15 best home subwoofers

Over the past few decades, the acoustic technology industry has made a big technological leap forward, leading to the emergence of a new, more advanced musical equipment. The main progress was overtaken by special-purpose speakers, the main representative of which was the subwoofers. These settings are designed to reproduce rich and voluminous low frequencies (bass), the range of which varies (mostly) in the range of 20-100 Hz. In other words, subwoofers work out those signals that can not be played by standard channels, tweeters and loudspeakers.

According to the established tradition, the subwoofer segment includes many famous (and not so) companies engaged in the targeted production of acoustic systems for a wide consumer masses and special needs (concerts, studio recording). Having carefully researched the market, we selected the best subwoofers and divided them into several main categories. The following parameters were chosen as selection criteria:

• the number of positive feedback from consumers;
• opinion of reputable experts and publishers;
• nominal and peak power characteristics;
• frequency ranges;
• clarity and overall sound quality;
• compliance with the subwoofer declared characteristics;
• the ratio of build quality and cost models.

The best subwoofers with power up to 80 W: for small rooms (10 - 20 sq. M.)

4 Magnat Beta Sub 20A

The German company Magnat has not gained great popularity in Russia, but still a small portion of fans, music lovers, “scraped”. The main contribution to the popularization of the company has made the model Magnat Beta Sub 20A, which has not only the original design, but also good technical characteristics. The nominal power of the active subwoofer is a decent 70 watts, while the sound quality of the model is capable of competing with much more professional settings. Reproducible frequencies also fluctuate at an acceptable level - within 25–200 Hz, which is a good result in terms of “low-power” systems. As for the design, the pretentiousness of the “box” is added by awkward, but catchy legs, which, over time, just stop paying attention. If it were not for the excessively high price, Magnat Beta Sub 20A could easily claim leadership in the category, but so far it has been awarded only a nomination.

3 Jamo S 808 SUB

A good active subwoofer, the main advantages of which are reliable performance and the duration of smooth operation. Experienced owners Jamo S 808 SUB note that the installation is able to work for 10-12 years, so great is the margin of safety for each structural element. The rated power of the subwoofer is 50 watts, which is enough to complete any home speaker system. Peak power varies in the range of 100 W; however, when operating in this mode, the speaker acquires characteristic rales for a long time and sits down a little. The body of the subwoofer is made of a thick sheet of MDF, which prevents the ingress of dust and moisture inside. From the point of view of quality parameters, the Jamo S 808 SUB seems to be one of the best weak subs, but the price parameter unwittingly turns potential buyers away from it.

2 Yamaha YST-SW012

Another Japanese subwoofer Yamaha YST-SW012 is located on the second place in the ranking of the best devices with power up to 80 watts. This is the most common budget floor speaker system, with a small set and an acceptable cost. The subwoofer is active, that is, the amplifier is already built into it, and you don’t need to buy it. Due to the phase inverter version, the device is sensitive to frequencies of the entire operating range - from 28 to 200 Hz. A rated power of 50 watts is enough to create good sound in a small room.

The model does not have a large number of adjustments, but even “out of the box” sounds pretty good. The subwoofer is a small square box weighing only 8.5 kg. Due to its small size, the device can be installed almost anywhere in the room. In numerous reviews, buyers point to the absence of parasitic waves, an affordable price and a pleasant bass, as the strengths of the model. The disadvantages are the lack of adjustment of the cut-off frequency and the poor RCA cable included.

1 Yamaha YST-FSW100

The first place in the ranking of the best subwoofers with a capacity of up to 80 W is occupied by the budget Japanese Yamaha YST-FSW100 model. This is a closed type device that is characterized by high quality and minimal amount of sound leaks. A subwoofer has monopolar acoustic radiation - sound propagation occurs only in the direction in which the speaker is turned. Thanks to this location of the device, you can adjust the volume and sensitivity of playback. In this case, the maximum output power of the subwoofer is 130 W - perfect for rooms up to 20 square meters. m

The device copes with frequencies up to 200 Hz, and due to the construction of the block of low frequencies does not occur. Phase adjustment is present - it is convenient when two subwoofers are coordinated.A nice addition is the magnetic protection, which will protect the emitter from sound distortion when the device is located near monitors or CRT TVs. In reviews, the advantages of the model include high sound quality and the absence of extraneous noise. The disadvantages include the inclination with the generation of standing waves.

The best subwoofers with a power of 80–150 W: for rooms with an area of ​​20–30 square meters. m

5 Pioneer S-21W

Pioneer's outdoor active subwoofer belongs to the caste of the most basic models, but it has impressive technical characteristics. The first thing that catches your eye is a greatly expanded frequency range (from 33 to 700 Hz). Together with a rated power of 100 W, these parameters give a very good combination.

As for the operation, consumers note a small fastidiousness of the Pioneer S-21W to the installation site. As part of the home theater, it gives an excellent, rich bass, but in a single performance, some nuances of playback become noticeable. Due to the lightness (installation to maintain only 6.5 kilograms) and the use of low density as a material for a chipboard case, rattles and claps are observed at the upper cut-off frequency and volume. However, most consumers are very pleased with the quality of the subwoofer, and even for such a low price.

4 Heco Victa Prime Sub 252 A

Advanced active bass-reflex type subwoofer, which deserves the attention of consumers due to its stylish design, balanced sound and enough power for a room of 25 square meters. It works in the frequency range from 22 to 200 Hz, thanks to which it picks up sound well on bottoms and works without any wheezing on upper limits. As for the reliability parameters, the entire Heco Victa Prime Sub 252 A filling is “packaged” in a case of MDF sheets, providing full protection of delicate electronics from dust and moisture. The 260-mm low-frequency radiator, in turn, has two visual versions: in the first case it rests under the membrane, and in the second it is open.

Despite all the positive moments, consumers did not fail to note the high cost of the subwoofer. Yes, it complied with additional security measures (overload protection), but this was not enough for a complementary crowd.

3 Onkyo SKW-770

The top three best subwoofers up to 150 watts closes the Onkyo SKW-770. This is the most budget device in this class, but in terms of sound quality and functionality it is not inferior to competitors. The model has an acoustic phase inverter-type design, so that it reproduces frequencies in the operating range (from 25 to 200 Hz) with the same quality. Due to its small dimensions, the subwoofer can be installed both on the floor and on the shelf, depending on the acoustic properties of the room.

The device itself is supplied (1 loudspeaker with a built-in amplifier, as the subwoofer is active) and connecting wires. The nominal power of the model is about 120 W, which allows it to be used in rooms of the order of 30 square meters. m. Thanks to the possibility of adjusting the frequency of the crossover, you can easily reconcile the sound of several speakers. A distinctive feature of the subwoofer - the presence of Standby mode, which allows the device to consume a minimum of energy while in standby mode.

2 Polk Audio PSW110

Perfectly customized bass-reflex subwoofer, showing a high class in terms of clarity and depth of the bass. It has a rather modest for the average segment power indicators (100 W in nominal) and frequency range (32-250 Hz). Well “pumps” rooms of 20-25 square meters, as reported by satisfied users.

The entire Polk Audio PSW110 filling is placed in an MDF box with dimensions of 362x368x432 millimeters. The central panel houses a standard for Polk Audio dynamic low-frequency radiator with a diameter of 254 millimeters, large and impressive with such modest indicators. Yes, and it weighs all decently - about 15.2 kilograms. As for the finish, the MDF on the PSW110 can be made both in black color and in imitation of cherry wood. In the end, despite the high cost, this model will be the ideal choice in its segment.

1 MJ Acoustics Reference 100 MKII

The best subwoofer with power up to 150 W is considered to be the device of the English manufacturer MJ Acoustics Reference 100 MKII. The model has the highest cost in TOP-3, however, it differs significantly in the set of functions and sound quality. Acoustic design of the closed type, so that the subwoofer does not "lick" the low frequencies and reproduces well the sound throughout the entire working range. Rated power is about 120 watts, which is enough for a room up to 30 square meters. m. Comes with one speaker with built-in amplifier.

Unlike competitors by rating, the subwoofer is able to reproduce ultra-low frequencies - from 13 Hz, which are inaudible to the human ear. To match the sound in two speakers, you can adjust the frequency of the crossover. As a security system, overload protection is provided, thanks to which you can not worry about the safety of the device during intensive operation. The main advantages of a subwoofer - good sound, combined with small dimensions and the presence of a convenient remote. The disadvantage is the lack of instructions in Russian.

The best subwoofers with power from 150 W: for large rooms ranging from 30 square meters. m

5 JBL LSR310S

The pioneers of acoustic technology from the JBL company once again produced a good subwoofer, the main advantage of which was high reliability and optimal price / quality ratio. When you first look at the model, there is a feeling that the wooden case is completely monolithic - the accuracy of fitting the panels to each other is so great. The filling, hidden inside, has a capacity of 200 watts, thanks to which the subwoofer is able to cover areas of about 30-45 square meters. On the back of the JBL LSR310S there are two balanced inputs for connecting studio and concert equipment.

Despite all the advantages, the cost of the model does not overload the wallets of potential buyers, which can also be included in its asset. As for the drawbacks, users point out a somewhat unfortunate location of the crossover and the presence of noise at a high reproduction volume.

4 Polk Audio PSW125

Another high-quality American subwoofer, which focused on peak performance and overall aesthetic design. To bring the model to a “lighter” shape, the manufacturers rounded the corners of the case. This made it possible to give the appearance of compactness and solidity, in which even wood decoration does not look so flawed. The Polk Audio PSW125 also shows power levels at a height - not every unit can produce 300 watts at a peak, but it’s a unit connector on the amplifier. For the emission of low frequencies in the range of 32-225 Hz corresponds to a speaker with a diameter of 304 millimeters - the optimal set to fill in quality bass rooms up to 50 squares.

Judging by the reviews of numerous users Polk Audio PSW125 fell in favor of all. Objectively, this is one of the best subwoofers in its market segment, and, of course, a worthy candidate for getting into the rating.

3 Bowers & Wilkins ASW608

The closed-type subwoofer Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 is a classic, equipped in accordance with the latest trends in acoustic technology. The filling, “packaged” in a high-quality housing made of MDF, has a solid nominal power of 200 watts. The range of reproducible frequencies, as in the case of DALI SUB E-12 F, is limited (32-140 Hz), but the very maximum literally squeezed out of it, making the sound rich, rich and voluminous.

The fact that the Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 200-mm low-frequency emitter is made of paper and Kevlar is typical for products that need to withstand high acoustic pressure. In general, from the point of view of quality, one cannot find fault with the subwoofer: both compactness, and functionality, and assembly turned out to be top notch ... and in terms of value, it completely suits consumers.

2 DALI SUB E-12 F

Another portion of the DALI survey resulted in the production of the new SUB E-12 F bass-reflex subwoofer, which absorbed high power, a limited range of reproducible frequencies, and an exorbitant love for a spectacular look. The peak power of the model is 220 W, and the nominal is only 50 W less, which provides a good volume on areas up to 40 square meters. The range of frequencies at the same time varies in rather scanty (at first glance) limits: from 28 to 190 Hz. In this regard, the manufacturers adhered to the rule of adjusting the minimum to the ideal - the sound quality, despite such low figures, exceeds all imaginable expectations.

In terms of design, DALI SUB E-12 F is distinguished by sophistication, but, however, only in one presented version. The combination of a white case with a black low-frequency transmitter that emphasizes the front panel looks advantageous in any situation. Another option that looks more stylized as a tree looks more simple, but not many people refer to its purchase.

1 Klipsch R-115SW

The leader of the ranking of the best subwoofer with a capacity of 150 watts - Klipsch R-115SW. This is one of the highest quality and technically advanced devices on the market. The active model of a phase inverter type copes with reproduction of frequencies in the working range from 18 to 125 Hz. At the same time the maximum power of 800 W provides a decent volume level. Thanks to monopolar acoustic radiation, you can easily change the direction of the sound.

To harmonize the elements of the AU, which can work together with a subwoofer, it provides the ability to adjust the frequency of the crossover and phase. A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of 2 line inputs, which are used to connect to several sound sources. For the manufacture of the case of the device uses a special MDF-panel, resistant to resonance. The advantages of a subwoofer - high-quality and powerful sound. The disadvantage is only one, and that is its value.

Top Concert Subwoofers

1 JBL PRX718XLF

JBL PRX718XLF heavy duty subwoofer is the best solution for concerts and events. The power of the device is 1500 W, which provides sound pressure up to 134 dB. The phase inverter design allows the subwoofer to capture the maximum frequency range without distortion. To adjust collaboration with other elements of the speaker system, the possibility of phase adjustment is provided.

The range of reproduced frequencies is small - only from 30 to 103 Hz, but for concerts this is quite enough. The signal amplifier is connected via a special balanced input. The diameter of the radiator is only 457 mm, and the weight of all speakers does not exceed 40 kg, which eliminates the difficulties associated with transportation and transportation. Users consider clear sound even at maximum volume, the ability to create an array and a decent build quality to review the strengths of the model. Minus one - the lack of setting the cutoff frequency.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of subwoofers for the home?
We vote!

Yamaha

MJ Acoustics

Onkyo

Velodyne

Sony

DALI

Klipsch

Bowers & wilkins

Jbl

Polk audio

Other

Total voted: 243

Vote results