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Movie scores and tracks from your favorite artists surely don’t sound the same without deep and resonating bass. This is where the best studio monitor subwoofer will come into play. Designed to make your home theater and studio well rounded and more spectacular, they are an essential part of any sound system.
With that said, it can be challenging to find the right one that is within your budget but still of high quality. For that, we’ve got you covered.
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Best Studio Monitor Subwoofers
There are plenty of studio monitor subwoofers on the market, but you’ll want to make sure that you’re choosing the best one for your needs. You would want a model that fits comfortably within your budget but certainly doesn’t compromise on sound quality.
Additionally, a well-rounded subwoofer can be used in any home theater and more professional settings, such as recording studios. You’ll want to choose a model that provides the deepest bass possible without the chance of annoying vibration and distortions.
Here are three top-tier subwoofers you should consider for a more professional audio setup.
1. Sony SACS9 Active Subwoofer
Sony is one of the most reputable name brands in the audio industry. With the development of their Sony SACS9 Active Subwoofer, you can add a fantastic piece to your existing sound system.
If you’re looking for a deep and thumping bass, this is one of the better subwoofers to get your hands on. Let’s take a closer look at its features to know why this is indeed a good investment.
Features
- Nine-Inch Cone Diaphragm
The cone diaphragm in this subwoofer measures in at just under 10 inches. This helps the unit to move a larger amount of air, which is ideal for the resonating bass that you expect from high-end subwoofers.
With this, you’ll find that movie soundtracks, and even regular songs, will have a deeper sound that feels more authentic.
- Low-Frequency Reduction
As another advantage added to the design of the Sony SACS9 Active Subwoofer, you’ll notice that music and movies will sound exceptionally rich. This is because the cone diaphragm also helps to add a boost to low-frequency sounds.
Thanks to this remarkable feature, you’ll easily be able to add this unit to your existing multi-channel home theater.
- Mica-Reinforced Cellular Fiber
Also known as MRC, the mica-reinforced cellular fiber helps to preserve the integrity of the subwoofer over the years. With lower quality equipment, you’ll notice that the speakers will lose their shape, especially the paper cones inside of them. This leads not only to lower sound quality but also distorted sounds.
With the integration of the MRC in this subwoofer, the cones will hold their shape. This helps to ensure the movement of air stays at an impeccable level no matter how often you use them. You’ll also find that you can drive the bass harder without compromising the quality of your audio.
- Built-in Amplifier
The Sony SACS9 Active Subwoofer features an integrated amplifier with an additional 115W power output. Any high pressure inside of the speaker will easily be released to have a clearer bass sound. This is one of the best features to look for in the best studio monitor subwoofer.
- Minimal Vibration
Suppression is also included in this subwoofer for the most accurate bass possible. Any vibrations are absorbed and dampened within the cabinet.
- Compact and Modern
You’ll find that compared to most other subwoofers, the Sony SACS9 Active Subwoofer is incredibly compact. It is easy to install in tight spots, limiting sound field distortion. Additionally, its modern design looks fantastic with more contemporary home theaters.
Pros
- Delivers deep, rich, and thumping bass
- Features fantastic flexibility
- Easy to install in existing sound systems
Cons
- Frequently switches off in “Auto” mode
- Not as powerful as high-end subwoofers
2. Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio is another incredible name brand in the audio industry. In fact, most people who are building a home theater will consider purchasing Polk equipment.
The Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer is no different from their other high-quality equipment. It is designed to deliver an exceptional amount of bass and power, creating a fantastic listening experience. With plenty of features to consider, it could be one of the better subwoofers on this list.
Features
- Elevated Sound Reproduction
One of the things that you’re sure to notice is how well this subwoofer reproduces sounds. For example, it will differentiate between the sound of blasts and melodic string music.
The innovative technology inside of the cabinet allows the woofer to detect the differences between specific sounds. This helps to make sure it delivers the most resonating bass possible for specific effects.
- Distortion-Free Sound
You’ll also find that the Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer creates little to no distortion. Even if you were to turn the volume of your sound system to its maximum, you would still be able to experience the purest bass possible.
This subwoofer features 460 watts worth of power, which creates an incredibly impactful listening experience.
- Versatile Design
The Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer can be used with any existing speaker setup. However, it’s highly recommended that it is paired with other Polk audio equipment. With that said, it is designed to be highly versatile and adaptable to any home theater or studio.
- Phase Toggle Switch
In the event that you want to use more than one subwoofer, you’ll love the addition of the phase toggle switch. This allows you to run multiple subwoofers in the same setup for an incredible bass experience.
- Zero Interference
The surround sound rendering of this subwoofer is quite impressive. It features patented technology to help cancel out cross channel interference in order to create a 3D environment.
- Dialogue Isolation
If you’re watching a movie where the sound effects are too loud, and the dialogue is too soft, you’ll love the integrated isolation technology of this subwoofer. This helps the subwoofer reproduce crisp dialogue by focusing in on the voice channels. However, it doesn’t take away from the booming bass of the film.
- Auto On/Off Circuit
Whenever the subwoofer detects that there is a program signal, it will automatically turn on. If the signal isn’t available for up to 15 minutes, the unit will automatically turn off. This makes it always ready to capture great sounds no matter what you are listening to.
- Magnetically Shielded
You can install the Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer anywhere. This is thanks to its built-in magnetic shield. It is safe to place right beside video monitors or televisions.
Pros
- Impressive power
- No signs of distortion or clipping
- Fantastic build quality
- Simple to set up
Cons
- May randomly exhibit static
- Thin veneer finish
- Toggle switches are poorly placed
3. KRK Systems 10S2 V2 Studio Subwoofer
Coming from one of the more popular brands of professional sound equipment, the KRK Systems 10S2 V2 Studio Subwoofer is quite impressive. Though it is designed primarily for studio environments, it can easily be installed in home theater systems as well.
Apart from its fantastic power, this subwoofer also has a unique appearance when compared to other subwoofers. There are plenty of things to appreciate about this well-built subwoofer, making it quite a sound purchase.
Features
- Reinforced MDF Enclosures
Strength and durability are two of the most impressive features of this subwoofer. It is specifically designed with MDF enclosures to preserve the integrity of the subwoofer over years of use.
With this feature, you can just as easily spill fluids around the subwoofer without worries or have it accidentally fall without taking any damage.
- Front-Firing Bass Port
The sleek, curved cabinet is ideal for fitting into tight spots, giving you more flexibility when it comes to installation. Additionally, this subwoofer has a front-firing bass port to make it easier to place. You’ll find that the shape also helps to reduce port turbulence.
- Built-in Footswitch Control
Though the footswitch is not included with the woofer, it can be used with one. You’ll be able to enable or disable the subwoofer manually, as well as the crossover filter. Not to mention, the crossover control features four different positions.
- Universal Design
All of the connectivity options on the KRK 10S2 V2 Studio Subwoofer are fully versatile. You’ll be able to take advantage of RCA, XLR, and ¼-inch TRS inputs and outputs.
- Integrated Precision Limiters
No matter how loudly you’re listening to music, the precision limiters on this subwoofer are designed to handle high levels of sound pressure. The bass will not only be balanced but also come out free of any distortion.
Pros
- Bass clarity is incredible
- Puts out an immense amount of power
- Does not produce any distortion
Cons
- May shut off after reaching -50Hz
- Could start to turn off with improper installation
The Verdict
Our favorite subwoofer is the Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer because it provides the best sound quality for an affordable price. Additionally, it’s one of the best woofers to install with existing and new sound systems alike.
The first thing we noticed about the Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer is that the power it provides is unmatched. The deepness and richness of the bass are unlike anything you’re likely to find in subwoofers at the same price range.
One of the most interesting features of the Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer is its dialogue isolation technology, which is ideal for movies. You’ll appreciate the 3D listening experience it will bring to your living room or studio.
With an assortment of other high-end features, the Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer is easily one of the best subwoofers we’ve seen.
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