Ranking the best subwoofers for the home in 2022

A subwoofer is an addition to an audio system that is responsible for transmitting low frequencies. And the best option for home use, and in rooms of any size.

Kinds

Depending on the type of signal processing, subs are divided into two main groups:

• Active - with a built-in amplifier, can be integrated into any audio system. Easy to connect and set up. During playback, the audio signal is processed.Such subs are a good option for home theater, gamers will also appreciate them.
• Passive - the signal is not processed, so the device is able to transmit the smallest nuances of sound. No wonder they are appreciated by music lovers. Of the minuses - complicated setup, decent price. The cost of subs for home theaters starts at 80,000 rubles. Premium-class equipment for stereo systems will cost 300,000 - 400,000 rubles.

By design, subwoofers are bass-reflex (with a built-in bell through which sound passes and a speaker) and the “closed box” type. The first have a high efficiency, are able to produce a clear, without extraneous noise, sound at low frequencies. The second is a sealed box with a speaker. The location of the speakers is usually on one of the end walls. Bass reflex speakers can be built into the bottom of the case.

How to choose

Here are some simple tips to help you make your choice:

It is better not to take bass-reflex subwoofers with a speaker located on the back wall for rooms less than 12 squares. You won't be able to hear anything but thumping. For small rooms, bass-reflex models with a speaker on the outer wall, or even without it, are suitable.

Frame

Pay attention to the body material - the higher its sound absorption, the less resonance. If you don’t want to hear rattles, rattles, take subs in a case made of wood, MDF. Plastic muffle sounds an order of magnitude worse, so at high frequencies they can produce extraneous sounds.

Technical specifications

Manufacturers usually list the peak and rated power of the device, referred to as PMPO and RMS.So, you can not look at the first figures at all - each brand has its own measurement methods, which are not the fact that they will coincide with reality. And when choosing the optimal rated power, you can use a simple rule - 5 W per 1 square meter of the room in which you plan to install the device.

If you take a subwoofer for a home theater, you need its performance to be at least 2 times higher than that of audio speakers. That is, if a value is indicated on the column, say, 60 W, the subwoofer needs a minimum of 120 W.

Now about the speakers - the rule "the more the better" is partly true. At least when it comes to choosing a device for large rooms. But it is only worth considering that the larger the diameter of the speaker, the more the sound will be distorted. Therefore, in addition to the actual size, it is worth considering other parameters - the range of reproducible frequencies, power, adjustment options. If we talk about the number of speakers, then most models have only one. Manufacturers build two speakers into the case to increase power while maintaining the dimensions of the case. There are, of course, more subwoofers with one speaker.

Prices and reviews

By the way, about the prices - in the case of subwoofers, more expensive does not mean better. Sometimes budget models give a more balanced clear sound, while expensive ones can only boast of a corporate logo on the case.

Separately, about the reviews - in the case of choosing a subwoofer, you should not rely only on them. It happens that the ratings from different users for the same model are completely opposite. From enthusiastic to strongly negative.The fact is that the sound quality can be affected by incorrect settings, and an unsuccessfully chosen installation location, and even the layout of the room.

In a small room, the sound will resonate from any surfaces - overtones, rattling in this case has nothing to do with the parameters of the device itself. At the same time, the same model in a room with a larger area and less furniture will give out decent bass.

So, by and large, you will have to choose your ideal option by trial and error.

How to install

As for connection, settings - all this information can be found in the user manual for each specific model. But where to put the device to eliminate unnecessary noise, the question is.

Many advise putting the subwoofer in a corner - on the one hand, this is true. Bass and the truth will be more powerful, louder. On the other hand, in small rooms, with a lot of furniture, these same basses turn into an indistinct annoying rumble.

This is because sound waves, although they cannot be seen, are still a real, quite a physical object, which is affected not only by the position of the subwoofer, but also by the quantity and arrangement of furniture in the room.

Soft, for example, absorbs sounds well and serves as a kind of bass trap. In the same way, no matter how strange it may sound, open wardrobes with clothes work.

But glass surfaces, on the contrary, resonate, that is, extraneous overtones are provided.
Therefore, more often the optimal installation position of the device has to be sought empirically. The only thing you definitely don’t need to do is to put the device in the center of the room. You won't hear any bass for sure.

About settings

The not very clear term “Cutoff control” is the frequency setting for optimal sound.If the adjustment is incorrect, the sound from the subwoofer will sound separately, the sound of the stereo system will sound separately. That is, in the end you get something like arguing among themselves basses. An example setup looks like this:

• for high bass and soft sound - 160 Hz;
• for medium - no more than 80 Hz;
• for low ones - no more than 40 Hz.

If you got a model without the possibility of adjustment, it is better to set the maximum frequency in the range of 160–200 Hz. Level or volume settings - with the classic level and volume keys.

Phase adjustment - this parameter is needed to adjust the sound of the subwoofer in sync with the speaker system. You can do this either by ear, or if you want to get an almost perfect sound using a sound level meter.

Before buying, you should pay attention to the customization options. It often happens that even on expensive models you can adjust either only the phase or the cut, which is not very convenient.

Where to buy

There is not much difference here - the difference in prices, both on marketplaces and in offline stores, is small. The range is about the same. If you are going to order in online stores, read the reviews about the seller, or rather the delivery time and the quality of the packaging - a sub, a fragile thing. It is clear that in most cases, damaged goods can be returned without problems, but why such difficulties.

Tip: The selection has dwindled considerably in the last couple of months. Therefore, if you want to find a worthwhile model with detailed specifications, reviews, look for subs either in large electronics retailers or specialized stores.

Top Brands

Fane

Founded in 1958 in England. In the early 1960s, the company began producing powerful acoustic systems; twenty years later, Fane's production share in the English market was more than 75%.

Now the company produces professional acoustics using modern technologies. Distinctive features - perfect sound, attractive design. Another plus is that the assembly is carried out at factories in England.

Cambridge Audio

Another English brand that produces acoustics for home theaters. The company employs 20 development engineers who are truly passionate about Hi-Fi systems.

Actually, this is noticeable in the high quality of playback. Plus perfect assembly and great design.

Edifier

Chinese giant headquartered in Canada and Beijing. Annually produces over 8 million multimedia acoustic systems.

From 2008 to 2015 (according to Wikipedia) he won awards at prestigious international competitions.

Ranking the best subwoofers for the home in 2022

Active

Edifier T5

With an eight-inch speaker, a bass-reflex port that delivers rich bass, in an MDF cabinet. A good option for those who do not need a very loud sound - the power of 70 watts is still not enough.
The basses are transmitted well - for example, a guitar or the same double bass are recognizable by ear, the sound does not turn into a uniform rumble. Among the shortcomings - the model is capricious, even experienced users take a couple of days to set it up. Plus, the subwoofer is sensitive, it can transmit echoes if installed incorrectly - it is better to find a place for it away from any glass cabinets, shelving.

Price - 16,000 rubles, country of origin - China.

• price-sound ratio;
• compact size;
• good sound.

• a marriage comes across - a case with backlashes, which give characteristic interference when the volume is increased, so it is quite possible that the new device will have to be glued;
• complicated setup - turn it on and listen, it's definitely not about him.

Cambridge Audio Minx X201

A compact model from the British brand in a snow-white case, made in the form of a cube with rounded edges. It will provide a dense, expressive sound, easily fit into any interior (the design is somewhat reminiscent of smart speaker models), plus it does not take up much space, the dimensions of the case are 219x222 mm.
There are no drawbacks, judging by the reviews - the setup is simple, there are built-in cutoff frequency controls that make it easy to integrate the device into any stereo system and adjust the options for a specific room.

Price - 30200 rubles.

• design;
• scratch-resistant coating - of course, it has nothing to do with functionality, but it will retain a decent look to the device;
• cutoff frequency adjustment range - 50-200 Hz.

• no.

Yamaha NS-SW100

Universal and one of the most popular models in the ranking. Subwoofer with a bass reflex on the side wall in a classic black case. Of the features - a rounded outer panel that adds attractiveness to the device.
There are no complaints about the parameters and customization options, but it happens that a marriage comes across. Namely, +/- wires interchanged, which leads to the fact that the device can play in antiphase with integrated acoustics.

Price - 22,000 rubles.

• powerful sound;
• simple setup;
• stylish design.

• It is quite possible that you will have to remove the cover and swap the wires.

DALI SUB C-8D

Bass-reflex model on the bottom wall, with an eight-inch speaker, with a built-in D-class amplifier, in a compact package. Perfect for home theater and stereo systems.

Of the features:

• sound adjustment - volume, frequency, absolute phase switching;
• automatic inclusion;
• built-in signal limiter for overload protection.

The toy is powerful - for a room of 18-20 squares, the optimal volume is slightly above average.

Price - 34,000 rubles.

• power;
• good sound;
• many settings.

• design - somewhat reminiscent of a toaster;
• discrepancy between design and power - one of the users noted that when trying to unscrew the sound at full power, the sub literally jumped across the floor (so it’s worth thinking about how to fix it in place in advance).

AUDIO PRO Addon C-SUB

"Closed box" design, with a speaker on the front wall with a diameter of 165 mm, in an MDF case. Looks great, easily fits into any interior, does not take up much space.

Of the features:

• cutoff frequency adjustment in the range of 50-120 Hz;
• phase, signal level adjustment;
• Wi-Fi support (which, by the way, is a rarity, especially in budget models).

The power is average, at high volume it chokes. But for home theater - that's it.

Price - 16500 rubles.

• connection to a sound source via Wi-Fi - no need to tangle in endless wires;
• durable case made of sound-absorbing material;
• compact dimensions.

• there are no special ones, but for music lovers who appreciate a dense sound, it is better to look for another option.

Jamo C910

It looks like a guitar tube amplifier - it will successfully fit into both modern and classic interiors. Powerful enough to deliver an immersive movie experience and deliver low frequencies without distortion.

Peculiarities:

• cutoff frequency setting (40-200 Hz);
• built-in phase inverter;
• frontal location of the speaker;
• Removable speaker grille.

A good choice for any space. For a room of 18-20 m2, it copes with sound transmission at medium power.

Price - 42,000 rubles.

• power;
• universality;
• does not give extraneous overtones;
• suitable for integration with any acoustics.

• build quality - backlash, under-twisted self-tapping screws (does not particularly affect functionality, but for such an amount I would like neat execution).

Passive

Penaudio Cinema 12.2P

For premium home theaters. Housed in a black plywood case with a textured, matte finish that won't glare while watching a movie.
By bringing the speakers to the front panel, the sub can be installed in niches, which will help save space, plus you don’t have to tangle in wires.
In general, this model is an excellent combination of stylish design, excellent performance (in terms of assembly) and excellent sound. The effect of complete immersion is provided, the price, however, is also impressive.

Price - 264,000 rubles.

• two built-in speakers with a diameter of 300 mm;
• deep clear sound
• several installation options - floor, wall placement.

• no.

TURBOSOUND

Model with an eighteen-inch speaker, in a case covered with black fabric with a recess on the top panel for installing a satellite.

Peculiarities:

• can work in parallel with several subwoofers due to two connectors for signal transmission;
• power 600 W;
• 3 year manufacturer's warranty.

Versatile, high power model designed to integrate with Performer loudspeakers. But it also complements more budget-friendly options.

It is proposed to check the price, as well as availability, with managers, but on average, such a model costs from 140,000 rubles.

• design;
• relatively compact size, plus built-in handles for easy carrying;
• technical specifications.

• no.

The rating is based on feedback from real users. You can find models from the top in specialized online stores.