Music is something we all need every day. Most people listen to music at home to calm them down or to motivate them to chase their goals. However, the sound quality has a major effect on how effective music can be. You might have the best speakers, but without a decent subwoofer, you are missing the bass.
The best subwoofer for music will help you enjoy your favorite songs while adding an extra bit of kick. Since many people find it daunting to select the best option, we have done some digging. You might find that there are many more options, but only a few of them stand out. In this article, we will look at the top subwoofers for music and the features that make them stand out.
Also read: Best budget subwoofers
Top Pick: Klipsch R-100SW 10″
Klipsch is a brand you have probably seen or heard about in the music circles. The brand comes with a good reputation for quality products that are not too expensive. One of our favorites is the Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer, with a compact design and numerous receiver compatibilities that will give you value for your money.
Design:
It does not have a very complex design, allowing virtually anyone that needs to improve their music to use it. The black textured wood helps to improve the sound quality, reducing distortion and giving you some excellent bass when you play at high volumes. The unit is also lightweight, making it easy to move around and connect to speakers.
Customized Bass:
The customized bass is a great feature when you need to change the music you are playing. It is a digital subwoofer that features phase control for different types of music. The low-pass crossover blends perfectly with most of the common speakers that you find on the market today. Additionally, it has LFE inputs that are compatible with home theatre systems.
Other Features:
Subwoofers can be very expensive, especially when they are versatile and designed for a variety of features. However, the Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer is in the same quality range as the high-end options, but for an affordable price. Connections are fairly easy and you don’t need to worry about any extravagant setups.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- 300-watts power output
- Durable construction
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not the best response below 30Hz
You may also be interested in: Subwoofers Vs Speakers – What’s the difference?
Yamaha 8″ 100W
The Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer is not a subwoofer that will blow your mind. However, it has a few great features that are packed into a small and compact design. It looks like a high-end unit that will add some style to your home while offering you numerous connection features for some additional versatility.
Compact Design:
While most people might not care much for the design, it is a benefit to have something compact. The unit is only 8-inches in total, making it easy to hide. Some users have set it up in their motor vehicles for improved sound. Additionally, the lightweight casing will allow anyone to move it around.
Powerful Bass:
Yamaha is a top brand and the powerful bass they have is prevalent in almost all the subwoofers they design. The Twisted Flare Port is revolutionary to improve the quality of the bass. It can stretch the 8-inch cone to the limit while reducing your distortion. Rock sounds should not be an issue with this unit.
Other Features:
Another important reason we have for putting it on the list is the brand. Yamaha is a leading sound brand and they have excellent customer service. While the unit packs a lot of power for the size at 100-watts, it is also affordable. If you need something small to add a boost to your current sound, the Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer is the way to go.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Affordable
- Revolutionary Bass Technology
- Reliable brand
Cons:
- You might only get a 50-watt power output
Klipsch Reference R-8SW
The Klipsch Reference R-8SW Surround Subwoofer slightly moves up the list when it comes to price, but it is justified by most of the features. It features an 8-inch cone with advanced bass technology. The technology in the speaker is enough to improve your sounds, while the design will add some style.
Digital Design:
All the components on this amplifier are digital. Since you don’t need to manual make any adjustments, you can get the best quality sound with no real effort. It is one of the easier models to set up as well, featuring numerous connectivity ports. You will be able to run your home theatre system using the subwoofer as well.
Sound Quality:
The sound quality might not be a technical term to discuss, but it has a powerful bass that will light up your current speakers. The LFE/Line inputs offer some variation to your connectivity. This unit will make it possible to connect older and newer speakers to it. We should mention that it has a low-pass crossover and phase control.
Other Features:
The price is higher on the unit than many might be willing to pay. However, the durability is worth it. It might only have an 8-inch cone, but the cone can compete with larger versions due to the technology and power output. We would recommend it for the versatility it offers and the compact design to add style to your home.
Pros:
- Multiple connections
- Completely digital
- Easy to set up
- Decent sound quality
Cons:
- Some might find it to be expensive
Sony SACS9 10-Inch
If you are squeezed tight to your budget, you might want to consider the Sony SACS9 10-Inch Active Subwoofer. It is one of the most affordable options, while still having a solid punch that will improve the bass of your sound. With a 10-inch cone and 115-watts of power, you can push through a lot of volume for your music.
Multiple Connections:
One of the features that make subwoofers stand out is the variety of connections they offer. For this unit, you will have a line input and a standard input for most of your speakers. Unfortunately, it does not have wireless connectivity like the top soundbars. The upside is that it is compatible with high-resolution audio equipment.
Undistorted Sound:
A Mica Reinforced Cone is what you will have to work with. The benefit of this reinforcement is that it removes all the distortion that many people worry about. Since the paper cone is bound to flex at one point or another, the reinforcement adds another level of durability. It also reduces vibrations.
Other Features:
The main selling point is the price, as many people are not willing to spend hundreds of dollars on their music. You can pick up the unit for a massive bargain, while not losing any of the sound quality that you will need. We would recommend it for individuals that are strapped to a very tight budget, looking for affordable sound upgrades.
Pros:
- Budget Price
- Reinforced cone
- Almost zero distortion
- Multiple connection ports
Cons:
- Power output is only 115-watts
JBL LSR310S 10″
When it comes to sound at your home, there are only a few brands that are worth considering and stand out as the best. JBL has a massive reputation for subwoofers and speakers. One of their top products is the JBL LSR310S 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer, with the same quality sound that you might find in music studios.
Bass Quality:
The unit features an extended low-frequency setting that allows it to dip too low sounds without causing any real issues with your output. It not only comes with a powerful subwoofer, but the studio monitor is an addition that helps with control. Keep in mind, it is a digital unit that is very easy to control and gives you the best results.
Inputs And Outputs:
Since the unit is originally designed for studio work, you can imagine that it has numerous inputs and outputs. Most people with a massive selection of speakers and music gear will enjoy the input features. It is not only compatible with JBL products and it can improve the quality of the cheaper speakers you have at home.
Other Features:
One of the issues that many people have with the unit is the price. It does have a 10-inch cone that you offer durability and more than 100 decibels of output. With all of these features, one can argue that it is affordable. We would recommend it to users who are serious about improving the quality of their standard speakers.
Pros:
- Numerous inputs and outputs
- Modern and sleek
- Made for studio work
- Durable cone
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Price can be a bit expensive
Pioneer SW-8MKS
Pioneer is one of those brands that you can hardly ever write off, especially with the Pioneer SW-8MKS 100W Powered Subwoofer. The unit is designed for home theatre systems and this is why you will find many features that directly relate to improving these speakers. However, it can be used for loud music as well.
Low Frequency:
When you need a subwoofer for music, one of the first things that people look at is the frequency. If they don’t have music experience, they might ignore this. Fortunately, Pioneer has designed this subwoofer to work with very low frequencies. It comes with crossover and phase adjustment features for your speakers.
Power Output:
Power output is important when you need music. However, the subwoofer should not be the main source of power that you look at. This unit has a 100-watt power output, which should be more than enough for those special songs you like to play. Keep in mind that it is also compatible with all home theatre systems.
Other Features:
The original design might mean that is is not a dedicated music subwoofer, but the input versatility and the powerful 8-inch cone allow you to use it for music. It is affordable compared to some of the other units as well. We also find the stylish design good for most homes and easy to hide if you don’t want guests to see it.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Versatile connectivity
- Affordable
- Durable cone
Cons:
- Only goes as low as 38Hz
How To Buy The Best Subwoofer For Music
The six subwoofers we discussed will make a big impression on your current speakers. However, there are many more different options available on the market. If none of these appeals to you, you can use the buyer’s guide that we used. These are some of the most important features to consider for your new subwoofer:
Subwoofer Design
The design of the unit all comes down to personal preference. The size that is generally displayed refers to the size of the cone on the inside and not the casing. However, you will need to consider things like the size of the case. Aside from the size, many people might want something stylish, which means that the design will be important.
Frequency Range
The main reason for buying a new subwoofer is the ability to have improved bass on your music. However, you need to make sure that the option you choose has a low bass for your music. The lowest frequency we have seen for a commercial subwoofer is 38Hz. Fortunately, they can reach higher frequencies for those that do not need a lot of bass.
Power Output
The power output reveals a lot about the subwoofer. The higher wattage it has, the more punishment it can take. If the unit can handle a lot of power, you will have fewer vibrations to deal with. Without too many vibrations, it is said that the subwoofer will have less distortion. This will translate to much better sound quality.
Connectivity
We won’t go into all the special names for the connections, but your subwoofer should have a line connection at the very least. Since most speakers will connect this way, you will be able to connect the speakers to the subwoofer. Once they are connected, you will automatically notice an improvement in sound quality.
Price
Subwoofers made for use at home or in your car are not as expensive as the top versions you see in music studios. However, the price is something to keep in mind. When you select your subwoofer, you need to consider the brand. Oftentimes, a subwoofer can be expensive because of the brand that is tamped on the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a new subwoofer is not rocket science, but it is not easy for people without sound experience. Since many people have questions regarding subwoofers, we have tried to isolate as many as possible. You might want to give this section a read, as your question might be one of the frequently asked questions we answer:
Can I Use A Car Subwoofer For Home Audio?
One of the most popular questions is the usability of the subwoofer and how versatile they can be. Most subwoofers are versatile enough that you can use them in your car and your home. However, the connections for your car might be different and a professional should install it. While you can use the same subwoofer for your car and your home, it is not recommended.
What do the ohms on a subwoofer mean?
The ohms directly refer to the impedance of the subwoofer. The higher the number of ohms, the more impedance the unit has. 2 ohms is the most common for the larger subwoofers, which means that it can put out more power. However, the cheaper options might have an impedance of 4 ohms which translates to less power output.
What are the benefits of a subwoofer?
A subwoofer is one of the best things that you can buy to improve your sound at home. However, most people use common speakers and still have great sound. If you are still struggling to make up your mind on the subwoofer, here are a few things that could potentially help. Here are a few benefits to keep in mind when it comes to a subwoofer:
- Reduced Speaker Distortion: One of the biggest issues with speakers is the amount of distortion they have. With a subwoofer, this is mitigated due to the powerful cone it has.
- Lower Frequencies: Most speakers do not go very low when we think of frequencies. They have the same capacity as your mobile device. However, a subwoofer is made to go down to around 38Hz.
- More Volume: Since the subwoofer takes a lot of the pressure off your speakers, you can actually ramp up the volume and still have better sound quality.
- Connects Your Speakers: If you have a home theatre system, it will connect all of your speakers, but a good sub will improve the sound quality of each. Fortunately, the top home theatre systems already include a subwoofer.
These are only four of the top benefits that a subwoofer offers. However, there are many more that varies from person to person. You will need to give the subwoofer a fair trial if you want to find out which other benefits it can offer.
Can A Subwoofer Work Without An Amplifier?
The short answer is yes. The subwoofer works perfectly fine without an amplifier. However, the amplifier can improve the subwoofer and the sound of all your adjacent speakers. With a control panel on the amplifier, you can easily adjust some of the settings. Keep in mind that many subwoofers might have a built-in amplifier.
What Is The Best Subwoofer Brands?
Unfortunately, it hard for us to pinpoint one specific brand. Subwoofers are all designed to be different and they can have a variety of features that make them stand out. Each brand has its own type of technology. One of the brands that we like the most is JBL. JBL is a top brand that has a major following for in-home systems.
Which Subwoofer Is The Best For Music Only?
All of these subwoofers have special features and they can add a new dimension of sound to your home. For us, it was hard to choose the one that stood out the most. However, the Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer is an affordable option with the power output of a high-end subwoofer. Keep in mind that the JBL LSR310S 10″ Powered Studio Subwoofer closely competes with the top pick. The only downside is that it is more expensive.
Wrap-Up
If you don’t already have all the knowledge you need to buy a subwoofer, you can drop a comment if you have a specific question. All of the products listed in the article have a great reputation and the brand will also back it up. Let us know which of these subwoofers you like the most and if we have missed any of your favorites.
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