The 30 best active subwoofer brands
Sony, Yamaha and Samsung lead our ranking of 30 active subwoofer brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Active Subwoofer brands, ranked
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1
Sony
Shortly after World War 2, Masaru Ibuka founded the Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., a telecommunications and engineering corporation. He wanted technology to contribute to Japan’s culture and future. Despite starting small, he never gave up and stressed the importance of doing what had not been done before. As the brand evolved to become what we know as Sony, it has created countless novel products that changed the electronics industry.
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation is an all-time famous Japanese conglomerate that offers various services and products. While it is mainly known for its musical instruments, it also had a line of motorcycles operating under Yamaha Motors. The motorcycle line was established in 1955 and later separated to become an independent company. The parent company was established in 1887 as a manufacturer of reed organs before growing into the powerhouse it is today.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 7.2/10
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3
Samsung
The famous Korean electronics producer, Samsung, started its journey as a grocery trading store in 1938. Lee Byung-Chull began the business by trading domestically-produced goods and exporting them to China. Soon, the company expanded to include textiles and heavily focused on industrialization. In the 1970s, it invested in petrochemical and similar industries and slowly stepped into the electronics industry. The 80s saw an explosion in its technology business; the rest is history.
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 5.5/10
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4
Panasonic
Matsushita Konosuke founded the Matsushita Electric Industrial Company to produce electric plugs and lamp sockets that he had designed. The 30s incorporated these products and experienced a rapid expansion of business. Over the years, various products such as irons, radios, television sets, microwave ovens, etc., were added to keep up with the times and provide people with convenient products. This helped it gain international recognition and became known as Panasonic over time.
Website: industrial.panasonic.com |Brands like Panasonic
Popularity 5.3/10
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5
LG
Koo In-Hwoi started a business unit in 1926 and opened a store with his brother in 1931, which suffered heavy losses. He persevered until he founded Lucky Chemical Industrials in 1957, which manufactured small creams. After facing a minor setback, he started a plastics plant, which manufactured plastic hairbrushes and soon became famous. He also began Goldstar, which developed radios and other electronics. Soon, it combined with Lucky and came to be known as LG.
Website: lg.com |Brands like LG
Popularity 4.6/10
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6
Bose
Who hasn’t heard the sound of Bose – one of the top-selling audio brands? Experience surreal cinema with the sound-surround home theatre. And live the sound of music with their earbuds. They have also introduced audio sunglasses with excellent lenses, producing commendable sound, thinking a step ahead in time. The website will assist you in buying the speaker you will find suitable by taking a small quiz. Other accessories for your computer and stereos have diverse options to choose from with free 2-day shipping.
Website: bose.com |Brands like Bose
Popularity 3.2/10
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7
Crunch
Crunch is a mobile audio manufacturing and distributing company. They offer amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers universally compatible with any car. These products come in a wide range of models, Amp powers, Amp channels, speaker Watt powers, subwoofer Watt powers, sizes, colors, and accessories. You can filter out the price range and find products suitable for your automobile. They provide a 30-day return but a one-year warranty only in the USA. They give a 30% military discount for war veterans, which can be applied for through the website.
Website: crunchcaraudio.com |Brands like Crunch
Popularity 3.1/10
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8
KEF
KEF is a world-renowned British speaker company specializing in the best home audio. They've created a reputation for consistently elevated goods and sound, great design and performance, and a commitment to innovation that has been constant throughout the company's 60-year history - and continues now. You'll notice the difference in the voice the moment you hear a track on these speakers. They provide world-class clarity and sound quality that will take your breath away.
Website: ca.kef.com |Brands like KEF
Popularity 3.0/10
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9
Axton
Axton is a vehicle audio subsystems company headquartered in the United States that offers a wide range of outstanding audio solutions to clients worldwide. Axton Company stocks everything for its clients, from superior Hertz Amplifiers to replacement components. Their amplifiers...
Website: axton.de |Brands like Axton
Popularity 3.0/10
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10
ELAC
Live every sound and enjoy music like never before with Elac systems! Sturdy and classic speakers and systems arouse the rhythm of hardcore, classic, funky music. Blogs on its website include tips and tutorials to set up machines. Concerto series...
Website: elac.com |Brands like ELAC
Popularity 2.8/10
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11
Jamo
JAMO lets you get a perfect output device to play your jams. Providing minimalist and elegant-looking audio devices is the specialty of the company. It is not just a high-tech audio devices company but also adds a touch of class...
Website: jamo.com |Brands like Jamo
Popularity 2.7/10
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12
Focal
Focal is a leading manufacturer of professional speakers and headphones. Each one is handcrafted using only the finest materials in a process that takes place entirely in France under the supervision of its designers, engineers, and expert technicians. Its 'Made...
Website: focal.com |Brands like Focal
Popularity 2.4/10
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13
Polk
Polk had been involved with the sound industry since 1972. They have grown over the decades and perfected the proper audio systems. Polk was created to unite music lovers and create the best affordable speaker. The company now manufactures and...
Website: polkaudio.com |Brands like Polk
Popularity 2.4/10
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14
DALI
Linn manufacturers music systems for every purpose, to bring people closer to the lovely, soothing world of music. They have even set up a recording label to understand the process of music-making. Their music systems fit perfectly in the vicinity...
Website: dali-speakers.com |Brands like DALI
Popularity 2.3/10
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15
Canton
Canton is dedicated to developing loudspeakers that provide authentic experiences for music and cinema enthusiasts. They provide superb sound by utilizing cutting-edge technologies and high-quality materials. Thanks to their technological innovation, they have the most recent wave surrounding generation for...
Website: canton.de |Brands like Canton
Popularity 2.3/10
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16
Velodyne
Velodyne is a company that manufactures subwoofers and related products. David Hall founded their products in 1983. They added headphones to their product line, and it was eventually discontinued. Audio Reference is a distributor of these products. It is a...
Website: velodyneacoustics.com |Brands like Velodyne
Popularity 2.3/10
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17
Wharfedale
Wharfedale is a British audio equipment manufacturer well known for its loudspeakers. James S. Wharfedale and his wife Sybil launched the company in 1939, and their initials are retained in the name. Wharfedale Pro Audio was sold to Audiovox International...
Website: wharfedale.co.uk |Brands like Wharfedale
Popularity 2.3/10
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18
Hifonics
Hifonics was born in the era when music was seeing a revolution. It was established in 1946 by Helmut Stieglitz. They follow the slogan of “Power From The Gods” which goes to show the development that they have achieved since...
Website: hifonics.com |Brands like Hifonics
Popularity 2.3/10
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19
Cabasse
Cabasse is like paradise for audiophiles, a place to satisfy all their music needs, from wall-mounted speakers to wireless Bluetooth devices. Cabasse offers products that are unmatched in clarity and quality of sound. Their speakers are exceptional and admired worldwide...
Website: cabasse.com |Brands like Cabasse
Popularity 2.3/10
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20
Klipsch
Klipsch Audio is known for its exceptional sound, comfort, and design. Klipsch has been the choice of elite artists and audio fans worldwide for over 70 years. You can now improve your game with their more fabulous speakers and headphones...
Website: klipsch.com |Brands like Klipsch
Popularity 2.1/10
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21
Polk Audio
Polk Audio is an audio electronics brand that offers low-cost items with elevated sound. The firm sells speakers, earphones, amplifiers, subwoofers, and home theatre systems for listening to music at home or on the move. Its comprehensive product portfolio includes...
Website: polkaudio.com |Brands like Polk Audio
Popularity 2.1/10
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22
Edifier
Edifier offers a wide selection of speakers and earphones for any occasion and has a long history spanning more than 20 years in the audio industry. Edifier offers premium-quality audio equipment for home, workplace, or personal use at reasonable costs....
Website: edifier.com |Brands like Edifier
Popularity 2.0/10
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23
Onkyo
Onkyo Corporation is a leading producer of great-end home entertainment devices and technologies, including surround sound systems and AV receivers. To bring listeners closer to the artist's original sound, experts created the company's innovative audio technologies through a passion for...
Website: intl.onkyo.com |Brands like Onkyo
Popularity 2.0/10
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24
AV:Link
AV:Link is a hardware firm that creates and sells audio equipment. They are headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and have in-house design and production skills. Their staff has vast expertise in the consumer electronics business, having worked with some of the...
Website: avlink.cc |Brands like AV:Link
Popularity 2.0/10
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25
Tannoy
Tannoy has become a key player in professional recording studio monitoring, one of the undisputed leaders in loudspeaker and audio quality. Helping you experience cinema at home, the company offers a DCS115B subwoofer system that provides a distortion-free low-end output....
Website: tannoy.com |Brands like Tannoy
Popularity 2.0/10
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26
Emotiva
Emotiva is made up of real audiophiles, technologists, and industry experts. The company runs as a minimal workplace with no unnecessary expenses or tiers of administration. Everyone around the organization, from the technical department to the development group to the...
Website: emotiva.com |Brands like Emotiva
Popularity 2.0/10
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27
Earthquake Sound
Noting beats a sound that one can feel right through their senses; that is precisely what Earthquake Sound aims at doing. They provide audio equipment for home, gaming, car sound systems, and professional uses. The product range is versatile and...
Website: earthquakesound.com |Brands like Earthquake Sound
Popularity 1.8/10
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28
MB Quart
MB Quart, founded in 1962, is a high-quality audio devices and components manufacturing brand. They manufacture exceptional audio equipment and trade them globally. They initially began with microphones and headphones at their headquarters in Germany. Following on their mission of...
Website: mbquart.com |Brands like MB Quart
Popularity 1.8/10
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29
Q Acoustics
We love to dance to the tunes of perfection that depend upon sound quality. The sound accessories can make or break the music quality. So, one must wisely pick the right one. Q Acoustics is the one-stop destination that offers...
Website: qacoustics.com |Brands like Q Acoustics
Popularity 1.8/10
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30
Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen has been looking at the future and dealing with the future of sound since 1925. They have retraced the pace of history to ensure that their products develop over time. The designs they make for their gadgets...
Website: bang-olufsen.com |Brands like Bang & Olufsen
Popularity 1.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Samsung | samsung.com | /SamsungUS | samsungmobileusa | @SamsungUS | – |
| Panasonic | industrial.panasonic.com | – | – | – | – |
| LG | lg.com | /LGIndiaPage | lg_india | @lgindia | LGIndiachannel |
| Bose | bose.com | /Bose | bose | @Bose | Bose |
| Crunch | crunchcaraudio.com | – | – | – | – |
| KEF | ca.kef.com | /KEF.Audio | kef.global | @KEFAudio | – |
| Axton | axton.de | /AXTON.Car.Audio.Systems | – | – | – |
| ELAC | elac.com | /weareELAC | elacaudio | @ELACaudio | – |
The Ultimate Active Subwoofer Buying Guide
When it comes to enhancing the sound system in your home or vehicle, an active subwoofer plays a crucial role in intensifying the bass for better sound quality. An active subwoofer is a self-contained unit that includes an amplifier, speaker, and a crossover network, and it's designed to operate without the need for an external amplifier or power source. When buying an active subwoofer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you purchase the best product that suits your needs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of purchasing an active subwoofer that will transform your sound system by enhancing the overall experience.
What is an Active Subwoofer?
An active subwoofer is a specialized loudspeaker that reproduces low-frequency sounds in a sound system. It differs from a passive subwoofer because it has its built-in amplifier, energy source, and crossover network. The crossover network separates the high and low-frequency signals from the audio source, and the built-in amplifier powers the subwoofer speaker, while the energy source is utilized to run the whole system. The crossover network also ensures that the low-frequency signals are directed to the subwoofer, while the high-frequency signals go to the main speakers.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Active Subwoofer
When purchasing an active subwoofer, you need to consider several factors to ensure you get the best product that suits your needs.
Size
The size of the subwoofer affects its sound quality and performance. Typically, subwoofers are available in three sizes; 8, 10, and 12-inch. Smaller subwoofers tend to produce a tight and punchy bass response, while larger subwoofers provide a deeper and more powerful bass response. However, the size that you choose will depend on your personal preferences, the size of the room, and the type of audio systems you have. Before purchasing a subwoofer, it's advisable to take measurements of the space where you intend to place it, to ensure that you purchase the right size.
Power Rating
The power rating of the subwoofer determines how loud and powerful it can be. It's measured in watts and usually comprises two values; RMS and Peak. The RMS value indicates the steady power the subwoofer can handle without overheating, while the Peak value refers to the maximum power the subwoofer can handle briefly. When purchasing a subwoofer, it's advisable to go for one with a higher RMS power rating to avoid damaging the system. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain a balanced power rating between the subwoofer and the amplifier to ensure that the subwoofer doesn't overpower the amplifier.
Frequency Range
The frequency range of the subwoofer determines the range of sounds it can reproduce. A subwoofer with a lower frequency response range can produce deeper and more powerful bass sounds. However, it's crucial to note that the subwoofer is designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds only and not all sounds. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase a subwoofer with a frequency response range of between 20 and 200 Hz to ensure that it complements the sound system's other speakers.
Enclosure Type
The enclosure type affects the overall sound quality and response of the subwoofer. Typically, subwoofers are available in two enclosure types; sealed and ported. Sealed enclosures are airtight and produce a tight and accurate bass response. On the other hand, ported enclosures have a vent or a port that allows the free flow of air, resulting in a deeper and more robust bass response. The choice between sealed and ported enclosures will depend on your personal preference and the type of music that you listen to. If you're into jazz, classical or heavy metal music, a sealed enclosure subwoofer would be ideal. However, if you're into hip hop, RnB or pop music, a ported enclosure subwoofer will give you a deep and heavy bass response.
Brand
The brand of the subwoofer also plays a significant role in determining its quality and performance. It's advisable to purchase an active subwoofer from a reputable brand with a proven track record of producing high-quality subwoofers. Some of the most popular brands in the market include JBL, Bose, Sony, and Yamaha. These brands have a wide range of products with different specifications, power ratings, and sizes. Therefore, you can choose a subwoofer that suits your needs and budget.
Types of Active Subwoofers
There are two types of active subwoofers; home subwoofers and car subwoofers. Each subwoofer type serves a different purpose, and they come in different shapes, sizes and performance specifications.
Home Subwoofers
Home subwoofers are designed for home theatre systems and offer excellent bass response for a cinematic experience. They come in various sizes and power ratings, and they can be placed in different positions in the room depending on the size and layout of the room. Home subwoofers tend to be larger and more powerful than car subwoofers because they can draw more power from the electrical supply and they're designed to produce more robust and more extended bass sounds.
Car Subwoofers
Car subwoofers are designed for car audio systems, and they're usually smaller and less powerful than home subwoofers. However, they're designed to fit in confined spaces, such as car trunks, and still provide a deep and heavy bass response. Car subwoofers are available in various sizes, power ratings, and enclosure types to suit different audio systems and personal preferences. They're an excellent addition to any car audio system, and they can enhance the overall audio experience by providing a powerful and accurate bass sound.
Conclusion
An active subwoofer is an essential component of any audio system as it provides a deep and powerful bass response that enhances the overall audio experience. When purchasing an active subwoofer, it's crucial to consider the size, power rating, frequency range, enclosure type, and brand to ensure that you purchase the best product that suits your needs. It's also essential to choose a subwoofer that complements the other speakers in your audio system and one that is compatible with your amplifier. With the right active subwoofer, you can enjoy a cinematic or music experience that you'll never forget.
