Gear & technology
Subwoofer
Also called sub, bass speaker
A subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to the lowest octaves, typically below 80 to 120 Hz, with a large driver and usually its own amplifier. It lets the main speakers hand off the bass they cannot reproduce and fills in the bottom of the room.
Deep Bass needs to move a lot of air, which small speakers cannot do. A subwoofer with a 10 or 12 inch driver and a few hundred watts reaches into the Sub-bass that a bookshelf speaker rolls off. In a stereo system the crossover is usually set near the main speakers’ own limit.
Placement matters more than for any other speaker, since the room’s standing waves decide where the bass is strong or absent. Two smaller subwoofers in different spots often give smoother bass than one large one. Owners on audiophila. rate subwoofers on extension, control and how well they blend with the mains.
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