Subwoofer Amp

Keep Your Subwoofer Shaking the Seats

Executive Summary about Subwoofer Amp by Rachel Lawrence

amp for subwoofer

The entire purpose of having a subwoofer and an amp is to give the highest quality sound possible at high volumes. To maintain the best effect from your audio system it is important that you treat both your amplifier and subwoofer with care.

If the amp has a higher RMS wattage than your subwoofer then you can easily overload and break the sub, so keep a careful eye on the volume.

When 'clipping' occurs the sound waves in clipping cannot reach the full volume that the speakers are capable of because the amp is working at maximum power. This can overheat and distort the speakers, meaning you car audio system will seriously decrease in quality.

The best idea is to keep the RMS wattage of your car amplifier and the RMS wattage of your car subwoofer as close as possible. This minimises the possibility of damaging either part and ensures that you make the most out of your sound system.

The higher the volume, the more power you are supplying to your subwoofer. Taking this into account, larger subwoofers need less power to reach the louder volume. Therefore in some cases it might be better to get a larger sub to limit the possibilities of overload.

amp for subwoofer

Larger subwoofers give great quality to the lower notes, but one way to get high quality sound on even the higher notes is to pair the larger woofers, for example the 18" subs, with smaller woofers, like an 8". It's all about getting the best sound quality from your subwoofers and amplifiers.

Check out my other guide on Best Subwoofer or Home Subwoofer

Subwoofer Speakers

Everything You Need to Know About Subwoofers

Executive Summary about Subwoofers by Victor Epand

subwoofer with speakers

Subwoofer refers to either a woofer, or a complete loudspeaker dedicated to the reproduction of bass audio frequencies, typically from 150 Hz down to 20 Hz. Subwoofers are useful for augmenting main loudspeakers by providing playback of low bass frequencies at high levels. Subwoofers are available in several formats, including bass reflex, acoustic suspension, infinite baffle, horn loaded, tapped horn and bandpass types.

All loudspeakers characteristically exhibit trade off between frequency response and response time or transient response depending on the characteristics of the voice coil, properties of the magnetic motor, the cone mass, and the nature of the enclosure.

The voice coil consists of a bobbin with wire wound around it. The voice coil is attached to the bottom of the cone and extends into the air gap surrounding the pole piece. The voice coil translates the magnet's energy into cone motion.

Subwoofers use drivers woofers typically between 8" and 18" in diameter. Some drivers as small as 4" may be referred to as subwoofers but drivers less than 8" generally have neither the cone area nor excursion ability necessary to produce deep bass, especially in practical sized enclosures.

The first subwoofer was developed during the 1960s by Ken Kreisel. Kreisel's solution was to design a powered loudspeaker that would reproduce only those frequencies that were too low for the electrostatic speakers to convey and thereby fill in the missing sonic information. Subwoofers came into greater popular attention in 1974.

Subwoofers are used in various systems. Subwoofers are now almost universal in professional sound applications such as live concert sound, churches, nightclubs, and theme parks. Professional audio subwoofers must be capable of very high output levels. This is reflected in the design attention given in recent years to the subwoofer applications for sound reinforcement, public address, and concert systems.

A subwoofer does not necessarily provide superior bass performance in comparison to large conventional loudspeakers on ordinary music recordings due to the lack of very low frequency content on such sources. Most home and car systems have much smaller and unmatched drivers at low frequencies; they attempt to reproduce very low frequencies with large cone motions.

Speakers - How They Work and What They Do

Executive Summary about Speakers by Neil Patel

Speakers (drivers) are a vital part of car audio systems. They take charge of reproducing the sound from electrical to audible. They work by vibrating the air around the speaker when an electrical current is passed through them.

There are usually four types of speaker used in car audio set ups. For the low end of the sound spectrum, subwoofers and mid-bass drivers are used; the middle of the sound spectrum is taken care of by the mid-range drivers while the high end is reproduced by tweeters.

There are also speakers such as 6x9's that are able to produce a broader spectrum of sound than a standard midrange driver on its own for example and also the design of the speaker varies depending on the intended use.

How to Select and Install the Speakers for Your Home Theater System

Executive Summary about Speakers by Jane M. Cooke

Surround sound systems are set up using a series of speakers placed at strategic locations around the viewer to create a realistic ambiance. The surround sound system works by increasing the spatial sense, and better sound directionality with height effects to provide 3D sound environment. The surround sound systems are measured in terms of channels like 5.1, 7.1 and 9.1. Each channel delivers a different sound track via the speaker simultaneously.

Home theaters systems usually come with 5 to 9 speakers. In a 5 set speaker system, the left and right front speakers as well as the side ones need to be identical to each other. The front speakers are larger in size as they provide more audibility with regards to dialogues spoken and song lyrics while the side speakers are smaller as they provide the subtler sound effects. Remember to place the speakers in harmony with the seating arrangement as even a small adjustment in any one will cause a significant change in the perceived sound.

The viewer should be sitting ideally at a distance of 6-8 ft from the screen. The left and right front speakers are to be placed equidistant at about 2-3 feet from the screen with the center speaker placed below or above the screen. The side speakers are placed just behind the viewer at an inward angle slightly above the ear level for best results.

The subwoofer speaker can be placed anywhere as the human ear cannot locate the source of low bass frequency sounds. The speakers can be placed on props on the floor or mounted on the walls. The connecting wires can be concealed in wire moldings or run through the walls for a neat look.

Check out my other guide on 10 Subwoofer

Subwoofer Cable

Subwoofer Cable

cable for subwoofer

 A subwoofer cable is used for connecting an amplifier or a receiver to a subwoofer to carry bass signals. It is made of special copper conductors that transmit very low frequencies common to film and movie scores. The conductors are protected by thick shields that block electromagnetic noise and radio frequency interference. Subwoofer cables are available in oval, hollow oval, and sidewinder types. 

Amplify Your Subwoofer With Excellent Subwoofer Cables

Executive Summary about Subwoofer Cable by Ilse Hage.

You have to use good subwoofer cables to make your listening experience more pleasurable. Good signal transfer is crucial when choosing subwoofer cables, because not only will it help deliver crisp audio quality, but it will also protect your audio from possible interferences.

Kinds

Finding recommended subwoofer cables means understanding the different kinds available in the market. There are currently three kinds of subwoofer cables, and these are:

subwoofer rca cable

Oval subwoofer cable - this helps reduce low frequency noise through a small loop. It also produces deep bass sounds to make sounds more realistic.

Hollow oval subwoofer cable - this transmits low frequencies that prevents current bunching and muddy bass sounds. This is ideal for in-wall use.

Sidewinder subwoofer cable - like a coaxial cable, a sidewinder subwoofer cable produces extremely clear sounds, thanks to its center of solid conductors that are all covered by foil shields.

Remember

Recommended subwoofer cables at least :

Solid conductors - recommended subwoofer cables have solid conductors to produce clearer sounds with lower frequencies. Solid conductors also prevent distortion.

Conductor material - go for cables that have Long Grain Copper (LGC) instead of those made from Oxygen Free High Conductivity (OFHC) copper.

Insulating material - pick cables that are made from PVC dielectric, which is resistant from sound distortion.

Installation

The next step is to install these cables into your home audio system. Installing is essential to make sure that everything is in place and that all equipment is working properly.

The Different Types of Subwoofer Cables

Executive Summary about Subwoofer Cable by Thomas M Matthews

You might probably be wondering what the difference between the subwoofer cables and regular speaker cables is and why you cannot use the regular cables for your subwoofer.

Actually, the cables for subwoofers carry a mono signal from the receiver to the amplifier. It is made up of a two-conductor wire and an RCA plug which is located at the end of the wire. These cables play an important role in your home theater system just like the speakers, amplifier, and the television. These cables will ensure that you will hear high audio quality while also protecting your sound system from any interference.

If you are looking for cables for your subwoofer, you need to be able to understand the different kinds of cables available in the market. There are actually three different types of subwoofers that are available in the market. These are the oval subwoofer cable, the sidewinder, and the hollow oval cable for subwoofers.

The first type, which is the oval, will help in reducing low frequency noise through a small loop. Aside from that, this type can also produce deep bass sounds which make the audio sound more realistic.

On the other hand, the other type which is the sidewinder produces clear sounds due to its solid conductors on the center. The solid conductors in the sidewinder are covered by foil shields. The last type of cable would be the hollow oval which also transmits low frequencies and prevents muddy bass sounds. This is perfect for wall-in use.

So, depending on the purpose and how you will use it, you can choose among these types of cables for your subwoofer.

Check out my other guide on 10 Subwoofer

Subwoofer Amplifier

Why You Need a Subwoofer Amplifier

Executive Summary about Subwoofer Amplifier by Jeremy Waller.

amplifier for subwoofer

When getting a subwoofer for your sound system, choosing the right speaker and amplifier for your subwoofer is just as important as the subwoofer itself.

Subwoofers were created to produce very low frequencies, which are usually less than 80 hertz. Subwoofers are usually located inside a cabinet. The cabinet is designed to heighten the quality of the low end frequencies coming from the subwoofer. Subwoofers are supposed to be used with speakers that produce higher frequencies, to get a balanced and well rounded sound.

Amplifiers are very important because aside from possibly enhancing the sound coming from the subwoofer, they also power the subwoofer. Amplifiers are usually rated in the number of watts, usually in RMS and peak designations.

Peak power measures the biggest spike, in terms of wattage. The amplifier must not have a higher RMS rating that the speaker.

In conclusion, getting the right amplifier and speaker for your subwoofer is just as important as the subwoofer itself. Having the right amplifier and the right speaker, will also give you a great sound, and will prevent the breaking of any of your equipment in the future.

Remember, the RMS rating of the amplifier must be lower than that of your speaker; this is so that the speaker, amplifier or subwoofer does not break.

How To Pick Ideal Home Theater Subwoofer

Executive Summary about Subwoofer Amplifier by Lena Micevic.

There are many people who think buying home theater subwoofers separately is the best idea and I'm one of them. I have changed more than five different home theaters mostly because of the low quality bass sound, let me provide you some tips when buying this subwoofers separately.

You need to understand this subwoofers sometimes can be more expensive than your whole theater system which means they are quality.

My favourite models and brands for this subwoofers, which means they are cheap and quality, are Polk Audio, BIC America, Onkyo and Yamaha. I personally own the Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer which offers a 12 inch subwoofer with 300 watts of power.

Before you buy the subwoofer you should check your amplifier power as it is not recommended you buy more powerful sub than your amplifier can actually power.

If you want a smaller and less powerful bass sound the Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer is also a good solution for you. 10 inch sub is not that big and at the same it it provides up to 100 watts of bass sound which is more than enough if you ask me.

Going after separated home theater subwoofer is your best choice if your system lacks of bass sound, so have a look at some models of the brands I told you about.

Check out my other guide on 10 Subwoofer

8 Subwoofer

Polk Audio PSW111 Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer

Executive Summary about 8 Inch Subwoofer by PolkAudio.com

Big Bass, Small Box

Then let PSW111 be the solution. Best matched for RM and SurroundBar series or compact speakers from other manufacturers. You can put it practically anywhere and you won't believe the punch such a small subwoofer packs. 

PSW Series Features

Floor Coupled Port*

All woofers feature a floor coupled downward firing port. This configuration brings you maximum bass impact while keeping the front of the cabinet as low profile as possible.
*Except PSW10

Composite Woofer

We don't use cheap paper cardboard woofers. This is the real deal and part of why PSW Series subwoofers outperform the competition.

Klippel Optimized Woofer

By using a state-of-the-art Klippel Distortion Analyzer, Polk engineers were able to optimize the woofer's motor structure, voice coil alignment and suspension bringing you the best possible performance even at extreme listening levels. Click here for a technical explanation.

Dynamic Balance

A Polk perfected method of analyzing a speaker's microscopic behavior with laser Interferometry. Polk engineers can tune out unwanted resonance and distortion with the right combination of materials, geometry and construction techniques. This brings you pure, distortion free sound.

 

Multiple Hook Up Options

LFE*, line and speaker level inputs, and speaker level inputs allow easy connection to any system.
*Except PSW10 & PSWi225

 

Intelligent Amplifier

PSW Series subwoofers use intelligent amplifiers.

Sturdy Feet

Keeps the sub from sliding across the floor when played at high volumes.

 

Loud and Low Rated

Polk home subwoofers are provided with CEA-2010 "Loud and Low" Spec.

Polk Audio PSW111

Executive Summary about 8 Inch Subwoofer  by Eric M. Bergfield

I researched subs online for a month, and then finally decided on Polk's PSW111. I have since owned the PSW111 for 2 months; and thus far it has been great, working perfecly with my 5.1 surround sound system.

The gun fire and explosians in Call of Duty 4 are made much more intense with the bass produced by the PSW111! I bought the PSW111 because my old Klipsch-sub burnt out, and I had to go with NO bass for 9 long months! ...When I finally hooked up the PSW111 and heard the bass, I was so throughlly pleased :D

The sub isn't magnetically shielded, so I have to keep it away from most of my other electronics; but that's not a problem - because most subs are not shielded. I spent $50 on a gold plated-6" Monster cable, kinda funny since the sub itself only cost $200.

I live in a small apt, and it fits perfecly. If you are a person who lives alone in a big house, this sub should still do you just fine, because maxing out the dial on the sub will create a room-shattering amount of bass.

Pros:
+ The sub is small, sexy looking and pretty damn powerful.
+ Built very solid, no rattling, no boomy sound whatsoever.
+ Xbox 360 games sound rediculously amazing with the PSW111.

Cons:
- The PSW111 costs slightly more than its bigger 10" cousin.
- Not magnetically shielded (but not many subs are so who cares).

Conclusion:
If you're looking for a small-sized, but still very powerful subwoofer, then this sub is HIGHLY recomended!

Check out my other guide on 15 Subwoofer