Choosing a Good and Inexpensive Home Audio Subwoofer
When it comes to selecting a home audio subwoofer, the old axiom suggests that you can have good, big, or cheap, but you typically have to choose two out of three. If your goal is to get a good, inexpensive subwoofer, you might have to sacrifice some size. Nevertheless, there are ways to achieve a high-quality audio experience without breaking the bank.
DIY Subwoofers: A Cost-Effective Option
One effective method to get a big, affordable subwoofer is to build it yourself (DIY). This approach can save you a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a pre-built, large subwoofer from a retail store. Shipping costs often make large, retail subwoofers less competitive.
Parts Express offers some reasonably priced kits that require minimal woodworking tools and only basic glue. When choosing the right enclosure, consider opting for the largest one you can afford. Alternatively, you can look into making subwoofers using large cardboard tubes, known as Sonotube subs. Brands such as SVS, Hsu Research, and Madisound offer raw speaker drivers specifically designed for these DIY projects.
Recommended Subwoofers for Budget Minded Enthusiasts
The Polk PSW 10 is a great example of a good, inexpensive subwoofer that has made its way into many homes for both music and movies. I purchased one for just $99 on sale. It does a decent job with low bass and is compatible with various devices. Although it's not a 1000-watt, 15-inch subwoofer, it still handles some very low frequencies well. It can be easily connected to two different systems (not simultaneously) and is set at half volume with a crossover of around 150Hz, which adds warmth to the overall sound.
If you're looking for even more budget-friendly options, you'll find some good ones starting from around $500. Brands to consider include SVS, Power Sound Audio, Rythmnik, and HSU. These models offer a reasonable balance of quality and affordability.
Cheaper Subwoofers: A Starting Point
Dayton Audio also makes a 12-inch subwoofer for around $200, which is a less expensive option. While it won't produce the same quality as the ones mentioned before, it can still provide some low-frequency content that is often missing in smaller speakers. However, don't expect it to deliver clean, deep bass as it might sound a bit muddy.
Create Your Own DIY Subwoofer
If you're handy and don't mind a bit of tinkering, you can also make your own subwoofer using an old speaker. Begin by finding an old speaker with a woofer that is at least 2 inches larger than your current system. Remove the tweeter and midrange components, disconnect the wires, and hook it up to one or two channels from your "Speaker B" terminal. Viola, you have a DIY subwoofer!
This method isn't perfect, but it can be a fun and cost-effective way to enhance your audio system. Keep in mind that for a noticeable increase in bass, you'll need a larger speaker in the "woofer" cabinet. If you're up for it, you can also add a separate amplifier to fine-tune the bass output.
Overall, the key to finding a good, inexpensive home audio subwoofer is to balance your budget and expectations. By exploring DIY options, you can customize your setup to achieve the perfect sound without overspending on a large, retail subwoofer.