Subwoofers are specially made speakers that can produce low frequencies for typical speakers. Speakers use a membrane (called the diaphragm) controlled by a magnet and an electromagnet to produce sound. The membrane vibrates at the input signal frequency to produce waves in the air, which we experience as sound.

However, the range of frequencies the membrane can vibrate at depends on its size. Other things being equal, speakers with large membranes can’t produce high frequencies while small speakers can’t reach low frequencies. Most speakers have membranes that can produce all the middle and high range frequencies but can’t produce low frequencies. This is where subwoofers fill the gap.


However, not every subwoofer is a good fit for every speaker system. Your personal preferences can also make one subwoofer better for you than the other. According to experts at Speakers Daily, a popular speakers reviews site, there are three questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a subwoofer. The questions are: 

1- Do You Need to Timbre Match Your Subwoofer With Your Speakers?

Most common musical instruments can play the middle C note. The middle C note produced by a grand piano and bass guitar theoretically have the same frequencies but don’t sound the same. This is because all instruments have other frequencies superimposed on the note they’re playing. This quality is called the timbre of an instrument

Speakers also have timber. This is why two speakers playing the same audio never sound exactly the same. When setting up a sound system that uses speakers from different brands, you must ensure all speakers have the same timbre. If your speaker system already has a subwoofer component, but you want more bass, either get a subwoofer by the same brand or replace the subwoofer with a new one.

2- How Many Subwoofer Outputs Does Your A/V Receiver Have?

If you’re building a surround sound system, you may benefit from using two subwoofers on each side instead of just one. Many A/V receivers for home theater have two outputs for bass. This not only doubles the power of the base but also makes it more immersive. 

However, buying two subwoofers will cost you more. If you’re on a budget, we recommend the Klipsch R-12SW 12″ 400W Subwoofer.

3- Do You Only Want to Hear or Feel Too?

Humans can’t hear sound frequencies lower than 10Hz. Most of us can’t even hear frequencies of 50Hz. However, we can feel frequencies as low as 16hz through our stomach and other body parts. If you like how low bass feels, the SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer can reach down to 16hz. However, if you’re just interested in hearing the bass, the Yamaha 10″ 100W Powered Subwoofer is a solid choice.

Speakers Daily is the best speaker reviews site we’ve been able to find. Whether you’re looking for a review of the best soundbars under $50 or want to learn how to set up a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 Home Audio System, Speakers Daily is there for you. 

Want to read professional reviews of subwoofers before you make a purchase? Check out Speakers Daily now!

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