Modern sound technology is developing at an active pace and its own cool subwoofer for the home does not surprise anyone. The main purpose of this component of the audio system is to reproduce a low frequency range (not higher than 100 Hz), which are not reproduced by ordinary speakers. Which model to prefer? What options to consider when choosing? Let's try to figure it out.
Main purpose
A subwoofer is equipment that provides a high - quality presence effect, for example, while listening to music or watching a movie at home. Such devices quickly gained popularity and became an important component of a powerful speaker system. When choosing a subwoofer for your home, you need to proceed from indicators such as power and purpose. Note that there are two main varieties of these systems:
- Active. They are ideal for use in a home theater, as they have the flexibility and ease of installation. Such devices are cheaper.
- Passive . Subwoofers of this type were originally designed in such a way that they can only be used in combination with an amplifier. In this case, the amplifier must be of sufficient power.
Active subwoofer for home - a more convenient and correct solution due to the built-in filter and low-frequency amplifier. Thanks to this, the sound gains higher quality at any frequencies. At the same time, using an active subwoofer, you can improve the distorted sound in the entire range.
Rating of the best
Modern manufacturers offer various models of subwoofers that are suitable for home use. They differ not only in cost, but also in a number of options and functions. If you want to choose the best subwoofer for your home, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with several of the most popular models.
Yamaha
YAMAHA YST-FSW100
This subwoofer has a power of up to 80 watts and is inexpensive, so it quickly gained popularity among customers. High quality, minimum sound leaks, the correct direction of sound - all this distinguishes this model. The design solution of the device is such that there is no blockage at low frequencies. As a bonus, the manufacturer offers magnetic protection that will prevent sound distortion if monitors or TVs are located nearby.
YAMAHA YST-SW012
Another Japanese home subwoofer is an outdoor accessory that is already equipped with a built-in amplifier. Phase inverter filling makes the device sensitive to any frequency of the operating range, creating high-quality sound in the room. Among the advantages of this model, one can note the minimum number of settings and adjustments, small dimensions and affordable price.
ONKYO SKW-770
This model with small dimensions has a power of up to 150 watts, is distinguished by high-quality sound and functionality. Compactness allows you to put the model on the shelf and on the floor - the choice of place depends on the acoustic characteristics of the room. The frequencies are easily adjustable, so you can adjust the sound of several speakers at once. The highlight of the model is Standby mode, which uses a minimum of energy.
MJ ACOUSTICS REFERENCE 100 MKII
This home subwoofer is more expensive than the models described above, but it boasts an optimal functional set and high-quality sound. High-quality sound reproduction is noted at all frequencies, and it also reproduces ultra-low frequencies. In addition to good sound and small size, the model attracts attention with the presence of a control panel.
VELODYNE IMPACT-10
This subwoofer is worthy of attention for the optimal price-performance ratio with power and functionality. The active type speaker system works without additional equipment in a wide frequency range. The maximum power is 250 watts, while the device can be used on areas of any volume.
We described the 5 most popular subwoofers, on the basis of which you can create a high-quality speaker system for the home.
Connection Features
A subwoofer is an important component of modern acoustics, allowing you to feel every sound. Before you buy a particular model, you should find out about the parameters of the sound card on the device to which the sub will be connected. How to connect a subwoofer at home? It also depends on the type of device. For example, a 5.1 system, consisting of five speakers and a subwoofer, does not fit in with a laptop. You can try to connect the sub to the computer, but also only if the number of inputs on the sound card is the same.
Selection options
The task of the subwoofer is to “finish” the lower part of the sound spectrum, which ordinary speakers cannot cope with due to their low power. When choosing the optimal model, proceed from the following parameters:
- frequency range;
- crossover separation frequencies;
- maximum sound pressure;
- system sensitivity;
- woofer diameter.
These are key terms related to subwoofers, but it is their knowledge that guarantees the right component selection for your speaker system.
Features of connecting a car subwoofer
Very often there are situations where owners sell their car, and use a subwoofer from it to create a home speaker system. How to connect a car subwoofer at home so that it works stably? To create such a device requires a power supply and speakers, as well as the subwoofer itself. As a power amplifier, the easiest way to take a computer power supply, which has all the necessary characteristics. The steps for connecting the sub to the power supply are as follows:
- yellow wires are connected to the terminals on the auto amplifier (“-” - to the GND terminal, “+” - to + 12V);
- a special input with a blue wire is used to connect a subwoofer, an external amplifier;
- The sound source can be a regular MP3 player with an adapter.
When creating a do-it-yourself subwoofer for your home, remember that an auto amplifier can consume current above 40 amperes. In this case, it is advisable to use copper wires with a cross section of 6-10 mm 2 to connect it. To establish sound, you should pay attention to the input signal level control, which is located on the amplifier panel. Thus, there are no special problems with adjusting sound when using a car subwoofer.
How to do it from scratch?
A subwoofer is a powerful addition to the speaker system, which could very well become part of a home theater system. But what if there is no money to buy finished equipment, but you want to enjoy high-quality sound? In this case, you can try to make a subwoofer for your home with your own hands. To do this, you need to perform a number of actions:
- Buy speakers and a case (preferably wooden).
- Calculate the size of the boxes. To do this, you can use computer programs in which you need to specify a number of parameters - the size of the speaker and bass reflex.
- Make parts. After calculations, you can begin to create the details of the future subwoofer. It is best to use high quality wood, plywood: in addition to naturalness, they are ideal for a variety of processing.
- Assemble the housing. After all the details of the future device are sawn, they need to be interconnected. For greater reliability, the walls are most conveniently fastened with screws.
- Connect the speaker to the amplifier and power supply. To do this, you may need drawings of a subwoofer for the home, on which all the nuances of connecting the main elements are noted. The structural diagram of the entire sound system plays an important role, which means that close attention needs to be paid to this side of the assembly.
- Insert the ready-made and already reinforced speaker into the housing. Sheathe it. Lead all wires out from the back of the box through special connectors.
Everything, the subwoofer is ready for use, you can check it. If suddenly during operation unpleasant sounds, rustling appear, it makes sense to check whether all openings in the box are closed. They must be sealed - for this you can use glue or sealant. In any case, you can make a subwoofer for the house yourself, if you understand the diagrams and drawings.