A slight introduction
For audiophiles and home theatre enthusiasts, a subwoofer is a necessity towards a sound that not only can you hear but you can feel.
Subwoofers vary across the market with products such as the Sonos sub dominating the field, however due to its interesting price point, it requires a willing and able buyer that can put their money where their bass is.
Good subs equal a solid, deep and well-defined bass. It adds to the richness of the sound and that makes it one of the best.
The suggestions below aim at aiding willing buyers to a noteworthy sub.
Our Top Subwoofer UK (2020 Updated)
1.Q ACOUSTICS 3070s Active Subwoofer (Graphite) (Editors Choice)
A sub is an irreplaceable object for any home cinema and the 3070s is the active subwoofer that will give buyers the deep bass they hope to get with this purchase. It is one of the best subwoofers on the market.
It is a perfect complement to the Q Acoustics 3000 and the 2000i series stereo and center channel speakers. The 3070s users two larger cones other than using one.
This is a common feature found in Q Acoustics products. This is because smaller cones move faster and thus give a punch in the sound as well as accurate timing.
This two cone feature is an advantage as it gives the depth and rumble wanted in a sub but also speed. With a built-in 140W amplifier you get power and control.
The 3070S also shows a quality construction design. It has flush mounted drive units and curved edges that give it a unique and pleasant aesthetic. With its adjustable spiked feet which keep the sub firmly planted to the ground, this helps to tighten the bass response.
Unfortunately is is not one of the wireless subs but this fact does not take it out of the running. In fact it might be an added advantage as one of the best.
When compared with other alternative subwoofers such as the Sonos sub, the 3070s is more accommodating. It is 200mm wide and fit into small spaces where other standard-shaped subs would not fit.
The 3070S is better than its predecessor, the Q Acoustics 2070i because of its compact nature especially in terms of depth. It is the right size for a much smaller home as it is also small enough to be placed under tables.
Because it is Q Acoustics product, it does have its signature rounded cabinets. The 3000 Series is available in a wider range of finishes than ever, they include: Matte Graphite, Black Leather Effect or Black Lacquer , this gives a more technical look which blends well with other AV components present in a home theater.
Moreover, it has a White Lacquer finish which fits well with the modern aesthetic, while the American Walnut vinyl finish compliments an antique and traditional furniture type of home design.
Other features it does offer is: a Ported Enclosure Type, 2 x 170mm Bass Unit and a 50H-150Hz Crossover Frequency. Moreover, it comes with rear mounted controls and front facing subwoofer speakers.
Furthermore, it offers a low, clean and direct bass, it does not overwhelm the overall sound. It is also easy to set up.
It appeals both the eyes and the ears with its unusual sleek good looks but one thing is for sure, it punches hard.
Pros:
- It offers a clean and direct bass
- It is easy to set up
- It is appealing to the eye
- It is small and compact, making it easy to fit in small spaces.
Cons:
- Lack of versatility where it can be mounted on the walls.
- It is not a wireless subwoofer
Check for availability and price here.
2.Cambridge Audio Minx X201 Active Subwoofer
A 9″ cubed subwoofer that is as powerful as the Cambridge Minx X201 is unbeatably not only one of the best subs but also one of the best active subwoofers in the market.
It is easy to place, especially in a small home or room, it fits well because of its compact design. It tends to fit in small spaces such as under tables, in a corner or next to an entertainment stand and it just blends with the overall design of the room.
Cambridge Audio Minx speakers aim at giving products that give the purest sound and the Cambridge Audio minx isn’t any different. Regardless of whether or not you are enjoying a live classical concert or an adrenaline-pumping car chase.
The Minx subwoofer uses a 6-1/2″ forward firing driver that is made of a single piece of super-strong, aerospace aluminum and well this makes for an amazing punch and attack.
Moreover, the sub is paired with dual passive radiators that give it some serious mid-bass boost. However, it does not have a wireless function but this is not a problem as it strives to be one of the best.
Because of the fact that the Cambridge Audio software engineers carefully designed the sophisticated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in this specific sub, it allows the system to pump out a sensational low bass from a very small and compact device.
Listeners may be confused by its small size in comparison to the impressive deep bass that it is producing. It is an ideal addition for a home cinema.
The subwoofer features intuitive controls for volume and cross frequency, making room placement and tuning the sound to your system an easy chore.
It has a maximum output of 200watts RMS Amplifier, which ensures it outputs a deep bass. Moreover, due to its efficient design, the sub has an Auto-On/Off feature which enables it to save power, making it very energy efficient.
The Minx subwoofer is a great addition to almost any TV system or home theater. It comes in an unobtrusive size and packs a great punch.
Pros:
- It comes in a small size which makes it easy for it to integrate into any home.
- It has extra additional features such as an Auto-On feature
- It has an amazing design
- It produces an amazing sound
- It comes with scratch resistant high gloss lacquer finishes
Cons:
- It is not a wireless subwoofer
- It does not have a variety of finishes, just two (Glossy white and a black finish)
- Lack of versatility, that is, you cannot mount it onto a wall.
Check for availability and price here
3.Wharfedale Diamond SW150 Subwoofer (Black)
A fairly attractive sub, the Wharfedale Diamond SW150 Subwoofer is made by Wharfedale, a respected British manufacturer. This is the company’s most price sensitive sub however, every inch of it was made to showcase that the company is able to keep up with the rise of affordable home theatres in the UK.
It is one of the best subwoofers in the market and with good reason.
The SW150’s woven 10-inch Kevlar woofer resembles similar ones seen on expensive speakers such as the B&W speakers. It has cast-alloy metal frames that are thin but extremely strong.
The frames are the structural part of the speaker behind the cone. Moreover it has basic controls for phase adjustment and crossover selection.
It is standard for other alternative subwoofers in the market to have thick plastic or stamped metal frames that can restrict airflow inside the speaker but this makes the sound very muddy.
The sub comes in a small variety of finishes: black, cherry, beech or rosewood. However, its outward appearance isn’t the most appealing in comparison to other subs mentioned on this list.
When it comes to performance, the Wharfedale Diamond SW150 is incredibly an adept musical performer on a acoustic bass, it revealed above-par pitch definition without any muddy boom sound as a disadvantage.
Unfortunately it does not have a wireless function but with the extra features it gives, it seems to be a great trade off in its running to being the best in the market.
The sub over performs in terms of deep-bass extension and power and it is a team player especially when paired with Wharfedale’s tower and satellites.
Pros:
- It is heavyweight but compact subwoofer, front-firing 10-inch woofer with 150-watt amplifier
- It has a low frequency presence
- It is a tidy looking unit
Cons:
- It does not have a remote control or electronic display
- It is not a wireless subwoofer
Check for availability and price here
4.Caliber BC112SA – Active 12 Inch Subwoofer – Built In Amplifier – 600 Watt
As one of the best subwoofers, the Caliber BC112SA does not disappoint. With a 600 Watt power output, the subwoofer is a completely mounted-bass cube with 30 cm (12″) double voice coil subwoofer and integrated amplifiers.
This is a sub suitable for audiophiles who would like to take their subs to the roads by mounting it onto their vehicles. A buyer will get a sub with one built-in Hi-Fi speaker.
It is a wired subwoofer with a one-way speaker-audio crossover. It has a maximum power peak of 600W and a nominal power of 200W.
It has a signal range of 25-3500Hz and it should be noted that this sub does not come with any additional speaker accessories.
Unfortunately it is not wireless and regardless of this, it is not wireless. However, it is suitable for being mounted in vehicles making this a wonderful trade off and pits it against the best subs.
This subwoofer is installed in a basket and is easily connected to the car’s audio system. Moreover, this sub will fit in your trunk.
Pros:
- It is suitable for vehicles
- It is mountable
- Its size is suitable enough to fit into the trunk of a car.
- It easily integrates with a car’s audio system.
Cons:
- It is primarily suitable for cars and not homes
- It is not a wireless subwoofer.
- It is has a basic design
- It is on the bulkier side, weighing 7.4 kilograms. It is a very large sub.
- It does not come with cables, a buyer should buy the connecting cables separately.
Check for availability and price here.
5. Pioneer TS-WX300A 30 cm Powered Active Subwoofer with Class-D Built-In Amplifier
The Pioneer TS Active subwoofer is an interesting choice for this list. Like the BC 112SA it is a car preferred subwoofer. This sib upgrades your vehicles sound system.
It has an easy to install Pioneer Active Subwoofer package to produce a strong and powerful bass. Moreover, it has a built-in amplifier and cables are included in the package.
The Pioneer TS-WX300A features a strong and lightweight IMPP™, this abbreviates to the Injection-Moulded Polypropylene, composite speaker cone. This ensures that the sub provides a solid and almost rhythmical bass.
Furthermore, the Pioneer TS-WX300A comes with a Class-D amplifier that is built onto the side of the sub. This helps to amplify the bass to high volumes.
Moreover, it is easy to install and because of its size, it allows users to save space and installation time. However, a wireless functionality is not a part of Pioneer package but this does not deter this component from contending against the best in the market.
The Class D amplifier doesn’t just increase output, it also has various other settings that allow the user to get the specific type of bass they want. This is purely dependent on the type of music they want to listen to while they’re on the road.
This is sub also showcases a 1300 W Maximum power and 350 W Nominal Power. This is to make music on the road seem a little more enjoyable.
Pros:
- It is easy to install into the vehicle
- It has extra features, such as the bass control.
- It has a high maximum output due to its amplifier.
- It is mountable, however, only in cars.
- It comes with a package that contains cables making it convenient.
- It easily integrates with a car’s audio system.
Cons:
- It is not a wireless subwoofer.
- It is the heaviest subwoofer on this list weighing 11.7 kilograms
Check for availability and pricing here.
What to Look For In A Subwoofer
When buying a subwoofer it can be a bit overwhelming and a little help can go along way. With these factors on what exactly to look for in a subwoofer, this can help narrow down the search for one of the best and an efficient bass dropping subwoofer to fill any audiophiles dreams.
Factors for a good Subwoofer
- The Size of the Driver – A driver regulates the movement of air in the sub because of the driver’s surface area as well as the driver’s excursion. A buyer should look for subwoofers with a good balance between the driver size and the driver excursion to avoid distortion and non-liberalities. Also check driver ratings as well as the voice coil and the magnet they have.
- Loading – Subs are tend to either be sealed or ported. It is a common belief that sealed subs are tighter and better for music while ported designs tend to work better for movies and usually have more bass extension. please note, that this isn’t a set in stone rule but it does apply to a large majority of cases. It is important for a buyer to consider which program material and design will give the user the right loading for their needs.
- Power Rating – Because all subs are powered and they use various different ways of amp architecture, it is important for a buyer to know what amount of power a user needs. Having an efficient amp will allow it not to overwork itself through its limit and this equals lower distortion and more headroom for the user. Many manufacturers have online calculators to assist users in selecting a subwoofer based on your room size.
- Cabinet and Finish – Most subs are made out of wood product, it is the most common material. A buyer should prioritize subs with a rigid, well-braced cabinet. This is to reduce the probability of sympathetic vibrations coming from the audible band. Subwoofers are moderately sized components and will take up their share of space in a room. If possible, pick a component that has a type of finish that will fir right into your home’s design.
- Just One or Multiple Subs – Adding subwoofers to your home cinema system will not only give you much deeper bass but it will make users sense a large space than before. That is one of the effects of good subs. Depending on what a user tries to achieve, the number of subs can vary depending on the effect a user is trying to achieve.
What are the benefits of a good subwoofer?
Here, we try to elaborate on the benefits of good subs. Not only are they critical for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts. They are also important for the composition of music. Good subs are critical and detrimental in their own ways.
The benefits of good subwoofers
Good subwoofers will create a large than life sound without significantly adding to other distasteful factors such as sizing and cost the leisure of a home cinema system.
They also allow users to play music without distortion. Good subs will play effortlessly loud and distortion free despite the music material or how high or low the volume is.
Good subs will deliver good music content. Delivering all the deep notes as it was intended by the original composer. This is why brands can be matched to their products because of their awesome delivery.
The best subwoofers will have the uncanny ability to incorporate itself with the wide range speakers. This will allow the product’s component to merge with the speakers without any issues of overpowering or drawing attention to itself.
Furthermore, it will have achieved a point where the subs become part of the whole system without any sense of differentiation by the listener.
FAQs
What’s better two 10″ or 12″ subs?
It entirely depends on what needs you are trying to fulfill and what exactly you want the subs to do for you in the long run. It also depends on what you’re trying to blend them with as well as the crossover point.
Which one is better between active and passive subs
There is no sure answer here. They just have one different feature. The active subs have active crossover and amplification while the other one does not.
What are the best subs for a mobile DJ?
It solely depends on which of your specific needs you need the subs to fulfill. Having a look at which factors fit your DJ career can aid in narrowing down the search.
Our #1 Subwoofer
The Q ACOUSTICS 3070s
This component has proven to fulfill the needs of its user by giving its users not only the amazing bass to accompany their music but also providing users with additional features such as an incredible design, easy integration with a home cinema system and users get a high quality product with a lot of range to meet their needs.
Subs such as the sonos sub may be a high point in the market but the ability of the 3070S to not only shine through and appeal to users across the market, speaks volumes.
The 3070S has enough power to get users to the range they want to achieve as well as provide a low and deep sound. Any home cinema system that will get the 3070S will be in for an amazing quality from one of the best subwoofers in the market.
In Conclusion
Finally, this review has aimed at showing the best the market can offer as well as one choice which is considered to be one of the best subwoofers, the 3070S.
It has showcased both wired and wireless components that give the power that is desired by all audiophiles who want this as an addition to their homes.
Good subs change the way sound is portrayed and the power that good subs produce is irreplaceable. The 3070S is the best subwoofer in the market and with good reason.
It not only fights to be one of the best subwoofers but also provide this low sound that is one of the best out there without drowning out the original components of the sound.