The subwoofer is a critical component of a sound system. It is responsible for the low frequencies in your music, so it’s important to get one that suits both your needs and lifestyle.
The best subwoofers depend on what you’re looking for; if you want something small then there are some great options available but if space isn’t an issue then larger models will provide higher quality sound for all types of music. We’ve rounded up some of the top subwoofers in Australia to help you make the best decision!
Best for Most People: Yamaha NS-SW050 Subwoofer
This subwoofer is perfect for most people because it offers great sound quality at a reasonable price point. It has a small, compact design that doesn’t take up too much room and also provides an extended bass response.
This Yamaha subwoofer packs a huge punch for its size. It comes with all the advanced features and technologies that you would want from a high-end speaker, such as Twisted Flare Port Technology which amplifies the bass to give music listening or movie watching your full attention in every note. Advanced YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology) provides high quality sound by using discrete amp circuitry in addition to this powerful 20 cm woofer unit along with other speakers on board to create deep resonance without any distortion during playback of great songs or movies alike!
Upgrade Pick: Bose Bass Module 700 Subwoofer
The Bose Bass Module 700 is the answer to all of your audio needs. It’s a wireless subwoofer that will complement any soundbar and deliver rich, resounding bass in every thrilling moment.
With its premium glass top finish, this product offers elegance you won’t find on typical home theater equipment or other subs out there today. The real beauty lies beneath the exterior though – it boasts an audiophile-grade amplifier for crisp highs and dynamic lows as well as Class D amplification so no matter where you place your speakers they’ll always be up to par!
This wireless subwoofer delivers a powerful and nuanced sound that is not only engaging but immersive. The Bose Subwoofer has the power to make you feel like you are in Jurassic Park, watching T-Rex’s crash through trees or feeling the beat of your favorite song resonate with even more intensity as it shakes every fibre of your being. This experience does not just end at low frequencies; QuietPort technology practically eliminates distortion while still providing clear audio output for an unbelievably flawlessly crisp listening experience from highs all the way down to deep lows.
Best for Small Spaces: Sony SSA-100 Subwoofer
If you’re looking for something small with incredible performance then this subwoofer is the best choice! The Sony SSA-100’s size makes it a good option if space is tight but its high performance will still deliver amazing lows in your music.
The SSA-100 also has a built-in amplifier which makes it an especially convenient option if you don’t want to buy another unit, and the compact size of this system also helps with placement options.
Best for Large Spaces: Q Acoustics Media 3020 Subwoofer
Q Acoustics is a fairly new home audio company based in the UK, and their Media 3020 Subwoofer delivers a powerful performance with well-defined lows.
If there’s one thing that can be said about this subwoofer, it is big! But don’t let its size intimidate you; not only is the sound output comparable to many other larger models but space isn’t as much of an issue because of how long it protrudes from your wall or stand.
This subwoofer is designed for larger spaces where you want to feel the sound all around you so it will be perfect in your living room or at home theater!
Best for Audiophiles: Polk Audio PSW125 Subwoofer
The Polk Audio PSW125 is a popular subwoofer amongst those who really care about their audio experience. It’s not cheap but its award-winning performance makes this product really worth the money.
The PSW125 has a really cool design with the subwoofer’s driver and amplifier being housed in a sleek enclosure that is wrapped in vinyl to create a stylish look for your home theater system.
Subwoofer Buying Guide
Here are the key things to keep in mind when choosing a subwoofer:
Passive vs Powered Subwoofers
The difference between passive and powered subwoofers is the power source. Passively powered subs are hooked up direct to an amplifier or receiver while a powered one will need its own power cord plugged into an outlet.
Passive Subwoofer Pros:
-Cost less money
-Easier to install, just plug it in! No need for extra wiring around your house
Passive Subwoofer Cons:
-Less powerful / can’t fill large spaces as well (recommended for smaller rooms)
Powered Subwoofer Pros:
-More versatility with placement options because they don’t rely on being close proximity to AC outlets like passive models
Powered Subwoofer Cons:
-Risk of blown speakers if the power goes out, or one needs to be replaced. (recommended for larger spaces)
Bottom Line: Passively powered subwoofers are ideal for smaller rooms, while powered models work best in large spaces and can provide a greater range of placement options.
RELATED: The Best Floorstanding Speakers
Subwoofer Drivers
Subwoofer drivers are what produce the deep, low frequencies. There are two types:
- Dedicated high bass drivers (usually larger in size)
- Multiple woofer cones that work together to produce a range of frequencies from very lows to higher midrange tones
Subwoofer Crossover Frequency
Crossover Frequency refers to the point (in Hz) at which the bass from your main speakers will stop and start.
– The higher you set a subwoofer’s crossover frequency, the better it blends with your other speakers .
However, if you don’t want to hear any sound above 100Hz then lower this setting so that all frequencies below 100Hz are directed toward the dedicated high bass driver instead of both drivers on one speaker.
Front-Firing vs. Down-Firing Subwoofers
The difference between those two types of subwoofers is that:
– Downfiring speakers are placed on the floor or in a box and point downward.
– Front firing speakers, meanwhile, have their woofer facing straight upwards so that sound waves blast back towards your ears instead of away from them.
This means you can place downfiring subs closer to walls than front firing ones without losing any bass performance because they will bounce off something other than just air before they reach your ear.
Deciding which type to buy comes down mostly to personal preference but it’s worth noting that there has been evidence suggesting down-facing drivers produce more output as well as better low frequency response.
Room size and Placement
It is important to consider what you intend to use the sub woofer for.
If possible, try them out before buying so that you know what sound signature they have (e.g., “warm” or “bright”).
Take into consideration where on the ground your speaker is going to be placed as this can make a difference in how much bass reaches your ears, meaning placement should also depend on whether down-firing or front firing speakers are being used.
Connecting Subwoofer To An Audio System – Digital vs Analog Connection:
If an analog connection is preferred then all cables must be connected via RCA jacks; if digital is preferred then either coaxial cable or Stereo Mini Jacks will be suitable.
If you are using a receiver to power your whole home entertainment setup, then it is better to use the digital connection as this will not distort audio and give cleaner sound.
if there is any interference or noise in the signal, then an analog cable may still be more reliable than a digital one.
There are other ways that we can get our hands on subwoofers such as renting them for special events like weddings where they would typically be used at live music venues with state of the art equipment connected directly into their powerful boxes (not many people have these). There are also portable options available which offer less bass but more mobility so if you want something that’s easy to take around just make sure it has its own power supply.
Wrap Up
In summary, subwoofers are an important part of the sound system as they can help to balance out frequencies in the room and give a better experience for listeners.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with more information on what these devices do and how we might choose one over another.
Subwoofer FAQ
What are the hardest hitting subs?
The hardest hitting subs are typically found in the DJ and live music realms. These types of systems would normally be used where there is state-of-the-art equipment installed directly into their powerful boxes, meaning that few people have these at home (unless you’re a tech geek). Portable options exist which offer less bass but more mobility; simply make sure it has its own power supply.
What’s the difference between sealed and ported subwoofers?
Ported subwoofer enclosures can boost low frequencies by being able to use air as part of the sound wave transmission whereas sealed enclosures cannot. It really depends on your personal preference for what kind of design sounds best in your room though so don’t let this decision just come down to this distinction.
What are the best home subwoofer brands?
Pioneer has been a leader in sound for over 60 years and offers the highest quality subwoofers on the market. Yamaha is another long-standing brand with a good reputation, as are Sony (another household name).
What’s better: active or passive subwoofer systems?
Passive subs depend on an amp to run so they can only be used where there isn’t state-of-the-art equipment installed directly into their powerful boxes; these will usually have less bass but more mobility. Active subs contain amps that plug straight into your power supply meaning you’ll need less extra equipment cluttering up your living room space.
What hits harder 2ohm or 4ohm?
The ohm of a subwoofer refers to the electrical resistance of the speaker and is often displayed on a sticker somewhere on the unit. A lower ohm rating means that it will need more power to get up an audible volume which most likely equates with better performance, but you’ll also be able to only use one amp per four subs rather than just one for two.
