Top 10 Budget Home Theater Subwoofers Under $500
Ahh, subwoofers. The most crucial piece to a sound system’s bass. When you want to feel that low-frequency beat rumble your seat or floor, a cheap home subwoofer is the best way to improve sound quality. Whether it’s for movie soundtracks in your home theater setup, sound effects in your PC gaming setup, or the music you blast in your car, purchasing the best budget home theater subwoofer you can afford will completely transform your listening experience.
Owning a subwoofer is critical to producing the full sound of your music. In fact, you are actually missing half of it without one. Adding good quality bass response to the overall sound truly depends on a good, balanced subwoofer. Consider the subwoofer as the heart of an audio system, while the speakers are the voice.
The good news is, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to find the best budget home subwoofer. To help you out, we’ve researched the top 10 budget home theater subwoofers under $500. These subwoofers look great, improve sound quality, and won’t destroy your pocketbook. We’ve added the specifications, features, and what we like best about each of the best subwoofers under 500 and then ordered them from lowest to highest cost to help you choose the best one for you.
While the best subwoofers under $500 tend to be designed for auto, home, or outdoor use, the proper setup can make these units interchangeable. However, we chose subwoofers initially intended for home theatre systems for our list.
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A Note About Wattage For the Best Home Theater Subwoofers Under 500
The subwoofer’s wattage is an indicator of the maximum power that the speaker can handle over time. Subwoofers are relatively durable, but if they are pumped with more power (or watts) than they can handle, they will blow. Therefore, you should always select a subwoofer or speaker whose maximum wattage reading is higher than the amount of power your amplifier can produce.
For example, if an amplifier is rated at 80 watts peak x 4, it can amplify 80 watts to four channels at maximum power. This means each channel is allocated at least 20 watts. In this case, a 40-watt subwoofer isn’t a problem since the speaker can handle the subwoofer’s power output even at the maximum volume.
See also: Budget Home Theater 5 Channel AV: Best Receiver Under $300
Top 10 Budget Home Theater Subwoofers Under $500
Klipsch Reference R-112SW Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $394
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 15.5 x 17.4 inches
- Weight: 48.8 pounds
- Release Date: September 24, 2014
- Wattage: 300 watts
With a 12-inch spun copper cerametallic driver, the Klipsch Reference R-112SW Subwoofer exhibits exceptionally low-frequency response with minimal distortion due to its lightness and rigidity. Using a front-firing slot port with proprietary internal geometry allows you to hear low frequencies without distortion. The all-digital amplifier is built-in, giving the speaker plenty of power and delivering accurate reproduction true to the source.
Even the best budget subwoofer can look great in your house. In this case, a brushed black polymer veneer and satin-painted MDF plinth finish off the R-112SW’s durable cabinet. You can see if the system is powered on or off by the LED indicator on the front panel. With an impressive acoustic decoupling technique, this subwoofer uses only 1/2 watt in standby.
Combining the low-frequency tones of the subwoofer with other Klipsch speakers, phase control, and low pass crossover, you can establish the ideal level of bass. You can turn it into wireless subwoofers easily with a Klipsch WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit. This accessory will add wireless capabilities to Klipsch’s already outstanding performance. We consider the Klipsch one of the best home theater subwoofers under 500 you can find.
Features:
- An elegant cabinet with a polymer veneer finish and satin painted plinth
- 600 watts of dynamic power in an all-digital amplifier
- Optionally, you can add Klipsch WA-2 wireless subwoofer kits for a simple wireless connection
- Cerametallic 12-inch woofer with spun copper
- Integrated internal flare technology in a front-firing slot port
- For compatibility with most receivers, RCA inputs are available for L/R line-level and LFE
- Measures 17.38″ high by 15.5″ wide by 18.25″ deep
Recent review:
“After about 1 year, used at min volume my Polk driver started cracking if turned up past 4 on a scale of 10. All 6 of my other speaker’s are klipschs and these are totally awesome top line speakers in all respects. So I started looking at new sub’s. I never had any Idea that I would also have a klipsch!! I found this and at an unreal price. This sub out classes all of the others. Being 12 inch it requires very little volume to give some of the most awesome bass Ives ever heard, I chose this model because it has a front port, that keeps the sound off of the wall behind it and issues it from the front. I listen to thunder and rain to relax sometimes and with this one the thunder has a very powerful rich low that comes out and you can feel it move across the floor!!”
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Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $449
- Dimensions: 18.2 x 15.2 x 16.2 inches
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Release Date: March 28, 2005
- Wattage: 460 watts
With the Polk Audio PSW505 12-inch Powered Subwoofer, you can expect accurate, room-filling powerful bass sound you crave for your home theatre system with a sturdy Slot Load Vent and a 300-watt amplifier. Rotating volume controls allow the subwoofer to be adjusted relative to the other speakers, and the unit includes an adjustable low-pass filter that can be changed from 60 to 120 Hz continuously. With easy connection to any system thanks to its line and speaker level inputs and outputs, you’ll instantly hear a difference. In addition to the subwoofer’s stylish styling, it includes natural wood veneer and silver details that create a classic touch.
The Polk Audio PSW505 has a minimalist design. With dimensions of 16 x 15 x 18 inches and a weight of around 48 pounds, the Polk Audio PSW505 is relatively easy to move. As a result of its magnetic shield, it can be placed close to your television without causing noise distortion. An 18mm MDF cube is used to create a black oak-like casing, and a metal frame supports the body. A black grille protects the silver-painted 25mm MDF faceplate in front and can be easily removed. The 12-inch driver has a polymer-coated cellulose diffuser and a dust-proof central disc. Its back panel is composed of MDF and metal, which houses the subwoofer controls. Integrated into the metal panel are two line inputs and an LFE input to accept special signals from the AV receiver.
The Polk Audio PSW505 is a best budget subwoofer that comes with a split-phase inverter, which is precisely what we love about it. The wide and long phase of the amplifier reduces noise and distortion, producing thunderous bass. In addition to extending the low-frequency range, this tube also vibrates at a frequency below that of the loudspeaker, which results in more natural sound quality.
Recent Review:
“For those who are in a budget on a sub $200 price range for a 12 in. subwoofer with 300W RMS and frequency range of 23hz-160hz , this is the best bang for your $$$. Why? It gets the job done. I know some people out there will tell you to pay a few more 100’s of $$$ for a better subwoofer. I had a 150 lb SVS subwoofer in the past and they are excellent subwoofers but sold it and opted for a smaller size subwoofer. I can tell you though that this subwoofer can out perform any high end subwoofer $$$ for $$$ in a number of aspects – size of enclosure, weight of enclosure and can match performance of high end subwoofers at lower volumes or db. There is only one positive outcome I can think of in a high end subwoofer versus this subwoofer and that is high SPL(sound pressure level) or high decibels at lower frequency range specially in the low 20hz. I know high end subwoofer can go below 20hz but that is below a human ear can hear so it is out of the question. If your budget for a subwoofer is $400, don’t buy a klipsch, SVS and etc., buy 2 of these. If your subwoofer budget is $600, buy 3 of these. If your budget is $800, buy 4 of these. 2 subwoofers of this brand and specs is better than 1 high end subwoofer. 4 subwoofers of this brand and specs is better that 2 high end subwoofers. You are buying more subwoofers not to make it louder but to improve the listening pleasure of lower frequencies on every listening area of the room so that anywhere you go in the room, you hear the same kind of bass. If you are looking for performance or loudness of the subwoofer, then you are looking at the wrong review and product.”
Polk Audio HTS 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $449
- Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 16 inches
- Weight: 49.9 pounds
- Release Date: October 21, 2017
- Wattage: 400 watts
Power Port® technology, a long-throw 12-inch driver, and a 400W class D amplifier make the Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer one of the most powerful units on our list. The floor-firing design with patented Power Port® technology produces deep, extended bass impact with minimal port noise, distortion, and turbulence. Polk’s 12-inch best budget powered subwoofer features Dynamic Balance Technology that provides bold, immersive, sound. The Polk Audio HTS 12 powered subwoofer offers volume, low pass filter, and phase (0/180°) controls for optimum bass levels. Switching the sub and other home theater audio equipment on and off is a breeze by setting the power toggle to DC control (12V trigger) or Auto on/off. A stereo line-level RCA input or unfiltered/low pass LFE input complements any home theatre system.
Features:
- Polypropylene woofer with a 12-inch diameter
- Music and movies are brought to life by a powerful 400W Class D amplifier
- Turns off automatically when the receiver no longer detects a signal
- Its frequency response range is 28-120 Hz (-3dB)
- Noise reduction is enhanced by reducing internal standing waves in an acoustically inert enclosure
- The Bass-Reflex (ported) enclosure features Power Port® down-firing for crystal-clear bass
- The Medite MDF construction is designed with minimum baffle thickness and extra baffle thickness for realistic sound quality
- You can connect RCA line-level or LFE (low-frequency effects)
- Acoustically match your main speakers to the subwoofer’s output with a phase switch
- Crossover control for variable low-pass filters
- A large, attractive design at 17-3/16″W x 18-13/16″H x 20-1/16″D and 49 lbs.
Recent Review:
“After break in is when one should even start to judge the performance of any speaker. To many, this isn’t considered a high end sub and may very well be the case. I’ve no fancy recording and testing equipment but , but, with this down port design, it’s as if placement isn’t such an issue. Listening to music my impression was that this is what it’s purpose is for. But for movies it gives such a clean hard hitting punch without being “boomy”. For example when someone is firing a 50 caliber at high rate, it exemplifies realism. Thunder, helicopters, crashes, and such are very defined. The room rumbles without hearing a sound at times instilling something is about to happen, like in some scary movies. It’s powerful, clean, and lower than expected or need be. Only thing I wish is that it were in “piano finish”, but it’s a very classy and purposeful design. Overall, it’s a great price for a great piece of equipment. Polk knows it’s stuff.”
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MartinLogan Dynamo 400 Eight-Inch 1500W Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $499
- Dimensions: 18 x 18.4 x 19.9 inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Release Date: May 17, 2018
- Wattage: 150 watts
The Dynamo 400 8-inch 1500W Subwoofer from MartinLogan is a budget subwoofer with an eight-inch subwoofer with a high excursion, driven by an integrated Class D amplifier that’s highly efficient. With punchy bass that goes down to 30 Hz, the Dynamo 3 sub is MartinLogan’s entry-level sub in their Dynamo lineup for 2018 – deep enough to put some kick into movie and television special effects.
This best budget subwoofer has a powerful magnet, motor, and suspension design and inverted surrounds. Plus, the Dynamo 400 features advanced woofer technology. This unique inverted surround provides maximum excursion clearance behind the grill cover when using the grill in front-fire mode. By reducing airflow-related turbulence, the inverted surround significantly enhances low-frequency perception when positioned in a down-firing orientation. With high-power magnets and low-mass diaphragms, these advanced-technology woofers deliver massive excursions while maintaining the tiniest bass details. In order to achieve seamless blending with high-performance loudspeakers, the cone’s exceptional damping properties provide smooth, non-resonant frequency response. As a result, all Dynamo subwoofers feature outstanding low-frequency performance – without even the slightest hint of distortion.
With the Dynamo 400’s precision IME filtering, you get an incredibly accurate low-frequency response range. It is considerably better than that offered by simple second-order high-Q filters commonly found on subwoofers of this price. The Dynamo class-D amplifier provides a dynamic impact with minimal distortion and plenty of overhead in a subwoofer system. Despite its small size, the low-noise, high-power power supplies produce clean power efficiently in a small area and can quickly deliver huge currents. MOSFET transistors, transformers, noise-reduction networks, and control circuitry are all of the highest quality in the Dynamo 400. In combination with Class-D technology, the switching power supply virtually eliminates subwoofer energy loss.
Features:
- Integrated amplifiers deliver 75 watts continuous power (150 watts peak)
- Bass-reflex cabinet (ported) with down-firing woofers and a slot port
- The woofer has an inverted surround in eight-inch high-excursion polypropylene
- Low-pass crossover (rear panel) that is continuously variable between 35 and 120 Hz.
- The frequency response range is 30-200 Hz (*3dB).
- There is an automatic on/off switch on the back panel.
- Level control is located on the back panel.
- Finished in black satin.
- Phase switch on the back panel.
- Inputs at speaker level.
- RCA stereo/LFE line-level input
- Dimensions of: 13-5/16″W x 15-1/4″H x 13-3/4″D and weighing 28.5 lbs.
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Audioengine S8 250-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $349
- Dimensions: 11.25 x 11.25 x 11.25 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Release Date: November 19, 2009
- Wattage: 250 watts
Featuring a black or white cabinet option, the Audioengine S8 250 watt Powered Subwoofer looks absolutely stunning. The solid matte MDF cabinets feature four tapered legs and a front-ported down-firing woofer. Due to the down-firing design, the sound quality will be smooth and clear even at higher volumes. In addition, its compact size makes it easy to put it anywhere in the room. S8 weighs 30 pounds and measures 11.2 inches in width, length, and depth. Featuring a compact design, a wireless subwoofer option, and a full set of wires for all inputs, it is a small, power-saving 8-inch subwoofer. A steel frame completely eliminates all resonant effects of this bass woofer. Moreover, the speaker surround is made of durable rubber for less vibration and better sound quality.
Simple controls and an easy operation principle make the Audioengine s8’s controls simple to manage. On the unit’s rear panel, all the controls are visible, making it easy for beginners to use, especially those without previous experience with subwoofers. There is a power button at the bottom of the display and a cable connection at the top of the display. In addition, you can adjust crossover, phase, and volume in accordance with your environment and requirements. The phase control has a light below it that illuminates green when the unit is in use, but turns amber when the unit is in standby mode. This means you can start using your audio equipment and listening to superior sound quality right away.
Recent Review:
“This thing is battle ready. This ain’t no piñata from Paper Plate Alley. Sonically correct. Infinitely adjustable. Probably overkill if all it’s used for is bomb blasts and car crashes. This thing handles the back line. The low registers. Stand up bass. Pipe organ. Some weird woodwind I’ve never heard. That’s what this thing is really good at. And if you wanna rock…your neighbors will salute you. With the middle finger, that is. Unless they are well prepared, the package they picked up with their tv at Targétte will not protect them. You could dial it down a bit and just set it to stun. Or you can turn it up to 11 and send them scattering. Satisfying.”
Polk Audio PSW111 Eight-Inch Compact Powered Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $349
- Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Release Date: October 2, 2001
- Wattage: 300 watts
In just a bit over a square foot, the Polk Audio PSW111 delivers all the power of Polk Audio. As one of the best affordable subwoofers you can find, you’ll get the strongest bass you’ve ever felt. When you need big bass, the unique driver materials, speaker geometry, and construction techniques deliver it with wide, clear sound quality. With state-of-the-art optimizations to the motor structure and suspension, the amplifier provides optimal performance at all levels. Its size of 12.1 inches high by 11 inches wide by 13 inches deep, making it easy for concealing behind furniture or tucking into a corner. Although this Polk Audio PWS111 has a softly rounded cabinet with a nicely finished cloth grille, it is largely unobtrusive and fits in nicely with any stereo system. Weighing in at 20.3 pounds, it is easy to handle. The Polk Audio PSW111 is available in matte black only.
We really love that this powered subwoofer features a 150-watt (300-watt peak) amplifier paired with an eight-inch composite woofer. A phase switch, subwoofer volume control, and a crossover are located on the rear panel. Several input and output options are available: stereo speaker-level, line-level, and a direct line-level input with LFE, plus speaker-level outputs. At just $349.00, the PSWII by Polk Audio is a great budget subwoofer and one of the top cheap subwoofers for home.
Features:
- The front panel features a sleek grille and LFE line inputs, while the back panel features speaker-level inputs and outputs, the lower-pass filter, and a phase switch.
- The smart compression circuitry, which limits distortion, provides a rich, deep sound even at very low frequencies with a more balanced & thrilling music experience
- A Dynamic Balance eight-inch woofer, downward-firing port, and on-point speaker geometry
- It matches the timbre of Polk’s TSI, RM, and R/T/M Series speakers, and can be used with any receiver.
- Powered by a 150-watt amplifier (300W peak)
Recent Review:
“I love the compact size of this subwoofer. Polk recommends it for use with smaller speakers that don’t get very deep in the bass, like soundbars, for instance. While it doesn’t plumb the depths of bass extension, it does work well to augment the bass of my ELAC Debut B6 bookshelf speakers in the guest bedroom very nicely. Would also be a good choice for the little Andrew Jones-designed Pioneer bookshelf speakers, small Klipsches like the RB-10 or even those with an old pair of Realistic Minimus 7. Two Year Edit: Okay, they’ve been going strong since I bought them two years ago. I think more highly of them – I use a pair in my bedroom system – than I did, initially. I’m now using them with better main speakers by Monitor Audio. Very nice fit for the room and my ear. They sound so nice together… get a pair of these subs and you should never be tempted to overdrive one unless you lack any sense of musicality – or maybe have low-frequency hearing loss.”
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SVS PB-1000 300 Watt 12-Inch Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $449
- Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 27 pounds
- Release Date: November 29, 2012
- Wattage: 300 watts
An inconspicuous enclosure offers clear, deep bass performance in the SVS PB-1000 300 Watt 12-inch Subwoofer. This budget subwoofer is stylishly finished in matte piano black or gloss piano white, complementing any décor and small enough to tuck away if necessary. The SB-1000 can be paired one on either side of the room and placed right next to each other to maximize the slam and impact of your home theater setup. With Sledge’s STA-300D amplifier, you’re getting a level of technology and sophistication unmatched at this price point. The amp is equipped with a highly advanced DSP processor to provide the ultimate in subwoofer control at all drive levels.
What’s astounding about the SVS PB-1000 300 Watt 12-inch Subwoofer are the digital actuators that provide precise and noiseless adjustment through the control knobs. With SVS’s 12-inch high output driver, portable and affordable don’t mean compromising on sound. The 12″ driver in the SB-1000 pumps out tons of deep and powerful bass frequency response with low distortion, so you’ll hear music or movies with crystal clarity. You’ll also get a high-power voice coil for efficient thermal management, lightweight 12-inch cone for enhanced performance and durability 6-foot power cable The dimensions of the SVS PB-1000 300 Watt 12-inch Subwoofer come in at 13.5″ x 13″ x 14″ with a weight of 27 lbs.
Recent Review:
“What did adding a subwoofer give me in my stereo setting? More bass, duh. I could babble on about more airy midranges and more room for the highs but that is bullshit. I got more of what I already had which was tight defined and focused bass and that is exactly what I wanted. The match between a large closed box design loudspeaker like mine and the SVS SB-1000 is total magic. As my son said, it sounds like everything is coming from the main speakers but bigger.Did I get anything else out of it at all? With the crossover at 80Hz instead of 60Hz I got a more weighty thicker sound overall which I really like almost a bit more depth in the soundstage either from the added bass or how the bass is interacting with the room. I played bass-shy music like Sonny Clark’s “Cool Struttin'” and it had more weight to acoustic bass and drums. I played Calexico with Iron & Wine’s “In the Reins” and the sound was thicker and deeper overall turning off the subwoofer gave an immediately more thin presence to the tone of the music. Listen it really really shines when I play “do you want more?!?!!!!?” by the Roots obviously the whole album sounded had a nice kicking bass thump without being overwhelming or ever noticing when the subwoofer versus the speakers were doing their thing. It disappeared into the sound which is what you want them to do when you are listening to music after all. What about movies? I listen mostly to music so let me keep this brief. If you really want to piss your neighbors off this is not the subwoofer for you. Still, if I turn the sub all the way up and play a 40HZ test tone my wife did text me and go “WTF are you doing down there?” It is great for fast paced shoot-em-ups all John Wick style but with a solo sub in a basement you do have to crank it up from music listening volume to get the big explosion thumps you want from a super hero MCU Avengers battle. But this subwoofer can still pull it off. Which is way nice.Overall, this subwoofer is very musical and can pull off movies unless you have a need for shaking your bowels into total irritation and driving your neighborhood insane.”
Elac SUB1010 120 Watt 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $129
- Dimensions: 12.19 x 13.19 x 13.56 inches
- Weight: 21.8 pounds
- Release Date: December 17, 2019
- Wattage: 120 watts
Next, we have another one of the best inexpensive subwoofers for home. With ELAC’s new SUB1010, you can add powerful bass sound to your home theater system, making your sound system a sensation you can both hear and feel. This budget subwoofer measures 12.19 x 13.19 x 13.56 inches and weighs 21.8 pounds, so you’ll no space issues. In addition, muddier or distorted tones are avoided by using rubber feet that soak up vibrations. Finally, there are two air pressures inside and outside the bass reflex enclosure, ensuring equal air pressure inside and outside. As a result, the bass is enhanced, and overall performance at low frequencies is exemplary. It’s truly one of the best subwoofers you can buy.
The subwoofer comes with 0.5 watts of standby power, so you can crank up the bass without being concerned about excessive power consumption. A 10-inch polypropylene woofer with a high excursion produces clean, deep bass even at extremely loud volumes. Its operating power is 60 watts RMS, peaking at 120 watts. The frequency response range is 38Hz – 200Hz, which allows you to enjoy deep, crisp, and clear bass frequency response without distortion, thanks to the versatile crossover frequency (40Hz – 200 Hz).
A black-ash vinyl finish completes the ultra-modern look of the SUB1010 cabinet. This subwoofer is made from CARB2 Rated MDF, making it much more durable and sturdy. It comes standard with a bi-color LED indicator that shows the subwoofer’s status. Additionally, this subwoofer comes with a phase switch, low pass filter, and level control. You can fine-tune the subwoofer’s volume to blend perfectly with your home theater setup using the level control. Finally, the SUB1010 features line-level inputs that are crucial when connected to a pre-amp/AV receiver. Just purchase RCA cables and let the line-level inputs do all the work for you, whether you’re connecting a pre-amplifier or an AV receiver!
Recent Review:
“I am a 2 channel purist and my KEF R700 speakers have never needed a sub. I moved to a new home recently and found that the living room acoustics were not great. Basically, bass output dropped off dramatically below 50 hz making everything sound light weight. I decided to try out a subwoofer but needed one with high level inputs. Not being sure I would be happy with the bass integration, I decided to get a budget one to try out before spending $$ on a Hsu sub. Dayton 10 and 12″ subs were out of stock so I got this one. Well, I am pleasantly surprised. This is not a boom box. Bass is tight and has adequate extension, in my room, the 31.5 hz tone is down -6db. Blends very well with my speakers with crossover set around 60hz. Although, the box is not very hefty, it does the job. Quite a bargain at this price no doubt.”
Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer
Specs
- Price: $129
- Dimensions: 16.77 x 15.2 x 14.09 inches
- Weight: 28.3 pounds
- Release Date: October 15, 2019
- Wattage: 70 watts
The Edifier T5 Powered Subwoofer is a budget subwoofer that lets you move to the music. A high-quality cabinet helps reduce resonance for clear, consistent sound, while the eight-inch driver delivers impressively accurate bass frequency response. Easily adjust volume and frequency range with the rear-mounted controls, and utilize the automatic standby function to save energy.
Low Pass Filters ensure that your subwoofer plays only low-frequency sounds, which are too low for your speakers to reproduce without distortion. The Edifier T5 powered subwoofer brings your highs and mid-ranges to life with bass you’ll feel down to 38Hz. It boasts an eight-inch driver that delivers 70w of robust, accurate sound with deep bass
Low Pass Filters ensure that your subwoofer plays only low-frequency sounds, which are too low for your speakers to reproduce without distortion. The Edifier T5 powered subwoofer brings your highs and mid-ranges to life with deep bass response you’ll feel down to 38Hz. It boasts an eight-inch driver that delivers 70w of robust, accurate sound with deep bass frequency response. The low end does not have to sound overblown and distorted. Designed for easy listening, (think musical instruments), the T5 powered subwoofer delivers a clear experience. What also stands out is that when the unit is left idle, the auto-standby feature ensures that no power is wasted—need to worry about driving up your electric bill when the unit is plugged in. This unit includes a convenient knob that allows you to change the bass volume on the fly. The adjacent knob enables you to adjust the subwoofer’s frequency range, which controls the point at which it starts filtering out the sound.
The low end does not have to sound overblown and distorted. Designed for easy listening, the best budget subwoofer is a powered subwoofer that delivers a clear experience. What also stands out is that when the unit is left idle, the auto-standby feature ensures that no power is wasted—need to worry about driving up your electric bill when the unit is plugged in. This unit includes a convenient knob that allows you to change the bass volume on the fly. The adjacent knob enables you to adjust the subwoofer’s frequency range, which controls the point at which it starts filtering out the sound.
Features:
- 38-200Hz frequency response range
- Low-pass filter
- Eight-inch powered subwoofer
- Integrated amplifier
- Eight-inch bass driver with DSP
- Automatic standby
- Adjustable bass response and frequency bandwidth
- MDF enclosure
Recent Review:
“I had a pair of Edifier R2750DB tri-amps, which I thought the world of – excellent bass and treble, good midrange. I bought the subwoofer because I had some spare cash, not because of any need – and I am very glad I did. After reducing the bass to nominal (0) on the tri-amp, and setting the cut-off frequency and phase on the sub – and then balancing the volume with the tri-amps – I was staggered at what a huge difference it makes. The sub is an 8″ cone and the tri-amp subs are 4″, so the bass comes across much clearer and it can reproduce even lower tones without distortion (I didn’t even realise I was getting distortion before). Additionally, the mid-level frequencies are no longer being swamped by the volume of the bass and treble, so come across as clear as a bell. Everything sounds much better. Track 4 of CD 6 in Max Richter’s sleep has some particularly low effects, and despite having listened to this on the tri-amps and also on a decent headset, I didn’t realise just how much texture there was in that sound – but now I do. The speaker combination of the R12750DB plus the T5 subwoofer (both Edifier) creates an awesome sound system. The leads to connect the T5 to the 12750 are in the box (in fact, both devices provide the correct lead). The T5 is powered, so the volume setting is surprisingly low (probably receiving an amplified signal from the R12750), and of course you’ll need another power socket available.”
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Jamo C 912 Subwoofer Black
Specs
- Price: $204
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.4 x 18 inches
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Release Date: November 2, 2020
- Wattage: 400 watts
The Jamo C 912 budget subwoofer features the injection-molded graphite (IMG) woofer cone, which provides smooth, piston-like motion with minimal cone breakup for clean, tight bass response and is also remarkably light for some of the highest output in its class. In addition, due to its flared design, the tube port provides outstanding low-frequency extension, and the subwoofer’s front-firing positioning means you can place it inside the cabinet against the wall. It also features audiophile-grade Class D amplifiers that deliver cinematic low end with plenty of headroom.
With the C 912, you can connect DVRs, processors, and integrated amplifiers via dual RCA inputs, as well as the WA-2 wireless kit, which allows for cable-free installation. Continually variable crossovers and phase switches let you tune your subwoofer to perform optimally in your room. In addition, the JAMO C 912 SUB uses a wireless receiver built into the amplifier, allowing audio signals to be transmitted and received from anywhere in the room via the WA-2 transmitter (sold separately). This ensures both a clean, cable-free installation and optimal subwoofer placement.
We especially love the wireless system with 2.4 GHz technology. The WA-2 delivers high-resolution audio with minimal latency – allowing you to enjoy the freedom of wireless subwoofers in your home theater system without sound distortion. All in all, the Jamo C 912 is one of the best subwoofers for home theater under 500.
Recent Review:
“I’ve been shopping around for a sub to add to my home setup for a while. My budget was around 200$. I use my set up for everything from gaming,movies and music so I wanted an all-rounder sub. I went a little outside of my budget and it was well worth it. The Jamo c912 absolutely delivered what I was looking for. I was looking at Klipsch, Elac, Polk and Dayton in my price range and the Jamo stood out from the rest, for me anyway. Setup was a breeze. Very good quality of materials and overall build of the unit is very good. It has a removable grill and a front port. My room size is on the small side 12 x 15 feet approx. and it easily fills my room with sound. Movies had the deep rumble I wanted without being boomy. It can easily hit bass lower than 30hz. It made gaming more in depth and just added more impact to every game. I’m a big music listener and it absolutely filled in the much needed bass I was missing out on. Everything from hard rock to orchestral music was simply amazing. You won’t be disappointed with this sub especially for the price. With a little effort in setting up your sub with your room and gear you will be very happy with this sub. Highly recommend getting this sub if your on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality.”