Subwoofer, yes or no? We give you the keys to choosing it
One of the most frequently asked questions when we consider upgrading our home sound system with active speakers is whether it is worth incorporating an external subwoofer . As always, the answer will depend on our needs as listeners. However, to make the final decision, it is essential to understand what role the subwoofer plays within the system and, above all, what are the keys to choosing the right one . Let's find out!
What is a subwoofer and what is it used for?
A subwoofer is a specialized type of speaker that reproduces the low frequencies of sound. These frequencies are usually between 20Hz and 200Hz , allowing listeners to explore deep, immersive sounds that other speakers cannot reach, and thus complement their sound.
The use of the subwoofer is especially recommended for home cinema , as it enriches the listening experience, especially in action movies, where deep sound effects make all the difference. It is also ideal for musical genres such as electronic music, which require powerful bass, and for playing multimedia content, such as video games, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the virtual setting.
The ideal subwoofer: the keys to choosing it
Now that you know what a subwoofer is and in which situations it is really useful, it is time to delve into the key aspects of choosing the ideal subwoofer. Below, we show you the main elements you should consider before making your decision. Take note!
Size
The size of a subwoofer is determined by the diameter of the woofer , measured in inches. If you plan to place it in a large room, it is advisable to opt for larger subwoofers, as they have the ability to fill the space with deep, powerful bass. For smaller rooms, however, it is ideal to choose smaller subwoofers, which allow the bass response to be centralized and avoid distortion, offering a more balanced and controlled sound.
At VULKKANO we have subwoofers in 6”, 8” and 10” sizes , designed to adapt to different needs and spaces. This way, you can choose the model that best suits your sound system and get the sound experience you are looking for.
Power
Power output, measured in watts (W), is a key factor when choosing a subwoofer. Higher-power models have the ability to reproduce deep, punchy bass without distortion, even at high volumes. As mentioned in the size section, determining the ideal power output is essential to considering the size of the room.
In small to medium-sized spaces, a power between 60W and 200W will be sufficient to achieve good bass. For larger rooms or for a more immersive home cinema experience, it is recommended to opt for subwoofers of 300W or more.
Frequency response
When exploring basic speaker specifications , frequency response is one of the key aspects to consider, and in the case of the subwoofer, it is no exception.
This data tells us the frequencies that the subwoofer is capable of reproducing , and generally varies between 20Hz and 200Hz in most models. The lower the frequency range, the deeper the bass the subwoofer can reach, even reaching sub-bass ranges for a more immersive sound experience.
Crossover frequency
The crossover frequency is the point at which the subwoofer begins to reproduce sound, and proper setting of this frequency is crucial to achieving balanced sound. Adjusting the crossover frequency determines how the subwoofer integrates with the rest of the speakers in your system , ensuring there is no frequency overlap or gaps in the sound spectrum.
As an example, if your subwoofer has an adjustable crossover frequency, you can set it to blend appropriately with your main speakers, preventing the bass from being too dominant or too weak. An adjustable crossover range of 40Hz to 200Hz , such as that offered by the VULKKANO SUB10, allows for greater flexibility and control over how bass is integrated into your audio system.
Design
When choosing speakers for our living room or dedicated room, aesthetics play a key role. Factors such as colors, textures and available space are essential when planning the ideal audio system. In the case of the subwoofer, it is important that its design not only complements the decor, but is also practical to place it in the optimal location , thus achieving exceptional sound quality.
Subwoofers are typically square, box-like in shape – hence the name “woofer” – with a robust and elegant appearance, using finishes such as black oak or lacquered wood, allowing them to blend into any space. However, there are different designs; for example, the VULKKANO SUB6 adopts the “slim” format, which makes it easier to place in small rooms and better adapts to tight spaces.
How to place a subwoofer
Subwoofer placement is key to ensuring optimal performance and achieving the desired sound quality. But what factors should we consider? Let's take a look.
In general, it is advisable to place the subwoofer in a corner or close to the wall , aligned with the television, projector and the rest of the audio system. However, it is important to leave an adequate distance between the subwoofer and the wall to avoid unwanted resonances and vibrations, i.e. it is not advisable to place it right up against the wall. This is especially relevant if the subwoofer has a bass reflex system, since the air bouncing off the wall can distort the low frequencies and affect the sound quality.
In addition to placement, settings such as crossover frequency, volume, and gain are equally important. These factors allow you to fine-tune the sound response and achieve the right balance for an optimal listening experience. It is also advisable to test from different points in the room , moving around the space, to detect possible resonances or flaws in the sound, ensuring that the subwoofer is configured accurately for each space.
Conclusion: subwoofer yes
As you may have noticed throughout this post, incorporating a subwoofer into your sound system can completely transform your listening experience, adding depth and clarity to the low frequencies that other speakers simply can't reach.
As we've seen, choosing the right subwoofer depends on several factors: size and power, frequency response, design and finish, as well as careful placement and installation. All of these elements help create an immersive experience that enhances both the action scenes in movies and the deep bass of your favorite music genres.
At VULKKANO, we have a variety of subwoofers designed to meet different needs, both aesthetic and functional, so you can find the ideal model to suit your space and your listening style. So, if you are looking for a significant improvement in the performance of your audio system, a subwoofer is just what you need.
And as always, remember that the secret to good sound is not only in the equipment you choose, but in how you integrate and adjust it to your environment. See you in future posts!