Subwoofer Buying Guide

If you are trying to build the ultimate sound system in your home a subwoofer is going to be at the center of it. Subwoofers allow you to get a deep bass from your sound system that can simply not be achieved by other speakers. A subwoofer will only play low frequencies, and will do so in such a way that captures you attention while you listen to your favorite music or watch a movie. If you are in the market to purchase a subwoofer there are a few things you should know.

There are two main types of subwoofers passive subwoofers and powered subwoofers.

Passive Subwoofers

In the case of passive subwoofers, your external amplifier powers your subwoofer. Since your amp is the same thing that is powering all of your other speakers, you need to make sure you have an amp with enough power for everything you plan on hooking up to it before you buy a subwoofer.

Powered Subwoofers

Powered subwoofers will for the most part sustain themselves. They are built in such a way that all they will need to operate is a line output coming from your amplifier. Buying a powered subwoofer allows your other speakers to be more easily powered by your amplifier, and your entire sound system to work more efficiently.

Other Subwoofer Considerations

Once you choose between purchasing a passive or powered subwoofer you will want to look at a few other subwoofer characteristics. For instance whether or not you want a front-firing or down-firing subwoofer. The down firing subwoofer will have speaker positioned toward the floor so you will be able to physically feel the shake from the bass in your music or sound in your movie. A up firing subwoofer will fill the room with the sound of the bass giving you an overall feel from the subwoofers sound.

Buying Tips

When you go to look at subwoofers take along a few of your own CDs and ask the sales staff to let you try them out in the system. Make sure hat you bring is kid friendly. As long as what you want to play isn't going to offend others in the store most electronics stores will be happy to let you try out your own music. Listening to CDs you are familiar with can give you a much better impression of how the subwoofer will work along with your music in your home.

One of the biggest considerations when purchasing a subwoofer is the room you plan on putting it in. If you have a smaller room then you will not need as large and as powerful a subwoofer as someone trying to set up the sound in a large room. Always take your rooms size into consideration when purchasing a subwoofer so that you don't get a subwoofer that is less than you need, or way too much.