If you want an audio system that is capable of generating a
very loud music for your entertainment with music then here is a guide to
purchasing the best audio systems. When you think about purchasing a brand new
subwoofer to your vehicle, you are likely to think about the cost and sound quality.
Subwoofers are the built-in speakers that can be mounted on vehicle’s roof top.
When you get stuck in traffic jam, you must have observed bass-thumping that
almost make a car appear like a dancing car. Subwoofer’s are almost clone of
home theatre, you must have been to a house having home theatre and experienced
the loud, lively and energizing sound that it generates. And this is exactly
what a subwoofer will do for your vehicle. Car speakers are usually available
in quite small size, which is why they have trouble in producing the right
quality of sound, and fail to give your music depth and realism.
Why do you need a
subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a comprehensive loudspeaker which is
specially manufactured to reproduce sounds for spaces having low-pitched
acoustic frequencies called bass. A subwoofer is a square box that supplies the
low-end bass notes in an audio system. These are usually called sub and can
handle frequency varying from 20 to 20Hertz frequency. Professional DJs and live
performers usually go for those woofers that work below 100 Hertz, while THX-certified
systems only use woofers below 80 hertz.
1. To boost the frequency range Professional audio
subwoofers that are used in rock concerts in stadiums, DJ performances, and
such type of events use comprehensive loudspeakers that are capable of high
output levels with minimum distortion. This is also reflected in the design
that is given in recent years to the applications of the subwoofer for sound
reinforcement, dance club systems, concert systems, and public address systems.
So, the main function of these subwoofers is to boost the frequency range as a
comprehensive loudspeaker which usually covers up bands of higher frequencies.
2. To experience depth and realism in music Subwoofers are
crucial for those who want to experience depth in music. When you go to movie
theatre, you amaze yourself not only at the images that are projected on the
screen but also the sound quality that surrounds you. What actually grabs your
attention is the sound you feel; deep bass actually shakes you up and gets you
positively right in your senses. Specialized speaker, that is known as
subwoofer is responsible for this kind of experience. The subwoofer is
basically designed to reproduce the lowest of audible frequencies.
3. For the safety of your ears It is important to find a
quality woofer, not only for the sake of great music experience, but also for
the safety of your ears. Many local subwoofers are capable enough to generate high
levels in cars due to the smaller volume of a car interior. High sound levels
in a car can actually cause hearing problems or hearing loss as well as
tinnitus if one is exposed to these music volumes for an extended period of
time.
Most of the people are really crazy about installing one
such system in their car or home, but with the myriad subwoofers available near
you, which one will be the best to buy? Though the simple logic explains “the
bigger, the better” the most powerful system that you can afford is easy to
say, the correct answer is a little complex to understand.
What type of
subwoofer should you get?
Using a good quality 15 inch subwoofer can very well augment
the capability of the main bass speakers. These systems are most preferred
because they take up less space and don’t even make the user sacrifice with the
capability to work on low frequencies. One should always try to find a
subwoofer that matches up best to their needs. There are mainly two varieties
of sub woofers, active subwoofer and passive subwoofer. An active subwoofer has
an integrated speaker which helps in boosting the power to reproduce clear and
louder sound. The passive sub-woofer doesn’t have such quality. It needs power
from an external source, which can be taken through a separate amplifier and
loud speaker. It lacks power supply and an in-built speaker. But these are
easier to assemble when compared with active speakers. One can buy a good
quality woofer manufactured by renowned brand at cost of around 60 USD. But the
price varies depending upon the type of woofer, have a look at the diverse
range of woofers that are available-
1.
Component
Subs:
One can start looking at component subs which are
actually the speaker only. Component sub should be mounted within the subwoofer
box to make sure that it operates properly. Apart from this, you might also
need to boost up the sub with an external amplifier. This type of sub varies
from 8 to 15 inch in length and they are specifically designed to run-on low or
high power, and are available in different types of boxes. One can pick from
variety of models to match up with the design of their systems and choose from
different voice call set ups and impedance.
2.
Enclosed
sub woofers:
These are also pre-mounted within
a box specially crafted to accommodate the sub. This variety of subs eliminates
the requirement of an enclosure for the sub. You don’t really need to worry about
designing and creating your system. But this variety offers a limited number of
box types and speaker choices to choose from. You will also require an external
amplifier to power up your subwoofer.
If you want to own a simple and a
space saving bass system, then powered subs are definitely right choice for
you. This variety of woofers combines both an amplifier in it and a woofer in
also enclosed within the pack. The built in amplifier actually saves up a lot
of space because there’s only one part of device that install in the area.
These are very compact and don’t take much room in your vehicle, so these are
just the best option for small vehicles. These require very simple procedure for
installation.
4.
Vehicle
specific woofer:
For those music lovers who are looking for a
sub that blends well with the interior of their car, vehicle-specific subs are
the most appropriate choice. These woofers are manufactured to suit up in
different vehicles varying from trucks, cars, SUVS and are available in
different colour combination that matches up to interior of vehicle. They might
not be the best choice for everyone, but it’s great for those who want to suffice
their listening needs with a woofer that resembles with their vehicle’s
interior.
Most important key specifications that need to be considered
once you have evaluated the right type of subwoofer or system which you should
buy, start comparing with the specifications, for this will make it helpful for
you to make a decision.
Have a look at some
key features that you should take consideration-
1. Power- This is
most important for those who want a sound system that really blooms, because
there is absolutely no substitute for loads of power. When buying a subwoofer
makes sure you pay all your attention to the RMS power ratings, and not only on
the peak power ratings. If you cater your attention towards RMS ratings, you
can have an idea about continuous power handling and power output. These
ratings will help you select the best and more efficient woofer. To solve the
problem of insufficient power that might be lacking in a receiver or amplifier,
powered subwoofers are self-contained amplifying units in which the
characteristics of the amplifier are optimally matched.
2. Note the number of
voice calls- The most popular subwoofers are those that offer dual voice
call services, and which is why the best choice among car audio lovers who want
to have more flexibility for wiring up their car’s sound systems. But majority
of subwoofers systems have a single voice call option bundled up with dual
voice calls that can be use to separate voice calls with its own connection.
3. The size of your
woofer- The subwoofers are the boxes that can fit in under an end table.
Inside to it are a large driver and usually the amplifier that powers the
system. In order to perform its best, a driver must have some space in the
cabinet; ideally, 12-inch driver will have a decent box size, while an 8-inch
driver will need a smaller box to fit in. Woofer size is one obvious feature
everyone must take consideration of. Most of us question what size subwoofers
have the capability to play on the loudest sound? And it definitely is not an
easy question to seek answers for. Spacious woofers are not an issue for those
people who have ultimate priority of having a system that will play on the loud
sound, and so they go by opting out the biggest subs for their car. But for
those who want a smaller subwoofer, they should know that the smaller ones can
also put out plenty of sound to bass through your car’s interiors.
4. Type of enclosure-
This type of enclosure that has been wrapped up and mounted in has a big effect
on the quality and variety of sound the woofer produces. Generally, the sealed
and fully enclosed woofers give you the most amazing sound. They have the
deepest and most accurate sound, whereas the slightly ported and the band pass
enclosures produce sound with more volume. Automobiles are not well suited for
the ‘concealed’ subwoofer approach due to space limitations in the passenger
cubicles. It is not possible, in most of the cases, to fit such large drivers
and enclosures into dashboards or doors, so subwoofers are then installed into
the trunk or backspace of the seat.
5. The frequency
range- This is another important feature that every woofer should take
consideration into. Your subwoofer’s frequency can give you the proper
estimation of how low a sub can play. The buyer should always keep this in mind
when buying the subs. The real performance of subwoofer can obviously vary on
several other features and be dependent on a lot of variables, but the
frequency range can’t be ignored. The important thing to consider here is that
since the extreme bass needs more power to produce low frequency sounds, your
amplifier or receiver will need to be able to output enough power to sustain
the bass effects in the subwoofer without actually draining it out completely.
6. Sensitivity-
This feature goes hand in hand with all other features. Any sub-woofer that has
a higher range of sensitivity rating will require lesser power output. The power
consumed to produce the same amount sound will be lesser for those subs that
have better and higher sensitivity. So always go for those models that have an
optimum sensitivity rating.
7. Watt ratings-
The watt rating is a quite rough guide on how loud a subwoofer will be able to
play but it doesn’t have to be louder. You always have to control the volume. A
1000-watt sub can sound more specifically better at “regular” room volumes than
in a 100-watt sub, though the 100-watt really isn’t that much valuable when you
talk about the subs. All the credit goes to digital amplification, 300,500, and
higher watt sub is very cost-effective. But the watt ratings are not based on
subwoofer’s performance.
Conclusion
All these features must be considered when making purchase
of a subwoofer. These are dedicated solely to reproduce low frequencies and a
good quality subwoofer can drastically enhance overall listening experience.
So, be smart while you make purchase of your woofers and allow it to make a
good difference between a good sounding system and a great sounding system.
Finding out the most appropriate subwoofer depends on variety of factors that
can vary from your musical taste, availability of space and your budget. Make
use of this guide to find out the most reliable subwoofer and get a bass that
fits your mood.
