Subwoofers

Subwoofer Selection: Enhance Your Sound Experience

When it comes to building the ultimate audio system—whether it’s for home theatre, music, or gaming—a subwoofer plays a crucial role in delivering the full spectrum of sound. It’s the component that adds the deep bass and rumbling low frequencies that transform an ordinary audio setup into something truly immersive. At Sturmans, we understand that selecting the right subwoofer is key to achieving the kind of sound experience you’ll enjoy.

Here’s everything you need to know about subwoofers, how to select the right one for your needs, and how we can help you choose and integrate it into your home audio system.

What is a Subwoofer and Why Do You Need One?

A subwoofer is a speaker designed specifically to reproduce low-frequency sounds, usually below 100Hz. These low frequencies include the rumbling bass in music, the explosive sound effects in movies, or the deep, immersive tones in a video game. Without a subwoofer, these important elements are often lost or underrepresented.

Why You Need a Subwoofer:

Enhanced Bass: Add depth and impact to your music, movies, and games.
Fuller Sound: A subwoofer helps to round out the frequency range, ensuring your system doesn’t sound “thin” in the lower registers.
Immersion: The low-end frequencies create a physical sensation, vibrating through your room and adding to the feeling of realism.
Balanced Audio: While your speakers handle mid and high frequencies, a subwoofer complements them by taking care of the low frequencies, ensuring no sound range is left out.

How to Choose the Right Subwoofer

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right subwoofer for your home audio system. The size, power, type, and placement all affect how well it integrates with your overall setup.

1. Size of the Subwoofer

Larger Subwoofers (12″ – 15″): A larger subwoofer typically offers greater output and deeper bass. These are great for large rooms or home theatres where you want powerful, room-shaking bass. The larger the subwoofer’s cone, the more air it can move, resulting in stronger and more impactful bass.
Smaller Subwoofers (8″ – 10″): A smaller subwoofer can still produce high-quality bass, but it may not reach the same depths or volume levels as a larger model. Smaller subwoofers are ideal for smaller rooms or setups where you don’t need massive bass but still want to fill out the sound range.

Tip: If you have a larger room or you’re building a dedicated home theatre, opt for a larger subwoofer (12″ or 15″). If space is tight or you’re looking for a more compact setup, an 8″ or 10″ subwoofer may be a better fit.

2. Power and Wattage

Wattage determines how much power the subwoofer can handle. A higher wattage means the subwoofer can produce louder, more powerful bass.
Look for a subwoofer with sufficient power for your room size. If you have a large space, you’ll need a subwoofer that can produce more watts (around 300W – 1000W). For smaller rooms, a 200W – 300W subwoofer might suffice.

Tip: Higher wattage is ideal for larger rooms or dedicated home theatres, but a smaller, less powerful subwoofer will still provide excellent bass in a more compact space.

3. Active vs. Passive Subwoofers

Active Subwoofers have a built-in amplifier, which means they can plug directly into a power source and be integrated easily into your system.
Passive Subwoofers do not have an amplifier and require an external amp to power them. These are typically used in high-end setups but require more technical knowledge for proper integration.

Tip: For ease of setup, most users prefer active subwoofers. Passive subwoofers may be a good option for those building a custom, high-performance system with specific requirements.

4. Subwoofer Type

Front-Firing Subwoofers: These subwoofers project sound directly outwards. They are ideal for placing against a wall or in corners to maximize bass output. These tend to work well for most applications, especially home theatres.
Down-Firing Subwoofers: These subwoofers direct sound towards the floor. They are less likely to resonate off walls or furniture, making them great for rooms with a lot of furniture or where you want to minimize vibration.

Tip: Front-firing subwoofers are ideal for home theatre setups, especially when placed in a corner or along a wall for optimal bass. Down-firing subwoofers are great if you want bass without the vibrations traveling through the walls.

5. Placement Considerations

The placement of your subwoofer can drastically affect its performance. Ideally, the subwoofer should be placed where it can maximize bass output without causing unwanted distortion.
Corner placement often enhances bass response because corners reflect sound and can amplify low frequencies.

Tip: If possible, try different subwoofer placements before committing to one. Some people prefer to place their subwoofer behind their seating area, which can provide a more balanced sound.

6. Room Size and Acoustics

A larger room will need a more powerful subwoofer to fill the space with deep bass. In contrast, smaller rooms might not need as much power to achieve satisfying low frequencies.
Consider your room’s acoustics: some rooms, especially those with a lot of hard surfaces, can cause bass to become boomy or muddy. A room correction system or adjustable controls on the subwoofer can help you fine-tune the sound.

Our Subwoofer Selection at Sturmans

At Sturmans, we carry a curated selection of high-quality subwoofers from trusted brands to fit a wide variety of needs, room sizes, and audio setups. Our range includes:

High-Power Subwoofers for Large Home Theatres
- Perfect for delivering deep, rumbling bass that can fill larger spaces. These subwoofers are designed for immersive home theatre systems and high-impact movie soundtracks.
Compact Subwoofers for Smaller Spaces
- If space is limited or you’re working with a smaller room, we offer compact, powerful subwoofers that still provide exceptional bass without overwhelming the room.
Wireless Subwoofers for a Clean Setup
- For those who want to minimize cabling and clutter, we offer wireless subwoofers that can be placed anywhere in your room without worrying about cables. They are ideal for modern, minimalist setups.
Portable Subwoofers for Flexible Audio Use
- Need something for a temporary setup or a multi-room system? Our portable subwoofers are designed for flexibility while still providing deep, full-range sound.

Expert Advice and Installation

Selecting the right subwoofer is about balancing power, size, and placement to fit your unique needs. At Sturmans, our experts are on hand to guide you through the process and help you select the perfect subwoofer for your system.

Home Assessments: We offer in-home consultations to assess your room and recommend the best subwoofer placement for optimal bass performance.
Professional Installation: Our team will ensure your subwoofer is properly integrated into your system, from optimal placement to calibration, ensuring the best possible sound experience.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re upgrading your home theatre, building a multi-room sound system, or enhancing your music listening experience, a subwoofer is essential to delivering rich, powerful bass. The right subwoofer can transform your system, providing an immersive, full-range audio experience that you’ll love.

Visit Sturmans today to explore our range of subwoofers, receive expert advice, and get everything professionally installed for the ultimate sound experience.