Are you planning to build the ultimate home theater system? If so, you’ll want to pay special attention to the subwoofer. A good one can take your audio experience to the next level. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the show, movie, or game. A subwoofer delivers the richest, deepest tones and helps complete the audio picture. But with so many models on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. After years of research and testing, I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for quality bass, The Best Powered Subwoofers for Home Use.
What are the Top Powered Subwoofers In The Market?
- BIC America F12
- Cambridge Audio Minx X201
- ELAC Debut 2.0 SUN3010
- Klipsch Sun-12HG Synergy Series
- Polk Audio PSW10
- SONOS Sub
- SVS PB16-Ultra
- Theater Solutions SUB8S
In this article, I will break down why each of these powered subwoofers is worth considering for your home theater system. From technical specifications to advantages and disadvantages, I aim to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and find the right subwoofer for your needs. Let’s dive in and explore the features and benefits of each option so you can choose the perfect one for you.
The Best Powered Subwoofers for Your Home Theater System
A subwoofer is a special speaker that plays low-pitch and deep audio frequencies, also known as bass. A powered subwoofer, also known as an active subwoofer, has a built-in amplifier. This means it reduces the power needed from your external A/V receiver, making it the most popular option. Passive subwoofers, on the other hand, do not have a built-in amplifier and rely on power from your A/V receiver.
Now, let’s explore the top 8 powered subwoofers available for use with your home theater system. These speakers will enhance your audio experience and take your home entertainment to the next level.
1. BIC America F12 : Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re a new home theater enthusiast looking for a low-cost option, the BIC America F12 on Amazon is a great choice. This subwoofer is compatible with both Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS inputs, giving you complete control over your volume and crossover frequency. It also features an automatic signal sensing technology that ensures quality sound no matter what input media you’re using. This subwoofer is perfect for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on sound quality.
BIC America F12: Details
- 12-inch front-firing woofer
- 150-watt RMS amplifier with a peak of 475-watts
- 25 to 200 Hz frequency response
- 14-3/4-inch wide, 17-inch high, 17-1/4-inch deep
- Typically sells for under $250
Pros And Cons: BIC America F12 :
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Firstly, For its cost, the BIC America F12 offers exceptional sound quality. – Secondly, It is easy to connect to a receiver, making setup and control simple, making it ideal for those new to integrating subwoofers into their sound system. | – Firstly, Some users may find the overall aesthetics of the BIC America F12 rather plain or uninteresting. – Secondly, This model is a bit underpowered when compared to other subwoofers on the market. |
To cut to the chase
The BIC America F12 is a cost-effective option for those who are looking to start building a home theater system without breaking the bank.
2. Cambridge Audio Minx X201 : Best Option for Small Spaces
Don’t let its small size fool you, the Cambridge Audio Minx X201 on Amazon is a powerful little subwoofer. Despite being the smallest on this list, it produces clear and booming bass.
Cambridge Audio didn’t skimp on features either. The Minx X201 allows users to fully customize the sound through the rear panel. You can adjust the phase, crossover and other settings as needed. Its compact design makes it perfect for those with limited space but still want to enjoy high-quality sound.
Cambridge Audio Minx X201: Details
- 6-1/2-inch front firing woofer
- 6-1/2-inch dual side firing passive radiators
- 200-watt RMS amplifier with a peak of 400-watts
- 36 to 200 Hz frequency response
- 8-1/4-inch wide, 8-5/8-inch high, 10-1/16-inch deep
- Available in black or white
- Typically sells for under $400
Pros And Cons: Cambridge Audio Minx X201
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Firstly, The Cambridge Audio Minx X201 is small enough to fit even the most compact spaces. – Secondly, Despite its tiny size, this subwoofer provides clear and powerful bass. – Additionally, It is available in both black and white color options to match any decor. – Lastly, The complete rear panel control allows for easy adjustments of gain, phase, and crossover frequency. | – Not ideal for medium to large rooms. |
To cut to the chase
The Cambridge Audio Minx X201 is an ideal choice for small home theaters or compact spaces, thanks to its small size and powerful sound capabilities.
3. ELAC Debut 2.0 SUN3010 : Best Overall Option
The ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 on Amazon was designed to deliver powerful sound that typically comes from larger subwoofers. It features a 10-inch front firing woofer and a 10-inch down firing passive radiator, which work together to produce great sound. One of the key features of this subwoofer is that it can be paired and controlled from your phone or tablet.
Many subwoofers require you to change settings from the back of the device. This can be inconvenient, especially when you have to adjust the sound during a dynamic movie. However, with the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010, you can control all of its functions through your phone, including output levels and equalization, making it much easier to adjust the sound to your liking. This feature makes it ideal for those who want to have full control over their subwoofer without having to physically access it.
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUN3010: Details
- 10-inch high excursion, front-firing woofer
- 10-inch down firing passive radiator
- 200-watt BASH amplifier with a peak of 400-watts
- 28 to 150 Hz frequency response
- 13-15/16-inch wide, 14-11/16-inch high, 15-1/16-inch deep
- Bluetooth 4.0 control from your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet
- Typically sells for under $500
Pros And Cons: ELAC Debut 2.0 SUN3010
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Despite its small size, the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 produces powerful sound thanks to its woofer and passive radiator design. – Furthermore, it allows you to control the subwoofer with your smartphone or tablet, giving you the flexibility to adjust the settings from anywhere at any time. | – May sound a bit muddy when played at extremely high levels. |
To cut to the chase
The ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 is considered one of the best subwoofers in its class and provides great value for the price. It is a 10-inch subwoofer with great sound quality and features.
4. Klipsch Sun-12HG Synergy Series : Best Value Option
The Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series on Amazon claims to produce two of the lowest octaves audible to the human ear. It has a down-firing 12-inch woofer and rear firing port that delivers outstanding bass response with minimal distortion. Many users have found that the Klipsch Sub-12HG is well-built and performs great for both home theater and stereo sound. This makes it a versatile subwoofer for all your entertainment needs.
Klipsch Sub-12HG also has an auto-standby mode, it can automatically detect when a signal is sent to the subwoofer and has a LED indicator that alerts you whether the device is in standby or receiving an active signal. This feature makes it easy for you to know if the subwoofer is on or off, saving energy and prolonging the life of the unit.
Details
- 12-inch down firing woofer
- 300-watt BASH amplifier with a peak of 650-watts
- 40 to 120 Hz frequency response
- 15-inch wide, 18-inch high, 20-inch deep
- Automatic standby mode, with LED indicator
- Typically sells for under $500
Pros And Cons: Klipsch Sun-12HG Synergy Series
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – It has adjustable feet that help reduce vibrations and maintain a level footing. | – Firstly, Some users may find that the black vinyl veneer used in this subwoofer cheapens the overall appearance, a real wood box may look nicer. – Secondly, The Klipsch subwoofer is relatively heavy, it weighs 40 pounds. |
To cut to the chase
The Klipsch Sub-12HG is a 12-inch subwoofer that offers quality sound at an affordable price, making it a great option for those on a budget who are looking for a larger subwoofer.
5. Polk Audio PSW10 : Best Older Model Option
Polk Audio is a well-known brand in the speaker industry. The Polk Audio PSW10, available on Amazon, is a great example of their quality products. Despite being lightweight and relatively small, this older model is still one of the best sellers today.
The PSW10 is easy to use and can seamlessly integrate into any home theater system. It has an automatic signal sense feature that will turn the subwoofer on and off based on inputs. It is built to last and has a beautiful finish. The Polk Audio PSW10 has many benefits and few downsides, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable subwoofer.
Polk Audio PSW10: Details
- 10-inch front-firing woofer
- 50-watt RMS amplifier with a peak of 100-watts
- 40 to 160 Hz frequency response
- 14-inch wide, 16.2-inch high, 14.4-inch deep
- Available in black or cherry-colored vinyl
- Typically sells for under $200
Pros And Cons: Polk Audio PSW10
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Firstly, The Polk Audio PSW10 offers quality sound and performance in a compact package. – Additionally, it includes Polk Audio’s smart sensing technology that automatically turns the subwoofer on and off based on the signal inputs, making it more convenient to use. – Furthermore, it is more affordable than most similarly sized subwoofers available on the market today. | – Firstly, The Polk Audio PSW10 is only 10-inches, which may be underpowered for larger rooms. – Secondly, It lacks magnetic shielding, which means it should be placed away from any LCD televisions to avoid any potential interference. |
To cut to the chase
The Polk Audio PSW10 is an older model subwoofer, but it still offers quality bass at an affordable price, making it a great budget-friendly option for those looking to add a subwoofer to their home theater system.
6. SONOS Sub : Best Wireless Option
If you own a SONOS system, your options for subwoofers are limited, but the SONOS Sub on Amazon is one of the best wireless powered subwoofers on the market. SONOS is known for providing quality products that surpass expectations and the Sub is no exception. It’s easy to integrate into your SONOS surround sound system and takes only seconds to set up.
As with all SONOS components, you can have full control over the Sub through your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet device. This makes it easy to adjust the settings and get the sound you want, even when you’re not near the subwoofer. The SONOS Sub is a great option for those who want to enhance their SONOS experience without compromising on sound quality.
SONOS Sub: Details
- Dual 6-inch oval, noise-canceling front facing woofers
- Dual amplifiers
- 25 to 110 Hz frequency response
- 15-7/8-inch wide, 15-3/8-inch high, 6-5/16-inch deep
- Available in black or white
- Wireless connectivity that can be controlled from your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet
- Typically sells for under $800
Pros And Cons: SONOS Sub
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – First, The SONOS Sub has a unique and modern design, available in both black and white color options that are visually striking. – Secondly, The strong wireless connectivity allows you to connect and control the subwoofer from anywhere in the room, making it easy to use. – Lastly, It can be placed either upright or laid on its back, providing more versatile placement options than other subwoofers on the market. | – Firstly, Some users have reported issues when pairing the SONOS Sub with the SONOS Connect: Amp. – Secondly, The finish of this subwoofer may |
To cut to the chase
The SONOS Sub is an excellent wireless subwoofer option for those who already have a SONOS system as it is designed to seamlessly integrate with the SONOS ecosystem, providing high-quality sound and easy control. It is considered one of the best wireless subwoofers available in the market today.
7. SVS PB16-Ultra : Best High-End Option
SVS is a well-known brand when it comes to subwoofers and a list of top subwoofers would not be complete without one of their models. The SVS PB16-Ultra on Amazon is a top-of-the-line subwoofer that can fill large rooms with rich and beautiful bass. It’s one of the most powerful and sophisticated subwoofers on the market and it delivers on both sound quality and features. It’s perfect for bigger spaces and one of the most advanced models available today.
Even though SVS has released newer models, the Ultra remains one of the best-selling high-end units available today, it’s a testament to its quality and performance. If you’re looking for a powerful and advanced subwoofer, the SVS PB16-Ultra is a great option.
SVS PB16-Ultra: Details
- 16-inch driver and a pair of front-firing woofers, made of fiberglass resin composite and a cast aluminum basket
- 8-inch edge wound voice coil
- 1,500-watt RMS amplifier with a peak of 5,000-watts
- 13 to 360 Hz frequency response (depending on Standard, Extended or Sealed mode selection)
- 21-3/4-inch wide, 25-inch high, 31-inch deep
- Front-mounted 8-digit LED display and controls
- Bluetooth connectivity and control with iOS or Android smartphones or tablets
- Typically sells for under $3,000
Pros And Cons: SVS PB16-Ultra
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Firstly, The revolutionary control of this subwoofer allows for easy adjustments to sound settings. – Secondly, The SVS PB16-Ultra is considered an industry standard for sound quality. – Lastly, It offers stunning clarity whether you’re listening to gunshots in an action movie or Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, making it a versatile and high-performing subwoofer. | – Firstly, The quality and performance of the SVS PB16-Ultra come with a high price tag that may be unaffordable for some users. – Secondly, This subwoofer is relatively heavy, weighing 175 pounds, it will require at least two people to unbox and move it. |
To cut to the chase
The SVS PB16-Ultra is an ideal subwoofer for large rooms and serious home theater systems, thanks to its powerful sound and advanced features. It is considered one of the best subwoofers in the market, especially for those who are looking for high-performance and high-quality sound.
8. Theater Solutions SUB8S : Best Slim Profile Option
When looking for a subwoofer for your home theater, space can be a concern as many models are quite large and can take up a lot of room. But the Theater Solutions SUB8S on Amazon is an exception, it has a slim profile that makes it easy to hide beneath furniture. This makes it a great option for those who want to add a subwoofer to their home theater without sacrificing valuable space. Its small size also makes it easy to move it around to different rooms or even take it with you on the go.
Theater Solutions SUB8S: Details
- 8-inch down-firing woofer
- Digital drive, a high-efficiency amplifier with a peak of 250-watts
- 35 to 150 Hz frequency response
- 16-inch wide, 4-3/4-inch high, 25-inch deep
- Available in black or wood-vinyl finish
- Typically sells for under $200
Pros And Cons: Theater Solutions SUB8S
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Firstly, The Theater Solutions SUB8S is slim, allowing it to fit easily under couches or inside entertainment centers. – Secondly, Its automatic power functionality allows the subwoofer to turn on and off automatically when an audio signal is detected, making it more convenient to use. | – Volume and crossover frequency controls are located under the device, making it inconvenient to control if placed beneath a couch. |
To cut to the chase
The Theater Solutions SUB8S is a slim subwoofer that is designed to fit easily under furniture while still delivering quality sound. It is a great option for those who have limited space but still want to enhance their home theater experience.
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