Finding a quality subwoofer for your home can be quite a challenge. It can even be intimidating for first-time buyers. You may wonder how much should you spend on a subwoofer. In the article below, you’ll find a list of the 5 best options to help you get started. Affordability and sound quality are both taken into consideration.
The average home subwoofer will set you back $100 – $250. This does not include the extra equipment, such as speakers, you may need to purchase to complete your home audio/video system.
You must make an educated purchase. In the sections below, you’ll find a complete guide on how to buy a subwoofer for your home theater.
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How Much Does A Home Subwoofer Cost? Factors Influencing Final Cost
Several factors can influence the cost of a home subwoofer. Many different variations of equipment are available, so it’s important to consider these things before making an impulse purchase.
What Driver Size Should I Get With My Subwoofer?
Driver size is crucial. It is essentially the subwoofer’s speaker and is responsible for noise output. The most common driver size you’ll see is 12,” and this will be just enough for the typical home theater.
A more significant driver will undoubtedly drive up the cost. You must also consider how comfortably a large subwoofer would fit in your living room. Large models, such as the Klipsch 120, are great for floor-level speakers but may not be suitable for a bookshelf.
Will a subwoofer work with every receiver? Every Speaker?
Many stereo receivers do not have subwoofer output, but you can use speaker wires to make the connection. Usually, you will run wires from the receiver to the sub and then from the sub to the speakers.
The sub’s owner’s manual should have wiring diagrams, and you can always check these out to help guide your purchases.
To be forewarned, mixing and matching with speakers and subwoofers can lead to challenges. This is because home theater owners tend to plug their subwoofers into different AC outlets versus the rest of the audio/video system.
Modern home receivers also come with the option of automatic room correction technology. A home receiver with the latest and greatest technology will also cost you a little more.
The Added Cost Of Premium Quality
If you have one subwoofer in the corner of the room, then the sound might be too boomy. At other spots in the rooms, the bass delivery may be uneven.
The experts’ recommendation for premium audio quality is costly: buy two subwoofers. Then place them in opposite corners or sides of the room.
Instead of the pricier option, there’s always the alternative of experimenting with many different locations throughout the room. Eventually, you will find the most suitable approach. Perhaps try it briefly, and then add another subwoofer to the mix if you feel it is necessary.
How Much Power Does A Subwoofer Need?
Peak watts (power) are key when sizing a subwoofer for your room. You can save a lot of money by not oversizing your system.
So here are the recommendations:
- Small room: 100 to 300 watts.
- Large rooms: 400-600 watts.
- High-end subwoofers for home theaters: Greater than 1000 watts.
Once you size and install a subwoofer, you will most likely need to set the dB level.
How Much Should I Spend On A Subwoofer?
Most entry-level subwoofers will cost somewhere in the territory of $100 to $225 for the unit itself. Once you add receivers plus good speakers to the mix, you can expect to double that price.
The good news is that many subwoofers listed below can be bundled in packages with speakers. If you’re starting from scratch, this can certainly be a great benefit. It should save you from headaches associated with mixing and matching gear while also saving you money.
Best Home Subwoofers: How Much Does A Subwoofer Cost?
In the sections below, you’ll see an in-depth breakdown of the potential costs associated with each option.
Klipsch Synergy Black Label Sub-120
12” Front-Firing Subwoofer with 200 Watts of continuous power, 400 watts of Dynamic Power, and Digital Amplifier for Powerful Home Theater Bass in Black.
- Power - 200 watts (continuous), 400 watts (peak)
- Dimensions - 16” x 14” x 19.25”
- Features - Spun copper front-firing cerametallic woofers, removable grille, and connection wires are not included.
Klipsch advertises a subwoofer that is compatible with just about any AV receiver. You can pair this subwoofer with a set of speakers for a reasonable price (currently under $500). The design works best with a contemporary space.
Rockville BASS Blaster
- Power - 400 watts (continuous), 800 watts (peak)
- Dimensions - 16.7” x 17.1” x 15.9”
- Features - Enclosure made of MDF wood, Class D Amplifier, foam surround, and paper cone.
The Rockville BASS Blaster advertises a step up in terms of power at an affordable price. Class D amplifiers are more power-efficient than other types of amplifiers. This subwoofer also has high-level speaker outputs.
Monoprice 60-Watt
- Power - 60 watts (peak)
- Dimensions - 13.75” x 11.75” x 11.75”
- Features - Blackwood enclosure to blend in with furniture, Set of Right/Left Line Level inputs, Affordable.
This is the most affordable option on this list, even if you end up purchasing two. The 60-watt output is fine for a small home theater space. A black wood enclosure also makes this a stylish option.
Polk Audio PSW 10”
Power Port Technology, Up to 100 Watts, Big Bass in Compact Design, Easy Setup with Home Theater Systems Black.
- Power - 100 watts (peak)
- Dimensions - 16.2” x 14” x 14.4”
- Features - Continuously variable 80-160 Hz and 40-160 Hz, detachable grille on the front
The Polk Audio PSW 10” has both speaker and line-level inputs. In the back, you’ll find speaker-level outputs. Combine these features with the phase toggle switch, and you have perhaps one of the more versatile options on this list.
Klipsch 600-Watt Subwoofer
- Power - 600 watts (peak)
- Dimensions - 19.77” x 14.7” x 17.75”
- Features - Maximum acoustic output of 118 dB can be made wireless
The Klipsch 600-Watt Subwoofer has a maximal acoustic output of 118db. It is the priciest option on this list but offers the most power. One great feature is the proprietary port technology. This is designed to minimize port noise in low frequencies.
Final Thoughts On How Much Should You Spend On A Subwoofer
Entry-level subwoofers run in the $100 to $250 territory. For enhanced audio delivery, purchasing two subwoofers and placing them in opposite corners or sides of the room may make more sense.
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$246.99
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N/A
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$76.49
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$243.43
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$499.00
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Truly the recommendation for every first-timer is just to experiment with the gear you have on hand before springing for a second subwoofer. Review the recommended choices, and you’ll find models that give you the best bang for your buck.
