Subwoofer are an important part of your home cinema or surround sound system. They also ensure ultimate sound enjoyment in the car. They produce deep, powerful bass frequencies, the songs and effects of a video games make more alive. Would you also like to organize unforgettable film evenings, but don't know how to do it? No problem! We show you 5 important aspects that you have to consider when buying and setting up:
- active vs. passive models
- size of the subwoofer
- arrangement in space
- important connections
- further properties
Contents
Active vs. passive
Most subwoofers are active. So you have one of your own amplifierwho that Signal at Loudspeakers forwards. Therefore, they do not require an additional amplifier. They have a built-in amplifier and simply connect to your stereo system or home theater. Passive subwoofers, on the other hand, need one external amplifier. If you choose an active subwoofer, all you have to do is connect it to one Steckdose connect. An active model is therefore much easier to install, but also more expensive. If you buy a passive subwoofer, you need to connect it to an external amplifier. It is therefore a bit more difficult to install and set up. But that's not a problem for hobbyists. With the right setting, a passive subwoofer can even be a better one Klang generate as an active.
The size of your subwoofer
Of course, you also have to pay attention to how much space you have Loudspeakers needs. After all, the device should fit well into your living space. Subwoofer satellite systems are ideal for your surround system in the living room. They consist of a subwoofer and up to five so-called satellites. These amplifiers are very small and can be perfectly integrated into the living room. If you attach them to suitable places, they become almost invisible!
Most big Volume-sound boxes however, have a 10 inch speaker. So you have to make some space in your apartment for that. Of course, there are also larger and smaller models. The size of the speaker usually determines the maximum bass output of the subwoofer. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the biggest device is the best!
Position the subwoofer
How well your audio system works also depends to a large extent on how you set it up. First of all, we have some advice for you when it comes to positioning. Nevertheless, you should always test how your individual sound space behaves!
The corners of a room are usually unsuitable as locations. If your subwoofer is on the floor there, it will increase in volume noticeably because the sound waves are reflected on the many walls. The bass is so boomy. If you place the subwoofer against a wall, you often get a similar problem. The limiting surface on the device again intensifies the deep tones. In some rooms, however, this can be compensated for. So try it out like that Loudspeakers where sounds.
But where does it work? Loudspeakers because as desired? There is a guideline for this that often proves its worth. With a fifth of the room length and width, the device is usually good. In a pinch, a quarter is fine. The distances to walls are then large enough and the sound distribution relatively evenly. Bass reflections occur at sufficiently different time intervals to minimize crosstalk. This is due to the so-called room modes. Room modes are the properties of standing sound waves in closed rooms. If the length of the wave is equal to or a multiple of the side of the room, audio systems will distort the sound. The bass is very strong in some places, but barely audible in others.
Our tips work particularly well in a rectangular room. Nevertheless, you need some patience and logical thinking when positioning your subwoofer. This is also helpful room mode calculator.
Important connections for your subwoofer
It may have happened to you before: you want to set up a new electronic device, you're excited to put it into operation, but you're missing an important cable. Instead of a great one Multimediaexperience remains only frustration. Therefore we give you a small overview of the important ones Connections.
Most subwoofers have one Cinch-Connection, but there are also models with one XLR- Or RCA-Connection. The RCA connections are usually the cheapest, but they sometimes offer poorer sound quality. XLR connectors tend to be more expensive. Most of the time you get a high sound quality with them. Finally, there are RCA connectors. They are the most expensive option but offer the best sound quality for your sound system.
Other important properties of your subwoofer
Another important factor when choosing a subwoofer is the impedance. Impedance is the resistance of an electrical device to the flow of current. a higher one Resistance usually gives you better sound quality. But this also has its price. Most subwoofers have an impedance of 4 Ohm. If you buy a model with an impedance of 8 ohms, you should make sure that the amp also supports 8 ohms.
Also of interest in your selection is the maximum SPL (SPL). This is a measure of how loud the subwoofer can get. A higher SPL value often means better sound quality. Most subwoofers have a value of 100 dB. Do you have a passive device? Then make sure that the amplifier also works at 120 dB.
Finally, you should Performance observe. Many subwoofers have an output of around 200 watts. This is sufficient for most purposes. However, if you want powerful bass, buy a model up to 400 watts.
The price range
As is so often the case, there are no upper price limits for subwoofers. Technology fans in particular sometimes invest considerable sums in their sound system. Luckily, the average movie lover doesn't have to spend a fortune to make great sound effects possible. You can already find between €150 and €500 high quality models. Please also pay attention to the guarantee. Most bass boxes come with a 2-year warranty. But there are also models with a guarantee of 5 or even 10 years. The warranty should also cover the cost of delivery. Sometimes subwoofer installation is also included.
Your guarantee for successful movie nights
Subwoofers are a great addition to your home theater or stereo system. They expand the sound palette of your system and open up a new dimension of sound experience. Prepare that P forward and fluff up the couch cushions! Great movie nights with your friends are waiting for you.
FAQ about subwoofers
A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces low frequencies of sound – the bass. It is a great addition to any sound system.
The bass boxes ensure a great sound both in the home cinema and in the car.
An active subwoofer is suitable for sound lovers who do not have that much technical expertise. It delivers good sound with less effort. A passive one, on the other hand, requires some craftsmanship. Correctly adjusted, it can even perform better than active models.
You can buy a good subwoofer for as little as €150. Of course, it is also worth investing a little more money. So you can enjoy it for a long time Loudspeakers.