute to finish immersion within the film you are watching, accentuating the audio and bringing an additional layer of depth to your leisure. It would assist you to really feel each explosion and rumbling, similar to being within the cinema.

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A subwoofer can even actually assist for those who’re an audiophile who’s on the lookout for essentially the most high-fidelity musical expertise. Very like for residence cinema, a sub will assist you to hear each nuance within the music, it should additionally assist you to really feel the bass in a way more visceral manner. Because the subwoofer takes care of the low-frequencies, it frees up your displays to excel on the mid and excessive frequencies they’re designed for. With that in thoughts, a subwoofer is especially helpful for music manufacturing the place precision throughout the frequency spectrum is essential for attaining a well-balanced and correct sound.

Are there any disadvantages to a subwoofer?

There aren’t many appreciable disadvantages to including a subwoofer to your audio setup. In the event you’re trying to preserve your sign chain so simple as doable, including a sub is one other product within the chain, considerably complicating your setup a bit extra. Additionally, for those who occur to go for an unsuitable, low-quality subwoofer, it will possibly murk your audio expertise by including flabby bass into the combo. In the event you follow the merchandise on our record, you may not run into these points.

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