Introduction to Subwoofers: 

Subwoofers are ubiquitous, whether you're in a car or in a movie theater. You've undoubtedly noticed their presence—or their absence. A good subwoofer adds to any audio setup. But what exactly is a subwoofer?

A subwoofer, often called a "sub," is an easy way to boost the sound quality of any speaker system. It extends the range of your speakers by delivering low-frequency sounds that smaller speakers can't produce, providing that deep, powerful bass you may be looking for (Hip-Hop lovers we're talking to you.)

While some media might not have much low bass, genres like rock, hip-hop, jazz, classical, and electronic music may rely on low-frequency sounds. That's where a subwoofer comes in to give you a much more fulfilling listening experience.

When it comes to Home Theaters, subwoofers are dedicated to a specific audio channel that handles effects such as explosions, gunshots, and rumbles. Most A.V. Receivers also have settings to direct all low-frequency sounds to the subwoofer, allowing the rest of the speakers to perform louder and with less distortion.

So how do you pick the right Subwoofer?

In a hurry? Here our our Subwoofer picks for 2024 :

Cambridge Audio Minx X201

Best Subwoofer for Small Spaces

SVS PB 2000 Pro

Best Subwoofer for Large Spaces

SVS SB 1000 Pro

Best Value for Money Active Subwoofer

Sonos Sub (Gen 3)

Best Wireless Subwoofer

SVS SB16 Ultra

Best Overall Subwoofer

KEF KC62

Best  Compact Subwoofer

Edifier T5

Best Budget Subwoofer

Polk Audio HTS 10

Best Sleeper Subwoofer

REL Acoustics T/7X

Best Musical Subwoofer

Size

Generally, larger subwoofers produce deeper bass, which is measured by the frequency response in Hertz (Hz). However, bigger isn't always better. The subwoofer should complement the rest of your speaker system to create a cohesive audio experience.

• For a smaller space/system : If you're  working with compact satellite or bookshelf speakers, an 8" or 10" subwoofer will suit them well.
• For larger systems: If your setup includes large floor-standing speakers and a chunky center channel speaker, a 12" subwoofer is a better fit. Using a smaller subwoofer with floor-standing speakers can result in underwhelming bass, creating a bottleneck in your audio system.

Sealed vs Ported Subwoofers

• Sealed Subwoofers: These subwoofers offer tight, controlled sound reproduction. They are ideal for music genres that require precision and accuracy, such as jazz, classical, and acoustic recordings. Sealed subwoofers are also suitable for movies where nuanced bass response is crucial for dialogue clarity and subtle effects.
• Ported Subwoofers: Ported subwoofers are designed to produce louder volumes and deeper bass extension. They are well-suited for genres like rock, hip-hop, and action movies where you want dynamic, impactful bass. Ported subwoofers excel in delivering the visceral impact of explosions, gunfire, and other intense sound effects.

Connectivity Options 

If your system lacks a receiver or soundbar with a wired output, you still have options. Some TVs come with a subwoofer output, although this is uncommon. Most TVs have an audio output, but using it might disable the TV’s internal speakers. If it doesn’t, you can connect a subwoofer directly to your TV, usually with an optical-to-analog adapter for wired connections, which are typically more reliable and cost-effective.

However, regardless of your connectivity choice, we recommend upgrading from TV speakers in any case to enhance your audio experience. Investing in a dedicated audio system, including a subwoofer, can significantly improve the quality of sound for movies, music, and gaming.

Wired vs Wireless

Wireless subwoofers, like the Sonos Sub (Gen 3), offer the convenience of fewer cables, but they are often more expensive and may only work within their own ecosystem. Wired subwoofers, connected via RCA cables, will ultimately offer better sound quality and are more economical.

Power Output

The subwoofer’s power is a critical aspect. Majority of the subwoofers you see are active, meaning they have built-in amplifiers. Power is measured in watts, with two types listed: RMS (Root Mean Square) and Peak. Focus on RMS wattage, which indicates continuous power output. Higher wattage generally means better performance with less distortion at high volumes.

A subwoofer with 150-500 watts of RMS power is typically sufficient for most users, balancing performance and affordability.

How many Subwoofers?

The size of your room is one of the primary factors influencing the number of subwoofers you need. Larger rooms may benefit from additional subwoofers to fill the space with sound, ensuring an even bass distribution. Conversely, a smaller room might only require a single subwoofer to achieve the desired audio experience.

The configuration of your speakers impacts the number of subwoofers required. In a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system, one or two subwoofers usually complement the other speakers well. However, in larger or more complex setups (9 channel and above), additional subwoofers may or may not be necessary to maintain balanced audio throughout the room.

While more subwoofers can enhance the audio experience, practical considerations such as space and aesthetics also come into play. Typically, one subwoofer placed out of view might be acceptable, but adding more could be challenging unless they are small and unobtrusive.

But let's not forget the real dillemma - The Wife Approval.

Usually, one subwoofer can be discreetly tucked away out of sight, keeping the peace on the home front. However, two subwoofers might be a harder sell, unless they are small and inconspicuous enough to blend into the decor. If your spouse isn’t a fan of the big, boxy look of traditional subwoofers, you might need to get creative. Consider stylish subwoofers that double as furniture or opt for those that can be hidden within existing cabinetry.

Maybe promise a romantic movie night with thunderous, immersive sound to showcase how much better the home theater experience is with that extra subwoofer.

Placement considerations

What's the best location for my subwoofer? Determining the ideal spot for your subwoofer often involves compromises, balancing between décor, available space, foot traffic, and optimal sound quality. In many homes, there might be just one feasible location for your subwoofer, especially in living or family rooms where space is shared and aesthetics are crucial. Don’t worry if this is your situation – it’s quite common. In such cases, finding the best listening spot in the room is key. As you move around the room, you'll notice variations in bass response due to the interplay of direct and reflected sound waves. Sometimes, even a small shift in position can transform the bass from overly boomy to perfectly balanced. Once you identify this 'sweet spot', make it your preferred listening position! For those with dedicated listening rooms or home theaters, chances are you have more flexibility with multiple placement options for your subwoofer. Here, you can experiment with different positions to achieve the best sound quality.

Placing One Subwoofer : 

A single subwoofer can go in either corner

When setting up a single subwoofer, the ideal position is usually on the front wall of your room, near one of the front corners. Placing the subwoofer in a corner helps to couple it better to the room, enhancing bass impact. However, placing the subwoofer a few inches away from the corner rather than flush against the walls can yield better results by balancing bass intensity and avoiding excessive peaks and dips in sound.

High-performance subwoofers often come with built-in calibration software, or you can use your home theater receiver's calibration features, such as Dirac. These help in evening out the bass response for a more balanced audio experience.

In rectangular rooms, placing the subwoofer in either front corner should work effectively, provided it’s aligned with your main speakers.

The Subwoofer Crawl

For those willing to put in a bit of extra effort, the "subwoofer crawl" is a highly effective method to find the best spot for your subwoofer. Here’s how to do it:

• Place your subwoofer in the spot where you usually sit (your main listening position), as close to normal ear height as possible.
• Play music with deep bass or use bass test tones.
• Crawl around the perimeter of your room at the same height your subwoofer would normally be off the floor.
• Listen for the spot where the bass sounds the fullest, most accurate, and balanced. Through this trial and error, you can find a spot where the bass sounds fuller and blends better with your main speakers.

For a more detailed visual explanation, check out the video from Axiom Audio linked below.

Incremental Adjustments :

If the "subwoofer crawl" seems too cumbersome, try this alternative:

• Place the subwoofer in the general location where it fits best in your room.
• Play a track with deep, varying bass frequencies.
• Move the subwoofer out of the corner along the front wall in one-foot increments, listening at each position.
• Repeat this along the sidewall, testing a few positions each about a foot apart. Dual subwoofers alleviate the strain on each unit, allowing them to work more efficiently. This results in smoother, more dynamic bass reproduction, enhancing your overall audio experience.

Through this trial and error, you can find a spot where the bass sounds fuller and blends better with your main speakers.

Now, typically, in Indian households, we like to place subwoofers in cabinets and consoles, which is a terrible idea for a multitude of reasons : Restricted Airflow, Sound Distortion, Vibration & Rattling, Muffled Bass, Calibration Challenges, Whew. 

Placing Two Subwoofers : 

With two subwoofers strategically placed in different spots in the room, you can effectively reduce the impact of standing waves. This means a more balanced bass response throughout the listening area, with fewer peaks and dips.

• Placing both subwoofers on the front wall near the corners is a classic setup that can yield impressive bass impact. This configuration is ideal for rooms where space is limited but bass performance is crucial.
• Opting for diagonal placement in opposite corners of the room addresses the room's natural resonance caused by its dimensions. This setup can help distribute bass more evenly, especially in larger spaces.  works best with receivers or subwoofers that allow for independent adjustment of each unit's distance or phase. Additionally, consider your seating arrangement; if seats are close to the back wall, front corner placement may be preferable to avoid phase alignment issues.

Corner Placement

Offset On Front Wall Placement

Diagnol Opposite Corner Placement

Placing Four Subwoofers : 

Here's the beauty of having four subs: the bass distribution becomes so seamless that the need for meticulous fine-tuning diminishes. If your A.V. Receiver has sub calibration capabilities, you're in luck. In most scenarios, the bass distribution is so even that you won't have to fuss over the intricacies of subwoofer placement, like the subwoofer crawl or fine-tuning discussed for one and two subwoofers.

In most cases, the most feasible option for placing four subwoofers is to position one in each corner of the room. 

While 4 subs may sound like the ultimate bass nirvana from a physics standpoint, it's often impractical for most room setups. However, if you manage to pull it off, you'll enjoy an incredibly even bass response that elevates your movie-watching experience to new heights.

Center Wall Placement

Corner Wall Placement

Pro Tip : Isolation

If you've got a lot of furniture, windows, balcony doors, or anything else prone to rattling, you might want to consider getting an isolation pad.

Isolation involves using materials or platforms designed to absorb vibrations and prevent them from transferring to other surfaces. By placing your subwoofer on an isolation pad, you can minimize the impact of low-frequency vibrations on your room, reducing unwanted noise and enhancing the overall listening experience. These pads decouple the subwoofer from the floor, ensuring that the bass is heard more clearly and without the disruptive side effects of rattling furniture and fixtures.

What is Room Correction?

Another emerging option with new technology is subwoofers that come with built-in room correction. These advanced subwoofers typically include a microphone and software that can analyze the frequency response at your listening position, automatically adjusting settings to improve performance. If you already have a complete theater setup and want to enhance your bass experience, upgrading to a subwoofer with effective room correction is an excellent choice. This can result in a smoother, more balanced sound system.

 However, it's important to note that while room correction software can effectively reduce a large bass peak, it cannot completely eliminate a significant bass dip caused by the room's acoustics. Simply increasing the power to address these dips can negatively affect other frequencies or even damage your subwoofer. The room's layout & acoustics will always play a significant role in the overall sound quality.