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Simply put, a subwoofer is a speaker designed to play low frequencies, typically in the 20 to 200 hertz range, providing listeners with deeper, cleaner, more impactful bass.
For movies, a subwoofer puts the power into a gunfight, rumble into spaceship, or that eery “you know it’s coming, but you don’t know when or where it’s coming from” ambience—the stuff that makes the hair standup on the back of your neck in the best killer-thrillers or sci-fi movies.
Musically, a subwoofer adds some of the finer details in orchestral scores and rock and pop music that your so-called “full-range” main speakers don’t go because it doesn’t go down to 20 hertz or up to 20,000 hertz. It elevates the punch in a kick drum, the deep resonant tone in a cello, and the satisfying extension of an electric or acoustic bass. A great subwoofer will also reveal layers of sound that a typical loudspeaker is simply not equipped to handle.
Bottom line, a subwoofer improves the listening experience in a unique and palpable way that no other audio component can. Unfortunately, there is a huge variety of subwoofers available for your home audio setup. But things really start to get interesting in the $500 to $1,000 range.
Here are the best subwoofers for under $1,000:
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030
The SUB3030 is designed for the listener looking for deep rich bass, but not enough to raise the roof. This powered 12-inch subwoofer is armed with 500 watts amp, plenty of power for almost any size room. Its controls are incredibly convenient and can be managed with an Android or iOS app that lets users customize equalization and DSP to fit your tastes and the acoustics of your room. The enclosure is also attractively styled, with wood grain accents and a unique base design.
Paradigm Defiance X10
Some expert audiophiles believe the Defiance X10 is one of the best speakers Paradigm has ever made. Here’s why: This powered sub is equipped with a 300-watt amp and 10-inch driver. Like the ELAC, the Defiance can be controlled with a smartphone app that lets listeners change volume, low-pass filter, phase, deep bass, and more. The sub can also be made into a completely wireless unit with the purchase of the optional additional Defiance WT Wireless module. No more wires. Defiance X Series subwoofers are available in 10-, 12-, and 15-inch sizes.
HSU Research ULS-15 MK2
The ULS-15 MK2 is one of the largest powered subwoofers on this list, clocking in at 15 inches. But what it lacks in terms of stealth (it’s big and bulky), it makes up for by delivering tight and clean bass, even when reproducing complicated movie sound effects like massive explosions and car crashes. Plus, its cabinet is beautiful. A 600-watt amp does all the grunt work.
SVS PB-2000
The PB-2000 is designed to maintain a high level of performance for long period of times. It is not the most musical sub—heavy low frequencies like pounding bass from electronic music can cause the subwoofer to sound muddy—but it delivers plenty of boom. Equipped with a driver that’s rated down to 17 hertz, the powered PB-200 is powered by a 500-watt amp.
Sonos SUB
The SONOS is the funkiest sub on this list. Even though it can only be used with a Sonos audio or home theater system, it is an innovative and well-thought-out product. As expected, it’s completely wireless. It also has a unique design and is powered by a pair of Class D amplifiers.
