Introduction to Subwoofer Reviews

Subwoofers are dedicated bass speakers, reproducing only the lowest bass, generally from the threshold of audibility (~20Hz) to between 80 and 160Hz. Because lower frequencies require more relative power, sub-woofers are almost always active, or self powered, designs (passive sub-woofers exist but are rare). There is tremendous latitude in sub-woofer design. Some favour a very small cabinet and make up for it by incorporating enormous amplification and driver throw, while others will produce similar results using massive cabinets with equally large drivers and relatively conservative amplification. All contemporary powered sub-woofers will including line-level connections (as oppose to speaker level) and in addition to gain adjustment most will have their own lowpass filter (which should be defeatable) as well as phase adjustment. Advanced models will have their own room compensation (aka EQ) system.

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Subwoofers

JL Audio E-Sub E112 Powered Subwoofer Review

Jim Clements

JL Audio is best known for their no-compromise mobile audio speakers and amplifiers. That's where it all started for them. But they also made a name for themselves with a line of extreme powered subwoofers for the home market, the Gotham and Fathom. These first JL Audio home subwoofers were big and bold. Now JL Audio has released the E-Subs, which are scaled down subwoofers at more accessible price points…Read More.

Subwoofers

M&K Sound X12 Subwoofer

Robert Ebeling III, M.D.

The new "X" line of M&K Sound subwoofers consists of three models: the X8, X10, and X12. When asked how the new "X" line subwoofers were different from the previous generation, Claus Glaesner, President of M&K Sound USA, replied, "These subwoofers are a major step up in every way from our previous subwoofers. The build quality, driver quality, and sound quality represent a new reference level of subwoofer that was previously not available on the market."

Subwoofers

REL T-9 Subwoofer

Jim Clements

The REL T-9 subwoofer is the largest sub in REL's "Serie T" line. It is a solidly built sub with a 10" Ultra Long Throw main driver, a 10" front-firing passive radiator and a 300 watt Class A/B plate amp. In keeping with REL innovation (and tradition), theT-9 has a number of flexible hook up schemes, the most unique being by way of the included high level hook-up cable.

Subwoofers

Gallo Strada 2 Speakers and TR-3D Subwoofers

Chris Groppi

If you've read any of my reviews before, you know I am a fan of Anthony Gallo Acoustics loudspeakers. I reviewed the original Strada loudspeaker and TR-3 subwoofer in 2010 and was so impressed I almost bought them. The only reason I didn't was because I knew the Reference 3.5 was coming. Those? I bought those, and they are still my reference loudspeaker (however, the 3.5 will be discontinued soon). Gallo claims the new Strada 2 loudspeakers are even better than the original Strada, and the TR-3D is an improvement over then TR3. Both new speakers use almost identical technology to that of the Reference 3.5. Another salvo by Gallo has leveled the paying field between the new Strada 2 and the Reference 3.5s even more. The price of the Strada 2 and TR-3D is identical to the earlier models. The complete system cost with stands weighs in at $4,417 (which includes two TR-3D subs). This used to be a lot cheaper than the $5,995 Reference 3.5. Gallo recently reduced the price of the Reference 3.5 to $3,995, plus an additional $749 for the amp. Now, the price of the two systems is almost identical, within less than $400. The question is, which is better? We will see.

Subwoofers

SVS SB13-Ultra Subwoofer

Jim Clements

The SVS SB13-Ultra powered subwoofer features a 13.5" driver with 50mm peak excursion.  It is driven by a 1,000 watt RMS Class D amplifier (3,600 watts peak).  This amp has a dual band parametric equalizer and a unique limiter circuit that retains dynamic shadings even when pushed hard.  The sub is a sealed box design with tight and clean bass.  In fact, my nearfield (1 foot) THD+N measurements were all under 0.33% from 28 - 100Hz at 100dB!

Subwoofers

Triad Gold Monitor Speakers and Silver Subwoofer

Chris Heinonen

Last year, I had a chance to pay a visit to Triad Speakers, which is located in my home town of Portland, OR. They showed how their speakers are designed and built, from the very beginning, to prototype testing, to building and shipping the final product. Unfortunately, the one opportunity that wasn't available at the factory was the chance to listen to their speakers, as they were doing a complete redesign of their listening room from the studs up. On my way out, they let me take home a pair of In Room Gold Monitors and an In Room Silver DSP Subwoofer for review. Now knowing how they were built and designed, I was certainly looking forward to hearing how they sounded.

Subwoofers

NHT B-10d Subwoofer

David A. Rich, Ph.D.

The world is saturated with subwoofers, many of which have a peak in frequency response to enhance movie sound tracks at the detriment of music. Tuned to have a bandpass response, the movie-inclined subwoofers limit the low frequency extension at usable SPLs. The frequency peak may persist, even if a first-class electronic room EQ is in the loop, especially if the room is sized and the subwoofer is positioned so a modal resonance peak occurs near this frequency. Here, we review the NHT B-10d, which has a 10" woofer and 300 watts of BASH amplification.

Subwoofers

KEN KREISEL DXD-12012 Dual 12″ Push-Pull Subwoofer

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Ken Kreisel of M&K sold his company years ago, and it continues to thrive. Now he is back, selling subwoofers and speakers mainly to the pro market, under the company name KEN KREISEL. The DXD-12012 is the foundation for a subwoofer system that, when combined as two subs, one on top of the other (called the DUO) or more (sixteen subs, called the QUATTRO-QUATTRO), produces the kind of SPL that movie and music studios need when they are in post-production. However, what differentiates the DXD-12012 from other subs is its accuracy.

Subwoofers

Paradigm SUB 1 Subwoofer

Chris Heinonen

One can never be too rich, too good looking, or have too much bass. The first two axioms are ones that unfortunately I cannot test out myself, but the third is one that I am willing to get a shot. For years Paradigm has delivered some award winning, room rattling subwoofers. The SUB 2 is their most powerful subwoofer, and the SUB 1 isn't far behind. In fact, either one of these top notch subs can blow you out of the room.

Subwoofers

Emotiva X-Ref 12 Subwoofer

Ross Jones

Emotiva is a U.S. based Internet-direct manufacturer, known primarily for their high-power solid-state amplifiers. However, Emotiva makes other products, including three different lines of speakers, and several subwoofers. In this case, we review the X-Ref subwoofer, which has a 12" driver and 600 watts of amplifier power, all at a very reasonable price.

Subwoofers