If you want to put together the best home theater system, it is crucial that you buy the right subwoofer. In this article we will take a close look at several products that each have a lot to offer. The following reviews will help you find the best subwoofer for home audio and home theater.
Our top choice is the Polk Audio PSW10, which features a powerful built in 100-watt amplifier that offers deep and robust bass.
It also offers an optimal frequency response range of 40 to 160 hertz. This subwoofer has numerous controls, including a Phase Toggle Switch, to give you complete control.
Before you decide on a certain subwoofer for your home theater, we encourage you to learn about the following products.
How We Picked The Best Subwoofer for Home Audio and Home Theater
As we put together this list, there were a variety of factors that we took into consideration. We made a point of searching for subwoofers that are especially powerful.
This ultimately provides you with deep and impactful bass for a nice full overall sound when listening to music or watching movies.
You’ll find that each of the subwoofers on this list also offer numerous connectivity options. You should have no problem with setting them up within a matter of just minutes.
They are also designed for optimal frequency response, which goes a long way towards satisfying your needs no matter what.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Subwoofers for Home Audio and Home Theater 2024:
Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer
The Polk Audio PSW10 10 inch subwoofer features a directed port for impressively accurate performance. The unique configuration it uses maximizes efficiency for optimal effect. It offers a loud but balanced sound that will instantly enhance movies and music in a noticeable way.
One of our favorite things about this subwoofer is its high degree of clarity. This means that you won’t have to deal with annoying distortion.
The Klippel Measurement Technology it uses ensures smooth movement for the best possible performance. It is vastly superior to many sound town subwoofer models, some of which don’t offer such clear bass.
There’s no question that the 100-watts amplifier in this subwoofer offers plenty of power. You can therefore expect a deep and robust sound on a consistent basis.
We also really like the fact that this particular model is made with incredibly high quality materials, inside and out. It will provide you with years of flawless use for many years to come.
The driver materials are quite firm and move quickly. They are also designed to minimize resonance, which ultimately optimizes the overall sound.
The grill on the front of this subwoofer has a sleek design and can be removed easily with no hassle whatsoever. There is a Phase Toggle switch that is very useful for setups with multiple subwoofers.
If you are looking for a powerful and well designed subwoofer for your home theater, the PSW10 is an excellent choice. It features four spring terminal inputs, as well as RCA inputs for versatile connectivity options. You should therefore have no problems with getting all of your needs met.
Pro
- Powerful 100-watts design offers deep and intense bass
- Multiple connectivity options (including RCA and spring terminals)
- High quality driver materials deliver a balanced sound with no resonance
- Specifically designed to minimize distortion for perfect low end clarity
- Ideal frequency response makes it a great choice for music and movies
- Incredibly easy to set up and use right out of the box
Con
- Some customers have reported issues with auto power sensitivity
Monoprice 108248 8 Inch Subwoofer
The Monoprice 108248 8-inch subwoofer has a 60-watts RMS output and a frequency response range of 50 through 250 hertz. This provides you with a high degree of versatility to match your needs exactly.
This unit features knobs for controlling both the frequency and gain. lowpass crossover filter is adjustable within a range of 50 to 150 hertz. You should therefore have an easy time with achieving a perfectly balanced sound.
On the back of this subwoofer there are four amplifier outputs, as well as left and right line in outputs. The built-in circuitry has an impedance matching design. This means that you won’t have to deal with any reduced power when hooking it up to your home theater system.
We also really like the black wood cabinet of this model, which has a nice classic design. It is also fairly sturdy and won’t get damaged easily throughout the years. There are legs on the bottom that help keep it firmly in place at all times.
The sheer power and depth of the bass that the Monoprice 108248 offers is impressive to say the least. The performance is similar to certain wet sounds subwoofer models, but with an extra kick that you’ll definitely appreciate. It is by far one of the best options available on the market right now.
Pro
- Built in impedance matching circuitry prevents reduced power output
- Gain and frequency controls on back allow for customized performance
- Features numerous high level inputs for an easy and optimal setup
- Impressive frequency response range gives you excellent overall sound
- Attractive and durable wood cabinet will hold up very well over time
- Good amount of power will satisfy most users needs
Con
- Produces a low level hum when not listening to music
Rockville Rock Shaker 10” Home Theater Subwoofer
The Rockville Rock Shaker 10” subwoofer boasts a powerful 600 watt peak/300 watt RMS design. It features a built in Class D amplifier for window rattling bass. It also has an auto switching power supply for added convenience and efficiency.
This subwoofer is made of high quality MDF wood looks great and protects the internal components from damage. The air space inside goes a long way towards optimizing the sound. There is also a rear firing port for enhanced accuracy.
The foam is also very sturdy and has just the right amount of flex. This allows for smooth cone movement, which in turn ensures ideal performance.
You’ll have a number of connectivity options to choose from, including an RCA line input and output. There are also high level inputs that are designed to maintain a stable and reliable connection at all times.
The Phase switch allows for adjustments from 0 to 180 degrees. You will have crossover frequency control knob for an adjustable range of 50 to 150 hertz as well.
We were very impressed with the 20 Hz to 200 Hz frequency response range of this model. It far surpasses Emotiva subwoofer models in terms of sheer versatility.
The 1.5 inch four layer voice coil virtually guarantees crisp bass for optimal low end performance. You can rely on this subwoofer for distortion-free sound on a regular basis.
When it comes to finding the best subwoofer for home audio and home theater, the Rock Shaker is a superb overall choice. It delivers a cutting edge design with the best materials and technology. This makes it perfect for watching movies, listening to music, and everything in between.
Pro
- Foam surround delivers smooth distortion-free base
- MDF cabinet is very durable and has great looking finish
- Features a rear firing port for the best possible sound in any position
- Amazingly powerful 600-watts peak design offers robust low end performance
- Multitude of controls let you adjust sound to your preferences
- RCA and high level inputs give you numerous connectivity options
Con
- A few customers have complained about loud noise when turning on/off
Acoustic Audio PSW-6 Subwoofer
The Acoustic Audio PSW-6 features a 6.5 inches woofer with 250 watts of peak power. It has a fairly impressive built in amplifier that is specifically designed for maximum efficiency. This amp has a frequency range of 30 to 250 hertz.
You can use the Phase control knob to make adjustments from 0 to 180 degrees. There is also a gain knob, as well as Crossover control knobs with 50 to 150 hertz range.
This wide range of settings makes it easy to get the perfect low end sound for your home theater setup no matter what.
The down firing woofer features a PVA treated cone, which is very rigid and made to last. It also has a bottom slotted port. The design of this subwoofer’s cabinet ensures total stability with four feet on the bottom. The cabinet is made of durable MDF wood material with an attractive matte black finish.
You will have the choice of using either RCA or raw wire outputs. These options make this subwoofer particularly well suited to surround sound home theater systems.
The PSW-6 features a long excursion cone, which provides you with smooth bass and a high degree of accuracy. The high quality driver materials and speaker geometry are responsive for this subwoofer’s crisp and clear sound. You can always count on it to produce excellent bass with very little distortion.
You’ll find that this particular model offers a unique design with the perfect balance of power and efficiency. It will give you the deep bass of a triangle subwoofer, but with a higher level of purity and intensity.
Whether you are watching a movie or listening to music, this subwoofer will be the perfect addition to your home theater.
Pro
- Great looking MDF wood cabinet with matte black finish
- Equipped with high efficiency amplifier for a nice crisp sound
- High quality driver is stiff and designed for resonance-free bass
- Down firing design offers deep and rumbling low end performance
- Features a PVA cone with elongated design for maximum accuracy
- Lots of different control knobs for easily adjustable sound settings
Con
- Not quite as powerful as some other models on the market
BESTISAN SW65C 6.5” Subwoofer
The BESTISAN SW65C subwoofer features a low pass filter and a frequency response of 40 through 250 hertz. It is fully adjustable and offers deep thumping bass for more immersive music, moves, and more.
The woofer itself measures 6.5 inches and has a down firing design with a PVA treated cone. This ensures a high level of rigidity for reliable performance on a consistent basis.
The slotted port reduces air friction, allowing for higher airspeeds. As a result, you can expect tight and smooth bass for a well rounded overall sound.
We also really like the cabinet, which is quite sturdy and features feet on the bottom for maximum stability. These feet also help with absorbing vibration, which is a huge plus. This cuts down on resonance for a new clean low end sound.
You can adjust the volume as well as the low frequency bandwidth using knobs on the back. This allows you to get the exact type of sound you want for the perfect overall balance.
There are also RCA and auxiliary ports on the back panel of this subwoofer. And, you will have the traditional wire outputs as well. The variety of connectivity options this model offers will make it very easy to set up. You should have no issues at all with using it as part of a surround sound system.
There’s no question that the BESTISAN SW65C delivers intense bass with extreme efficiency. It is an excellent choice for spaces and audio configurations of all different sizes and types. It is made up of high quality materials that are virtually guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Pro
- Features rigid PVC cone for maximum bass output
- Control knobs on back for low frequency response and volume
- Solid frequency response range makes it a great choice for music and movies
- Three different connection options make it easy to find an optimal configuration
- Down firing woofer provides you with optimal sound direction
- Built in amplifier offers deep and loud bass with very little distortion
Con
- Sound accuracy could use some improvement
Best Subwoofer for Home Audio and Home Theater Buying Guide
When trying to find the best subwoofer for your home theater setup, it is important to keep a few things in mind. The following list will help you narrow down your options considerably.
Power
One of the most important things to consider when buying a subwoofer is power. We highly recommend one that features a powerful built in amplifier. It should have an output of at least 50 watts.
It is important that you have at least 100 watts of peak power. This will provide you with deep and rumbling bass for a truly robust overall sound. If you want the intensity of a Harman Kardon subwoofer in your home, you will definitely want to keep this in mind.
Size
It is also crucial that you consider the size of each subwoofer before making a final decision. There are plenty of smaller bookshelf models, as well as much larger units to choose from.
A DS18 8 inch subwoofer is a good choice if you don’t have a lot of extra space in your home. Take the time to look at the measurements of each as you research your options.
Enclosure
The enclosure of your new subwoofer is yet another important factor to consider. These units typically have either a sealed or ported design. Sealed subwoofers are designed to prevent air movement, which results in high accuracy with a very concise overall sound.
Ported models feature a vent that allows for smooth airflow. This will almost certainly provide you with more powerful and deep bass. Many people prefer a ported subwoofer simply because of the intense low end performance it offers.
Setup and Connectivity
Make sure that you look for a subwoofer that is easy to set up. You should have numerous connectivity options, including high level and RCA outputs. This will make it easier to achieve the type of configuration and sound that you want.
A lot of people are buying in ceiling subwoofer models. While these units are very sleek and help save space, they can be a bit tricky to install and set up. You should consider using Boxer subwoofer cables when setting yours up. These cables have a reputation for their durability and efficiency.
Frequency Response
A wide frequency response range is something else that you’ll need to look for before purchasing anything in particular. This will have a huge impact on the overall versatility of your subwoofer.
We recommend units that have a range of around 40 to 160 hertz. This is the kind of range you would get with a high end Eclipse subwoofer, except with a home theater setup.
Conclusion
We highly recommend purchasing a subwoofer with a reasonably powerful built in amplifier. This will make all the difference when it comes to the deepness and intensity of the bass sound. It should also offer at least a couple of different connectivity options to meet all of your needs no matter what.
Feel free to comment below so we know what you think about our list.
