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Why a Subwoofer Matters
The bass or low frequency range is the foundation of all music and without it, nothing really sounds correct. For movies and bass-heavy music, the built-in woofer found in a bookshelf or tower speaker may not be able to reproduce all of the lowest frequencies. To provide more sonic impact (both hearing and feeling), you need a subwoofer which is a specific type of speaker that handles only the lowest frequencies that other speakers can’t reproduce.
Whilst the human ear only perceives sound down to about 20 Hz, sounds in nature can extend below that and a subwoofer that can extend below the reach of human hearing (infrasonic) can create a more impactful bass experience that you can not just hear but feel in your core. Since low bass is mostly non-directional, a subwoofer can typically be added to any audio system – two-channel or multi-channel – even when space is at a premium. Subwoofers can usually be placed where they don’t draw too much attention visually, but still have a huge sonic impact.
When adding a subwoofer to a speaker system, you typically adjust the crossover settings in your receiver or preamp to direct the lowest frequency sounds to the subwoofer. This can “lighten the load” on the main power amplifier or receiver allowing those amplifiers to power the rest of the speakers more efficiently. This can lead to secondary improvements to the sound including increased dynamic range.
Subwoofer Types
Passive
A passive subwoofer needs to be powered by an external amplifier. The external amplifier may be part of an amplifier that powers the rest of the speakers or more typically, an external subwoofer amplifier that is placed between a preamp or home theater receiver (via a subwoofer output) and the speaker terminals of a passive subwoofer.
Powered
Powered subwoofers incorporate both the subwoofer speaker driver and an amplifier inside the same enclosure. For the powered subwoofer to work, in addition to AC power, a line output (sub out or LFE out) from a home theater receiver needs to connect to the subwoofer. Most subwoofers used in home theater setups are powered.
In addition to how power and audio signals get to a subwoofer, there are other features that the subwoofer has that contribute to its bass role. Before you invest in a subwoofer, it would be prudent to read our primer on how they work, placement, and the things to look out for when selecting one.
Subwoofers might sound like the ideal addition to any loudspeaker system, but it’s important to read as much as you can about the wide range of models that currently exist because some of them will not work properly in your specific room.
You can find our extensive coverage here including reviews of new models and what’s coming in 2025 based on what was introduced at CEDIA 2024.
Best Subwoofer Under $300
RSL Speedwoofer 10E ($299)
The RSL Speedwoofer 10E powered subwoofer is the slightly modified version of the already affordable Speedwoofer 10S MKII ($449). Although both share the same dimensions and same size 10-inch woofer, RSL was able to shave $150 off the price by limiting connectivity options and implementing a slightly less powerful 300-watt amplifier.
RSL says the “E” in the model name is for “Everyone” and we don’t disagree. Any pair of speakers or home theater system will sound better with a 10E accompanying it. What impressed us was how easily 10E blends with speakers, while never sounding bloated or boomy.
It simply does what a good subwoofer is supposed to do — disappear. Of course, you’ll notice extra low-end definition and texture with music, while movie explosions have rather robust impact and speed; which proved surprising at its price point.
As much as we love the 10E, its low price does come with trade-offs. It’s not a subwoofer that will shake a room, but that can actually be a good thing for those with nearby neighbors you don’t want to annoy. And whilst there are certainly subwoofers that play lower and louder, the 10E excels in the frequency range it was designed for — down to 26 Hz.
It works especially well with music, and if you’re a music-first audiophile who has sworn off subwoofers, we highly recommend you give the 10E a try. At only $299, it may very well be the best audio accessory you can buy.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Quick, impactful bass
- Disappears in a room
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Not the last word in extension
- Doesn’t shake a room
Where to buy:
Best Subwoofer Under $1,000
SVS 3000 Micro ($899)
The under $1,000 subwoofer price range is a crowded category with a lot we like, including the SVS SB-1000 Pro ($599), RSL Speedwoofer 12S ($799) and 10S MKII ($449). However, the trade-off in this segment is size versus performance. Even though physics would suggest to buy the biggest subwoofer you can afford, not everyone has the space or desire to have a large box dominate a room. So when something small performs like a big subwoofer we take notice.
That’s why we think the SVS 3000 Micro is the right subwoofer for most people. Its small size defies expectations outputting enormous amounts of bass whilst still being easy to place and conceal in a room. Our podcast producer/bassist, Mitch Anderson has been raving about it ever since he paired it with SVS Ultra Evolution Towers. He’s incredibly impressed with its deep bass output, and says it sounds unbelievably huge and is built rock solid. Even more surprising, the 3000 Micro replaced dual 18-inch subwoofers that are now collecting dust in his garage. With 800-watts RMS powering dual 8-inch drivers, the SVS 3000 Micro is the compact subwoofer to beat.
Pros:
- Enormous output for its compact size
- Rock solid build quality
- Easy to place
- App included for tuning
Cons
- Glossy finish can attract dust and fingerprints
- Slight trade-off in price/performance for small size
Where to buy:
Best Subwoofer Under $3,000
SVS SB17 & PB17 Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499 / $2,999)
Previewed at CEDIA 2024 and shown again at this year’s Capital Audiofest, the new flagship subwoofers from SVS feature a brand new dual-voice coil 17-inch driver and dual power amplifiers with built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and fully regulated power supplies. Total rated power per sub is 2800 Watts RMS with 6000+ Watts of peak power. The new models are the SB17 Ultra R|Evolution subwoofer ($2,499) for the sealed version and the PB17 Ultra R|Evolution subwoofer ($2,999) for the larger ported version.
Both subs can be classified as “infrasonic” as the sealed version can extend to 15 Hz while the ported version reaches all the way down to 12 Hz. In our listening sessions, we found that the bass was not just extended but tuneful and precise. Stereo music tracks and immersive Dolby Atmos movie clips took on a new dimension of realism and impact with a pair of the 17-inch subs paired with SVS flagship Ultra Evolution loudspeakers in a 5.2.2 channel home theater set up as well as in a 2.1-channel stereo configuration.
We’d recommend these for larger listening rooms and home theaters as their physical size and output could be a bit overpowering in smaller spaces. Dimensions of the SB17 are 20″ (H) x 19.5″ (W) x 21.2″ (D) and it weighs 124 pounds. The PB17 is even larger at 25” (H) x 21.7” (W) x 29.3” (D), weighting in at 165 pounds.
Why Choose One Over the Other?
The SB17 and PB17 are quite similar, thanks to identical drivers, amplification and DSP technology, however the larger ported cabinet of the PB17 means it it able to extend slightly lower into the sub-bass region (12 Hz vs. 15 Hz) and reach slightly higher SPL levels, providing a more impactful and cinematic sound. The smaller sealed enclosure of the SB17 means it isn’t able to reach the highest SPL levels, but its sealed enclosure leads to a slightly more defined overall bass response. If you’re outfitting a large home theater space, the PB17 may be the best choice, but if you want a smaller, less expensive option which works equally well for music and movies, then the SB17 is a great option.
Configuration of the various parameters and settings of each sub can be accomplished via the SVS app, available for Android and iOS. The company promises an “Auto EQ” room correction feature to be delivered via a free software update in the near future. Until then, of course, you can use 3rd party room correction such as DIRAC Live to correct for any placement or room anomalies.
Pros:
- Crazy amount of power
- Bass you can feel in your core
- Articulate low frequency response equally suited to music and home theater implementations
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Very large and heavy (particularly ported version)
- Not suited for smaller listening rooms
Where to Buy:
Best Cost No-Object Subwoofer
JBL Synthesis SSW-1 / MA4 ($11,750)
The JBL Synthesis SSW-1 passive subwoofer won’t win any beauty contests, but its low frequency extension and sheer power take bass to a level of realism we didn’t think was possible. What impressed us the most was its clarity at every octave, and how much you can feel at every change in frequency. It has both punch-in-gut excitement, and finesse to handle any note thrown at it.
The JBL SSW-1 with a professional-grade MA4 amplifier delivers 5,200 watts (8 ohm) or 8,400 watts (4 ohms) in bridged mode. It’s hard to imagine how it can be made better — other than perhaps using more than one. In fact, that’s how we heard it used in JBL Synthesis home theater systems at CEDIA Expo 2024 and Harman’s headquarters in Northridge, California.
The demo that literally took us over the edge was the train derailment scene from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. As train cars dangle over a broken bridge, Ethan Hunt has to rescue Grace and climb out before it plunges hundreds of feet. With each harrowing creak and crack, the SSW-1 will put you on the edge of your seat as unexpected obstacles impede their escape. Simply stunning detail, accuracy, and heart-pounding excitement.
Pros:
- Massive power
- Articulate deep bass you can feel
- Mindblowing subterranean bass
Cons:
- Extra-large size and weight not easy to move/place
- Not decor friendly
- Must bolt down anything that can rattle
Where to buy:
- SSW-1 – $8,250 at Audio Advice
- MA4-D – $3,500 at Audio Advice
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Catherine Lugg
January 2, 2025 at 10:23 pm
I am a HUGE fan of the SVS 3000 Micro Sub. I have 2 of them each in its own system. It gets the job done, and is NOT impossibly heavy for someone who lives in the “bad back” club. Given its relatively low costs, high functionality, and “low-ish” weight, it’s been a happy addition to my systems.