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While some people disregard subwoofers as a non-necessity, some cannot do without them. Quality bass transforms how you experience sounds, whether in music or movies. Purchasing a reliable subwoofer is a simple process if you understand what to look for.
You don’t have to spend a whole lot to get a quality speaker; you can find the best subwoofer for under $2000 easily to suit your budget. Below you will find a buying guide and subwoofer product suggestions to assist you in finding the right model. Let us dive in!
Subwoofers have a few features that you need to consider before settling on one. Whether the model is wired or can operate wirelessly, the main aim is to purchase a durable subwoofer. The more durable it is; the more use you get out of it. You also have to think about features such as;
Passive vs Powered subwoofers
In the marketplace, you will find passive and powered subwoofers. The difference between these two types has to do with the location of the amplifier. Passive subwoofers have the amplifier located externally, while powered subwoofers feature an internal amplifier.
Powered subwoofers are more common than passive subwoofers, and they are easier to operate. Passive subwoofers need to match with the right amplifier to get the best results, which can be a challenging process. Powered subwoofers connect to your system through RCA cables saving you time and energy.
Front-Firing vs Down-Firing Subwoofers
Front or side-firing subwoofers radiate sound from the front or the side for optimal performance. In the case of down-firing subwoofers, the sound is directed downwards to the floor. This does not have much effect on the quality of bass; hence, it all boils down to personal preference.
It is vital to note that front-firing subwoofers work best located in front of the room, while down-firing subwoofers work best in sidewalls or corners.
Size
Another feature to consider is the size of the subwoofer. Larger models cover an extensive surface area and therefore, they produce deep bass. How deep the subwoofer plays relies on the Hz (frequency response) measurements.
Majority of the products in the market range between 20Hz and 200Hz, but you will find subwoofers for professional live sounds to be under 100Hz. A large-sized subwoofer is more suitable for large rooms, while small-sized subwoofers do well in small spaces. For example, a 12" subwoofer is perfect for a large room compared to an 8" inch subwoofer.
Driver size specifications
Subwoofers require a lot of energy to produce bass, and that is why the size of your speaker drive matters. The larger the speaker driver, the more energy is available for sound amplification. Typically, experts advise consumers to purchase models with a 12" inch driver and above.
Models with speaker drivers less than 12" offer quality sound, but the deep frequency remains wanting. Subwoofers with small-sized drivers are ideal for small rooms since too much output is not required. Larger rooms would do perfectly with drivers above 15 inches to make sure the bass reaches all corners of the area.
A premium-priced model that features a 13-inch drive, and presents bass with less distortion, is the SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer. The 2500w peak power subwoofer has a Class D amplifier, and it comes with a phone application that makes it easy to use.
Bass
Finding a subwoofer that offers you the right amount of bass depends on personal taste. You might have to go through several devices before you find a suitable one.
Another thing to consider is the size of the room. If the room is large, you need a larger subwoofer with enough power to push the bass throughout the room. You don’t have to spend a fortune, because models like the Klipsch C-310ASWi Subwoofer are available at an affordable price for a small-medium-sized room.
The 29-120 Hz model possesses a 12-inch driver and an all-digital amplifier to ensure you get optimal sounds. It is a front-firing model hence you are not limited as to where you can place it.
Power requirements
For a subwoofer to perform at its best, it has to have access to enough power. When seeking a subwoofer, make sure to check the wattage. The more wattage a model has the more powerful it is; you don’t expect a 100W model to perform equally to a 2500W model.
A subwoofer of any wattage must produce quality bass at all volume levels. Bad quality subwoofers produce low-quality bass that will only sound worse when on high volume, so invest wisely.
You also need to note that the more wattage available, the more likely it will be expensive. Consider how much you can spend, then narrow down your choices depending on the features offered.
Sealed vs ported
Sealed enclosures feature sealed structures where sound does not move in and out. These sealed enclosure models are responsive and provide accurate bass.
Ported box subwoofers have air vents fitted to produce a low bass output. These models offer more bass than the sealed enclosures without taking up too much power. The only downside is that they are usually larger; therefore, they may not be suitable for people tied down for space.
If you want to enjoy acoustic music, sealed subwoofers are preferable. If you want to listen to more fast-paced music like EDM, or hip-hop, the best choice is a ported design like the SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer. The 1.500W RMS model presents a 16-inch drive, and it can be controlled through Bluetooth for convenience.
Warranty
A warranty is essential, especially when dealing with electrical devices. You need assurance that the model is durable and will provide a long service. Most of the subwoofers in the market come with at least a one-year warranty.
However, you will find some models have no warranty. If you are determined to buy the product, check the customer reviews to have an inkling of the pros and cons to expect.
Ease of use
Subwoofers can be controlled through applications and wireless networks, which is convenient in this digital era. Considering that we engage with our phones all day, a subwoofer that connects to wireless networks allows you to experience the bass in music/movies wherever you go.
A fine example of a user-friendly subwoofer is the JBL Professional PRX815XLFW Low-Frequency Subwoofer System. The 15-inch model offers a compact design but high-quality bass. You can control the system through Wi-Fi and the application provided.
Is it okay to leave the subwoofer running the whole day?
Yes, it is perfectly okay to leave your subwoofer running the whole day because they don’t consume a lot of electricity. Staying on should not cause any damage to the device. Nowadays, subwoofers consist of an automatic power-off feature that puts the subwoofer in standby mode after some time of inactivity.
The device will power back on once it receives the signal from the system it is connected to. This automated feature is present among the majority of models offering power options in the market, so it should not be hard to find.
What is the difference between a subwoofer and a woofer?
A subwoofer features one or more woofers mounted in the enclosure. The enclosure is a resonance chamber that allows more airflow to the back of the speaker. This, in turn, magnifies the sound pressure level for richer and well-rounded bass.
Thus, in short, you cannot have a subwoofer without the woofers.
Where is the perfect location for the subwoofer?
You can place the subwoofer wherever you want as long as you can still feel the bass. Some people may put it under the bed, while others want to integrate them into their cars. It all boils down to personal preference and the size of the speakers. Larger speakers should be kept away from pathways to avoid obstruction of free movement.
Are subwoofers get damaged by water?
Yes, they can, especially for those with paper cones. You can find a water-resistant subwoofer or weatherproof it yourself using a sealant. The sealant should be directed to the areas that let water in rather than the whole structure.
Entertainment is an integral part of life, because all work and no play, make Jack a dull boy. In the spirit of experiencing the most out of movies, games, and music, selecting a good subwoofer is a blessing. Your budget should not constrict you; you can find the best subwoofer under $2000 without breaking a sweat.
You have premium-priced models with a decent drive size like the SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer. If you want a model that offers good bass but at an affordable rate, models such as the Klipsch C-310ASWi Subwoofer are more than adequate.
A model like the JBL Professional PRX815XLFW Low-Frequency Subwoofer System is perfect for professional live settings. Yes, it is not cheap, but you get value for your money over time. These are just samples of the subwoofers available in the market, with a bit of patience we are sure you will find a suitable model in no time.
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