How To Choose The Best Subwoofers

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With so many subwoofers in the market its perfectly understandable if you get confusedPolk Audio PSW10 trying to choose. There are many good types, but the best way to choose is to know exactly what you are looking for. Since you probably have some questions as you shop for the best subwoofers, we’ll try to answer them right here so you can end up with the best sound possible.

Loudness

To get the correct level of loudness, you have to have 3 things all coming together correctly: sensitivity, the casing that the subwoofers come in and how much power they have. Think also about the size of the room they are required for. A set of subwoofers that is not so powerful in a small room will sound much louder than if they were placed in a larger room. If you want them for a small room, go for less power but keep the sensitivity and the casing the same.

Bass tones

Polk Audio MonitorYou want a variety of bass tones and the only way to achieve it is with reduced frequencies. The casing is of topmost importance here. The best bass tones come in a large subwoofer that comes in a sealed box. Big subwoofers are usually designed to do a range of good bass tones. You also want to think about wattage here – the more the better the bass sounds you’ll get.

Power

To find out the power that a subwoofer will need, check the spec sheet. The lowest power is the one that will give you barely acceptable results. Remember that the bigger the subwoofer the more the power it uses so the better the sound.

Shape and design

These are really a question of taste. If you’re looking to spice up the look of your equipment, round ones or triangular ones will add the jazz. Most people go simply for square or rectangular ones. It really doesn’t matter so long as they are the right size, have the right power and are encased in the right material.

Cone material

Subwoofer cone material can be derived from paper, synthetics or composites, but paper is by far the best because it responds very fast. To know the best subwoofers, you would need to test the sound of a set made of each of these materials because they greatly vary depending on their manufacturer. Paper ones, because they sound really good, are more expensive but also have a shorter lifespan. If you can afford them, go for it.

If you want to design an entertainment system that’s top of the range, subwoofers are a must. True, they may sound complex and you might not understand a lot of the jargon that surrounds them, but talk to an expert about the best subwoofers on the market. Remember that someone talking about one particular kind may not be giving you all the information – there are many types that are really good and all you need to do is take into account the above mentioned.

Recommended reading:

If you are considering buying a subwoofer you’ll want to read our detailed review of the Polk Audio PWS505, the most popular model of 2012.

Yamaha YST-SW216BL : A Small All-Around Subwoofer That Does the Job

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Yamaha YST-SW216BL subwooferAre you looking for ways to add some excitement to your music and home theater system? There are dozens of interesting options available on the market. However, the Yamaha YST-SW215BL Subwoofer comes with features and capabilities you will certainly find interesting.

Technical Specs

This is a wired active subwoofer which comes with a nominal 50 watt power output and about 100 watt maximum power output. The woofer size measures 10 inches and comes with an integrated audio amplifier. Enjoy high dynamic power without the annoying noise. The advanced YST II makes the Yamaha YST-SW216BL Subwoofer operates with low noise setting the standard for many subwoofers in the same class level. Other high level features include the linear port and the beautiful front firing design.

What makes the advanced YST II a much desired feature? This system provides both the speaker and the amplifier the capability to work hand in hand in order to terminate any impedance. This permits the speaker unit to perform an ideal linear motion. Moreover, this special feature provides the most desirable level of sound pressure resulting to superb overall performance. Thanks to the YST II active servo technology you can now enjoy truly rich and powerful base every time you turn on your home theater system. Expect proper optimization of the system’s overall performance while offering a balanced effect all throughout the audio area.

Enjoy less bass distortion and an exciting complete bass effect, thanks to the subwoofer’s front firing design. Additionally, this provides more thundering sustains while allowing you to enjoy exciting realistic effects. Anyone who wants to enjoy a wide spectrum and exciting sound experience with little or no sound distortion and interference may very well consider getting one.

Yamaha YST-SW216BL back sideIf you hate noise interference when placing a woofer alongside electronic appliances then you’ll love the Yamaha YST-SW216BL which comes with a magnetically shielded long stroke cone driver. Forget about noise interference even if you place this near an appliance unit and completely enjoy brilliant sound clarity. This allows you to incorporate the subwoofer with your existing home décor more quickly and easily. The unit’s contemporary design will blend perfectly well with any types of home décor.

Enjoy your favorite music with higher level of sophistication. Give your movies and games more life and thrill with real trembling bass power.

A lot of buyers find this a perfect match for their home theater system with a quick feedback mechanism for better crisp sound. The small magnetically shielded 10″ size is perfect to place anywhere even close to the TV without interference. This is considerably an inexpensive subwoofer which offers more for your money. This is the perfect bass solution for people who want to enjoy more sophisticated sound with less distortion. Installation is quick and easy allowing you to enjoy beautiful sound more quickly.

Finally,  the Yamaha YST-SW216BL Subwoofer optimum performance comes with a nice, low price tag. This is not only perfect for any home theater system but also a well built and versatile subwoofer for any type of sound and music. Enjoy a soothing and relaxing time listening to music or a thrilling movie night with the subwoofer’s smooth sounding low extension.

Polk Audio PSW505 Review 2013

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Ratings

Sound Quality
Ease Of Use
Price

Available on Amazon at a deeply discounted price
Polk Audio PSW505
The Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer speaker is a little powerhouse that can be added to any stereo system or home theater sound system for enhanced true-to-life sound.

This stand alone speaker features a 12-inch long throw and has slot-load venting which will minimize noise and sound distortion.

Whether you listen to music with it or watch movies at home, the Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer will provide you with realistic sound and crisp and clear bass.

Let’s Take A Closer Look

The Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer is powered by 300 watts of continuous power for big sound. It measures a compact 16-1/8 x 15-1/8 x 18-3/16 inches so it doesn’t take up much space. That’s a good thing since most people’s home entertainment rooms often tend to be a little cramped.

It has a frequency range between 23 Hertz and 160 Hertz and it includes phase switch volume control so it offers outstanding performance and works with any other speakers you may already have in your sound system.

polk audio pws505 stackedWhat this means is you can use this subwoofer together with your other speakers and it won’t overpower them because it will adjust to the correct volume setting automatically.

To check the price of this subwoofer on Amazon click here.

Here are the features of the Polk Audio PSW505 in list format:

  • Single powered subwoofer for use with stereo or home theater speaker systems
  • Equipped with one magnetically shielded 12-inch long-throw woofer
  • Slot-load venting minimizes turbulence, noise, and distortion
  • Rated to 300 watts of continuous power (460W peak)
  • Measures 16-1/8 x 15-1/8 x 18-3/16 inches (HxWxD)

How does it get along with your other technology?

One advantage of the Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer is that it is magnetically shielded to block interference which allows you to safely place it near any television or video monitor without concern. It also has an on/off switch that lets you turn off the added sound without having to turn off the movie for quieter viewing and listening.

polk audio doubled upThe automatic circuit conveniently turns on your subwoofer if it senses a program signal. If there is no signal available, the amplifier will turn off automatically within just 15 minutes.

How long is the warranty?

It has a 5 year warranty on parts and labor for the speaker and a 3 year warranty on parts and labor on the amplifier. It includes the PSW505 subwoofer, an owner’s manual and an online registration card so you can register your new speaker for the manufacturer’s warranty.

Is the Polk Audio PSW505  solid?

Polk Audio subwoofers are famous for their sound quality but they are also known for their solid MDF construction that features a 1 inch thick front baffle that will suppress any enclosure panel resonance. This feature will provide you with the utmost in distortion-free response.

Polk Audio PSW505 backsideAs we mentioned earlier, Polk Audio also backs their products with a manufacturer’s warranty so you can rest assured they will stand behind your purchase if you ever require support or service.

Customer Opinions – Positive

Many customers who purchased the Polk Audio PSW505 said that “It was a very good value for performance.”

Several buyers agreed that it is “An exceptional subwoofer for the price.”

One consumer admitted that “It brings out the lows my previous 8″ z2300 couldn’t,” and added “This works great for movies and music ranging from classical, to pop, to rock, and jazz.”

A number of consumers stated that it offered “Mind-blowing bass for your home.”

Customer Opinions – Negative

Most of the problems reported appear to be isolated shipping incidents. One customer made a complaint about the Polk Audio PSW505 subwoofer and said “It came with no plug.” Another buyer said “The feet supplied are wrong, should be pegs and raise the unit a few inches off the floor and or carpet. So I ordered a set and I’ll install myself.”

A few customers thought that “It sounds better for movies than it does for music.”

However, the vast majority of customer reviews are 4 and 5 star reviews so we’re very confident about recommending this product.

Our Conclusion and Our Site’s Stats

Over the last year on this website, the Polk Audio PSW505 is far and away our bestselling subwoofer. Honestly, it’s worth every penny. It’s the quality you get for the price that makes it such a great deal.

To get this subwoofer from Amazon at the best price online click here.

 

Polk Audio PSW10 Review 2013

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Ratings

Sound Quality
Ease Of Use
Price

Available on Amazon at a discounted price

The Polk Audio PSW10 is a single 10 inch subwoofer that delivers big bass at one of the lowest prices anywhere. It measures  just over a foot across (14 x 14.38 x 16.12 inches, to be exact) and is equipped with a 10 inch polymer composite cone driver.

This subwoofer is designed to fill out the bottom end of your home theater system, taking the bass load off your system’s main speakers so they can concentrate on reproducing the mid and high frequencies.

When the bass is left to a designated subwoofer, the difference in sound can be huge and the way you experience movies and music will change.

What’s not to like?

This is a great starter model: not too expensive and yet high on quality. However, some customers have complained that this subwoofer is better at handling music than movies. While this may be true, remember that movie sound is very different from music: it does not come at you in a steady, consistent stream. The audio patterns in movies go up and down much more aggressively than in music in both volume and frequency. The result is that the sense of being enveloped by sound is not as strong when watching films as it is when listening to music.polk audio pws10 living room

Here are some great features of the Polk Audio PSW10:

  • 10 inch Dynamic Balance® Woofer
  • Intelligent Amplifier
  • Compact Non-resonant Cabinet
  • Laser-based Klippel measurement technology for improved linearity and deep, precise sound

polk audio pws10 backsideThis subwoofer definitely has a great, sleek look with a metal face that gives it a special character. The majority of subwoofers on the market are black so if you like to style it a little differently, you’ll be happy to know that this one breaks away from the pack.

For the price/quality combination, this one’s a great choice.

Here is what one owner had to say about the Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer:

The sound is really good — crisp and surprisingly capable of churning out satisfying bass in a large space. As far as entry level subwoofers come, this is probably the best bang for your buck.

Review paraphrased for size – view original here

For an even closer look you can also check out this video review of the PSW10:

Choosing The Best Car Subwoofer

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I’ve been focusing almost exclusively on subwoofers for home AV systems on this website, but I’ve gotten quite a few  questions about the best car subwoofer so I thought I’d let you know my thoughts on it.

First of all, a car subwoofer enhances the quality of your vehicle’s audio system in a huge way, make no mistake about it. This being said, there’s tons of different types, designs, and models of subwoofers on the market and the fact is you’re going to get a different opinion on the best one on every blog you visit. So these are just my top three that I’ve seen from personal research and that seem to be on the top of most people’s lists: the MTX Magnum MB210SP, the Pyramid BNPS102, and the XXX Car Audio Pair. You can see all three subwoofers on Amazon by clicking on this link.

Let’s take a closer look at these models to see why people are picking them over other car subwoofers.

Magnum MBSPThe MTX Magnum MB210SP is a dual 10” enclosure and amp combo. The unit offers 800 watt power with clean and clear bass which will certainly lift you off your seat. Each of these subs comes with 4 ohms wire for added savings. The mono block amps offer both high and low level inputs with a bass boost and crossover system. The unit comes with 3 way circuitry protection system to provide you peace of mind.

 

Pyramid BNPS102The Pyramid BNPS102 offers 1000 watt dual bandpass system in a 10 inch enclosure. The unit also comes with neon accent lighting to enhance your vehicle’s audio experience. This subwoofer system comes with silver polypropylene cone which provides added rigidity and weather resistance. Enjoy all around-performance with this hard working subwoofer system which comes with specially treated rubber surround.

 

XXX Car Audio PairThe XXX Car Audio Pair comes with two 12” Subwoofer and car amplifier kit with box. This is a flashy set of audio equipment for your vehicle. The unit offers 24 Hz- 1 kHz Efficiency with 87 dB Amp in a double stacked strontium magnet. We’re used to thinking that if it’s flashy it’s trashy, but that’s not necessarily the case with this subwoofer kit. I found mostly 4 star customer reviews for it and despite the fact that it’s not the cheapest unit around, it’s selling well.

So there you have it, three of the most popular and best car subwoofers on the market. Personally, I like the fact that they’re three totally different styles and yet the quality is high for all three. It’s really a matter of personal choice.

 

If you’re looking for a subwoofer for your home audio system, head on over and read this Polk Audio PSW505 review.

JBL ES250PBK Subwoofer Review

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Ratings

Sound Quality
Ease Of Use
Price

 

Available on Amazon – go here for more information
jbl subwoofer

Forget everything you know about home theater systems because this amazing 400 watt subwoofer will blow you away with superior quality sound and enough bass to rattle your windows and shake your living room as you watch explosions during movies.

The JBL ES250PBK subwoofer is a high quality product that is available at a very affordable price (currently under $300) considering how powerful it is. And JBL has always been a trusted and reliable company when it comes to home theatre systems so you know you will be getting a product that will hold up and deliver the sound quality you’ve always wanted from your home system.

The JBL Subwoofer ES250PBK has some amazing features. The computer optimized bass reflex port provides you with deeper bass and less turbulence so that there is no annoying “booming” sound during action movies when there is an explosion or any other powerful noise that would cause any other audio system to sound distorted. The JBL Subwoofer retains its crystal clear sound throughout the entire movie. Sound distortion occurs less due to the use of premium components.

All products that are featured in the JBL ES series use cellulose-fiber cones that have been reinforced with a polymer coating for uniform pistonic motion.Giving you a professional pulsating sound that you can not find with any other sound system. This JBL subwoofer gives off a solid sound that many people also use as a music only speaker system.

Not only do the JBL Subwoofer give you superior sound quality, it also has a style that will match any home’s decor and it is designed to look great anywhere with a great style that equals its performance. The subwoofer is available in either black or cherry and it measures 1.64 inches in height and 1.31 inches in width.

This subwoofer is currently 33% off on Amazon. Click here to take advantage of this great discount!

If you take a moment to read the reviews on this item, you will find that it has received one 5-star review after another where customers continuously praise the product for its amazing sound quality, unbelievable bass effect without any distortion to the audio and spectacular price that is much lower that products that only do half the job the JBL ES250PBK can do. You’ll be glad you gave this subwoofer a try once you have added it to your existing home theater system. Watching movies or listening to your favorite music will never be the same once you’ve heard explosive bass and smooth, clear audio from the JBL ES series subwoofer.

Here’s what one owner had to say about the JBL ES250PBK subwoofer:

“This is a sub you feel, not hear. Great for music, excellent for movies, especially HD audio. Can’t go wrong with this one. I already pissed off the neighbors in the first 10 minutes of use. This sub has exceeded all my expectations!”

Review paraphrased for size – view original here

Recommended reading: Polk Audio PSW505 Review

Best Subwoofer Brand – Picking the Right One

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Polk Audio PSW10If you’re looking for a subwoofer, you can save a lot of work for yourself by looking only at the catalogs of the best subwoofer brands. Generally, you can be assured a quality product with any subwoofer made by Polk Audio, BIC America, JBL Speakers, or Yamaha. There’s still variance in quality, of course – but a bad Yamaha subwoofer is still better than the vast majority of its competition. Let’s take a closer look at each of these four brands, and discuss their pros and cons.

Polk Audio is fairly high-end in its target audience. The closest thing they have to a mass-market product is a $300 iPod dock. So, be prepared for a decent amount of cash outlay for any of their products. The PSW10 is one of the most popular options; it’s a 100W, 10-inch subwoofer with a very reasonable $110 or so. It’s small and relatively affordable, but does a great job both in music and movies, producing a well-defined bass sound.

In the higher end of the product line, you have the DSWmicroPRO1000. It’s 12 inches, 2400 watts at peak or 1200 continuous, and has an incredibly strong and clean sound profile. It’s also just shy of $900, but it’s worth it, should you fancy yourself a bit of an audiophile. Lastly, Polk Audio has a fairly decent selection of built-ins and automobile subwoofers, which are well worth considering.

Quick List of Top Subwoofer Brands

  • Polk Audio
  • BIC America
  • JBL
  • Yamaha
  • Sony
  • Cyber Acoustics
  • Pioneer
  • Klipsch

BIC America f12BIC America isn’t any less targeted toward the high end of the market than Polk Audio, and their subwoofers have similar price tags. BIC tends to charge a little more, but provide slightly greater sound quality and wattage. Really, though, they go after essentially the same design goals, and they trade blows in terms of success in achieving those.

Either brand is a great pick for high-end systems, but isn’t well-advised if you want something a bit more affordable. That’s a shame, though; even if you’re on a budget, you want to get your money’s worth. So, what would be the best subwoofer brand for someone without the ability to throw a few hundred dollars at the problem?

Yamaha sw012Yamaha has a far more diverse product line than any other company in audio. They make everything from cheap headphones to hundred-thousand-dollar concert pianos; it’s no surprise that their subwoofer selection would have similar range. Yamaha’s dedicated powered subwoofer line starts with the YST-SW012. It’s still not super-cheap, at a price of $129.95, but it’s a good entry-level unit that’s accessible to people with tighter budgets, and boasts reasonable sound quality with 100W of power. Their other products are relatively competitive in their price range, but they don’t chase the same super-high-end segment that Polk and BIC do. They top out with the $449.95 NS-SW310, which has excellent sound quality, but is lacking in power given its 160W rating.

jbl subwoofer

Lastly, there’s JBL Speakers. Their dedicated subwoofer offerings are fairly limited, and only really cover the $400-$600 mid-high-end range; this means that you don’t have nearly as many choices as the other brands. They’re providing some fantastic sound quality and earth-shaking loudness at those price points, but you are advised to be cautious; compared to the competition, build quality is questionable. You may wind up sending a lemon back before you get a subwoofer that you’re satisfied with. Still, the value proposition of a subwoofer with a range of 27Hz-150Hz and a peak power of 500W being sold for under $600 is considerable.

Sony SA-W3000 Review

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Ratings

Sound Quality
Ease Of Use
Price

Available on Amazon at a huge discount

Sony SAW3000The Sony SA-W3000 uses motion feedback technology to produce some very beep bass at an affordable price. It is aethetically pleasing with a very imposing 12″ speaker and thick rubber contour molded to the mica-reinforced cabinet, giving it a solid look.

Weighing in at about 35 lbs, this unit includes a Level Control, Phase Switch, and Bass Drivers (Bass Reflex Design), and has a frequency response of 20-200Hz. It’s a simple, straightforward subwoofer that overdelivers.

This subwoofer is 48% off on Amazon. Click here to take advantage of this huge discount!

With speaker and line level inputs, this subwoofer makes the music come alive and elevates the movie-watching experience to theater-like levels. You get to “feel” your movies, not just watch them!

Here are some great features of the Sony SA-W3000:

  • 12″ 180-Watt powered subwoofer
  • Mica-reinforced cellular woofer construction
  • Motion feedback technology
  • Speaker and line level inputs
  • R 100 watts, Minimum RMA Power, with no more than 1% THD from 250 Milliwatts to rated output.

So if you’re considering taking your home movie experience to the next level, I would highly recommend this great quality subwoofer. There’s little that can make a film as physically real as good, deep bass to get that visceral experience.

Here’s what one owner had to say about the Sony SA-W3000:

A truly deep value for money. The difference of the sound when watching movies is really dramatic, even to a new comer’s ears. I am certain that you cannot find a sub with similar specs and great reviews anywhere near this price!

Review paraphrased for size – view original here

 

BIC America F12 Review

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Ratings

Sound Quality
Ease Of Use
Price

Available on Amazon at a deeply discounted price

BIC America f12

The BIC America F12 subwoofer is an exceptional piece of equipment featuring an adjustable crossover, adjustable volume control, automatic signal sensing and high level inputs. Carrying on the legacy of the first Formula Series introduced in 1973, it offers an output capability of up to 116dB (live rock band levels) and has no equal when it comes to clarity.

One thing that makes this subwoofer stand out from many others is a patented BIC “Venturi” vent which eliminates port noise, something often heard from other subwoofers especially when playing demanding music and videos.

This subwoofer is available on Amazon at over 56% discount! Click this link to take advantage of this huge discount!

The BIC America F12 is an outstanding subwoofer for the price and whether it’s used for watching TV, BluRays or PS3 games, the difference in sound is absolutely amazing. This sub is also backed by a 5 year guarantee, which says a lot about the kind of quality you can expect from the F12.

Here are some great features of the BIC America F12:

  • Design: Front-firing 12-inch, 475-watt peak powered subwoofer
  • Frequency Response: 25Hz – 200Hz
  • Sensitivity: 90dB
  • Drivers: 12-inch injection molded woofer with heavy duty surround
  • Magnetic Shielding: Yes
  • Gold-Plated Terminals:Yes
  • Impedance: 8 ohms
  • Dimensions: 17 x 14-3/4 x 17-1/4 inches (HxWxD)

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the BIC America F12:

This subwoofer really provides the boom factor! This is definitely worth much more than the asking price. I am not a self-proclaimed audiophile, but I know what my ears enjoy and this sub really delivered for me. (Mike P.)

Review paraphrased for size – view original here