All About Subwoofers

Not just for waking  the neighbors

Once the domain of car audio fanatics looking to rile up their docile neighbors, the subwoofer now finds a place in the cars and homes of the former naysayer.  Since normal woofers and tweeters can't handle the low frequencies, it is the only way to hear the high definition sound featured on the latest DVDs and TV shows.  As they increase in popularity, prices and options are becoming better than ever.

Home rules

At home, you may be deterred by the floor space required by many subwoofers.  But if you can cut a modest hole in your wall, there are loads of options mountable in less than one square foot. 

Great in-wall and floor model subwoofers can be purchased for under $200, and superior products are available for around $400.  Just don't let your salesman showcase a subwoofer using softball audio.  Ask him to play some booming movie explosions or meaty bass tracks to really test the subwoofer's cleanliness and distortion levels.  If you can't tell the bass from the drums, it is too muddy.

Some key features will help sift out what you don't want.  An automatic power switch that senses when subwoofer information is present can save energy and strain on your amplifier.  And don't bother with a product that doesn't have a built in crossover.  This circuitry identifies and filters out frequencies inappropriate for subwoofers.  And please, if you live in an apartment, don't burden your neighbors with a downward firing model.

Car talk

Your car audio subwoofer should pass similar criteria, but there are new considerations as well.  For the best sound, that is, clean and tight, get a sealed subwoofer enclosure from a factory.  A sealed, smaller box uses air pressure to protect the subwoofer from over-excursion, and pushes the cone back in place quicker.  If you like it loose and booming, get a vented, larger box. 

Since subwoofers require a lot of power, consider a capacitor.  This prevents the amp from draining battery power when extra wattage is needed.  Operating at peak performance can dim your lights and other detrimental electrical malfunctions.  Your alternator will appreciate it, too. 

More information on subwoofers