2 best high end subwoofers

High-end subwoofers are a crucial component of high-quality home audio systems, designed to deliver deep, powerful bass and enhance the overall audio experience. These subwoofers are known for their exceptional performance and precision. Here are some key features and aspects of high-end subwoofers:

  1. Build Quality: High-end subwoofers are typically constructed using premium materials and precision engineering. They often have solid, well-built cabinets designed to minimize vibrations and resonance, which can distort the sound.

  2. Driver Size: The size of the subwoofer driver (the speaker responsible for producing bass frequencies) in high-end models is usually larger, commonly ranging from 10 inches to 18 inches or even larger. Larger drivers can move more air, resulting in deeper and more impactful bass.

  3. Amplification: Many high-end subwoofers come with built-in amplifiers that are specifically matched to the driver. This ensures that the subwoofer can deliver consistent, distortion-free bass at high volumes.

  4. Power Handling: High-end subwoofers often have higher power handling capabilities, allowing them to handle more powerful amplifiers without distortion or damage.

  5. Frequency Response: These subwoofers are engineered to have an extended frequency response, reaching into the lower frequencies (sub-bass) that are typically felt rather than heard. This provides a more immersive audio experience, especially in home theaters.

  6. Adjustability: High-end subwoofers usually offer a range of controls for fine-tuning the bass output. These may include adjustable crossover frequencies, phase control, and parametric equalization, allowing you to tailor the subwoofer's performance to your room and preferences.

  7. Sealed vs. Ported: High-end subwoofers can come in both sealed and ported designs. Sealed enclosures provide tighter and more accurate bass, while ported enclosures can deliver louder and deeper bass. The choice depends on your specific audio preferences and room acoustics.

  8. Integration: Many high-end subwoofers are designed to seamlessly integrate with high-end speaker systems, ensuring a balanced and cohesive soundstage.They are often part of larger speaker systems from the same manufacturer.

  9. Brand Reputation: Well-known audio brands like SVS, JL Audio, REL Acoustics, and Bowers & Wilkins are known for producing high-end subwoofers that are highly regarded in the audiophile community.

  10. Price Range: High-end subwoofers can vary significantly in price, with some models costing several thousand dollars. The price often reflects the quality of materials, design, and performance.

  11. Room Size: Consider the size of your listening room when choosing a high-end subwoofer. Larger rooms may require more powerful subwoofers to fill the space with deep, even bass.

High-end subwoofers are prized for their ability to reproduce low-frequency sounds with precision and impact, making them a popular choice for audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts, and music lovers seeking an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best high end subwoofers on the market
  

REL Acoustics S/812 Subwoofer, Airship Wireless Compatible, Black Lacquer

REL Acoustics

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price
  • Experience home theater and music as the artist intended with the most award winning high-end subwoofer brand, REL Acoustics. The S/812 enriches high-end stereo and theater systems with deliciously sumptuous natural bass, high quality construction, and gorgeous finishes. Features high quality long throw drivers and powerful, reliable amplifiers. Makes music and cinema sound more natural with enhanced spatial resolution. Increases the soundstage depth and imaging for a truly high end experience.
  • Perfect for high-end stereo or grand home theater systems. Matches well with high-end systems. Use a single S/812 for rooms 100-400 sq. feet or a stereo pair for rooms larger than 400 sq. feet.
  • AirShip wireless compatible (Coming Soon), Front-firing 12" long-throw, Continuous CastAlloy cone structure, cast chassis and 12 in. carbon flat cone structure passive radiator with High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level single RCA, and .1/LFE RCA inputs, -6dB @ 19Hz in room frequency response.
  • No assembly required. Comes with manual, power cord, and 10M (33 feet) High Level Speakon connector
  • WARRANTY: 3 years parts and labor on new products. Covers all REL products and parts that are defective in material and workmanship. We will, at our sole option, repair or replace any defective parts free of charge. The warranty is no transferable.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the supply voltage
Answer: I went to the Dean and Tyler website (http://www.deantylerproducts.com/) and measured my dog's snout per their measuring / sizing guide. I think I first purchased a size 7 for pit bull dogs, but it seemed large, so I immediately returned it for a size 6 (which was actually smaller than they recommended). Still, it fit better than the 7,and that worked for quite awhile. Eventually, I used a hammer to lightly tap the cage in order to bend it slightly to fit my dog's sensitive areas, and that worked. I have many muzzles for my li'l guy, and this one is the most comfortable / unobtrusive for him. Definitely worth the $. Oh, by the way, when I returned the size 7, the size 6 came THE NEXT DAY. nice!!!

Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer - Power Port Technology, Up to 100 Watts, Big Bass in Compact Design, Easy Setup with Home Theater Systems Black

Polk Audio

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Add deep bass excitement and extended dynamic thrills to your music or movie sound system with the easy-to-connect and easy-to-use PSW 10. Its 10" Dynamic Balance composite cone driver and non-resonant enclosure produces deep, smooth response with superior detail and accuracy, while limiting distortion. The sub is powered by a high-current amplifier producing 50 Watts RMS/100 Watts dynamic power. A rotary volume control adjusts the volume of the subwoofer relative to the other speakers in the system and the unit offers a continuously variable low-pass filter, adjustable from 80-160 Hz. Easily accessible, professional-grade line- and speaker-level inputs, and speaker level outputs, allow easy connection to any system.

  • POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA BASS & PUNCH – A 10-inch Dynamic Balance woofer & a uniquely configured directed port provides accurate bass with added depth that brings your music and movies alive. A perfect solution for your small-to-mid size room
  • LOUDER CLEARER SOUND EVEN AT HIGH VOLUME – Enjoy a thrilling yet balanced music experience with rich, deep sound, even at low frequencies. BLENDS EASILY WITH ANY SPEAKER and plays the most demanding nodes effortlessly without any distortion
  • Double the amplifier power to 100 watts of dynamic power with its in-built 50-watt rms amp. Sophisticated engineering with best in class resonance-free driver materials make this sub highly durable and fit for extended use
  • EASY TO INTEGRATE WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS – Hook up this sub to the receiver and upgrade your music sound instantly. Features continuously variable 80-160 Hz crossover and 40-160 Hz (-3dB) frequency response
  • A sleek detachable grille on the front, speaker and line-level inputs as well as speaker-level outputs on the back, and a Phase Toggle Switch for multiple subwoofers, make this sub cohesive and complete

User questions & answers

Question: What in your opinion is the best power setting for normal use, "on" or "auto" for this unit
Answer: I would say depends if you use the item everyday/constantly as your sound for your surround. Or if you use surround/theater occasionally. If the latter I would use `on/off` , if you use it often or primarily the auto would be the way to go in my opinion. Plus is the sub easy to get to? Auto is great if its behind furniture or out of reach,etc.
Question: Does this speaker have a volume control? Thanks
Answer: Just to clarify something a previous reviewer stated: "Note: If you are using a Sub out/LFE connection from your receiver turn the Low Pass all the way up. " This does not apply to receivers with which you can specify the low-pass cutover frequency. For example, my modest Onkyo receiver has cutover settings of 80/100/120 HZ for the LFE/Sub output. If you have this option, you should consult your main speaker's manual for suggested low-pass settings or simply tune them by ear. For my setup, 120 HZ was both the recommended and best-sounding cutover frequency. 160 HZ was a little muddy :)
Question: Can this sub be added to a Vizio 2.0 sound bar, for small to medium-sized HDTV's? If not, what should I get? For TV/Games/Music
Answer: Like John, I too have a Vizio 2.0 sound bar and this pairs very well. I have a small theater room (10 x 20) and this one 10" fills the room. This sub is the best bang for the buck you can get.
Question: Do I need a Y-adpater? A sound tech told me one sub wire would do the trick and just plug it into the L and ignore the R. Is this true
Answer: Initially, used a one wire connection. Sounded OK, but .... Got a "Y" connector, attached at the rear of the amp, ran L & R wires to the PSW10: sounds amazing now and very adjustable. Need to get the PSW12 to get a one wire connection. Am very satisfied with this sub and would recommend it. Used in a 12' X 20' room, front/back/center and now the sub. Tom

Product features

Single 10" Subwoofer

  • PSW enclosures are designed and engineered for perfect volume, minutely tuned for distortion-free low frequencies, and internally braced and damped to eliminate internal standing waves and other performance-robbing resonances.
  • This unique configuration uses a specially tuned and directed port to more efficiently produce maximum bass impact.

100 Watts

Unique design keeps your subwoofer stable and steady even at radical volume levels, for more efficient use of power. No more "escaped washing machine" syndrome.

Laser-Based Klippel Measurement Technology

Our state-of-the-art Klippel distortion analyzer optimizes the woofer's motor structure, voice coil alignment and suspension for smooth, unimpeded movement over a broad spectrum of the lower frequencies to ensure the best, most efficient performance even at extreme listening levels.

Resonance-Free Dynamic Balance Driver Materials

PSW Series subwoofers outperform the competition with durable, resonance-free Dynamic Balance driver materials that stay stiff and move fast. You experience deep, musical low frequencies and thrilling effects with superior system blending.

Easy Connection to Any System

Inputs

  • Audio Inputs: Stereo Line Level - RCA, Pair (L/R) Analog RCA.
  • Speaker Inputs: Pair of Spring Terminals.

Outputs:

  • Audio Outputs & Speaker Outputs.
  • Pair of Spring Terminals.

Unique Design Keeps Your Subwoofer Stable

Unique design keeps your subwoofer stable and steady even at radical volume levels, for more efficient use of power. No more 'escaped washing machine' syndrome.

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