Photos by Tony Cordoza
What do these ten subwoofers, ranging from $399 to $1,690 in price, from 8 to 15 inches in Driver size, and from 1 to 5 cubic feet in overall size, have in common? They were submitted in response to our call for subwoofers that would appeal to a music lover or home theater enthusiast looking to replace his current sub with one that offers fuller, deeper bass at a reasonable price.
And you will find some true values here — subwoofers that can go unusually low, achieve unusually high sound-pressure levels, use unusually small cabinets, or offer first-rate performance at an unusually low price. But impressive spec sheets and handsome product brochures can’t tell the whole tale, so I carefully listened to and tested each sub before deciding which ones are the real bargains. (I even measured the enclosure dimensions myself, sometimes coming up with figures different from the Manufacturers’ specs — usually larger because I included grilles and protrusions like output terminals.) See page 100 for an explanation of the test procedures and the lab measurements not given in the write-ups on the individual subs.
When it comes to features, all of these subs have the basics, like line-level inputs, a volume and phase control, a variable-frequency electronic crossover, an internal amplifier, and a long power cord. Most turn on automatically when an input signal is sensed and shut down when there’s no signal for several minutes. It’s the less common features — like additional line inputs, speaker-level inputs, filtered speaker-level outputs, and a crossover bypass (so you can use the bass management in your receiver or preamp) — that help some models stand out from the pack.
Like you, I was primarily concerned with how these subs performed. You’d expect them to do well in the midbass. The big question is, can they go nice and low — into the 25-Hz region of synth bass lines, bass-drum thwacks, and action-movie explosions — and still provide smooth, even sound at a decent volume? That’s what separates the men from the boys in the big, bold world of subwoofers.
| Canton AS 20 SC Atlantic Technology T70.1 PBM PSB SubSonic 5i Velodyne CHT-15 M&K V-76 |
JBL S120P II Cambridge SoundWorks Newton P500 Pinnacle Baby Boomer B&W ASW 675 Bag End Infrasub-12 |
Canton AS 20 SC ($399)
There’s no doubt that this diminutive sub is a looker, but can its small driver crank out bass where it counts?
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design bandpass
• Finish flat black or silver
• Driver size 8 inches
• Rated Power 60 watts continuous, 120 watts peak
• Controls variable 80- to 140-Hz low-pass crossover, level, phase switch, auto-on
• Warranty 2 years
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 10 1/4 x 15 3/8 x 16 7/8 inches
• Volume 1 1/2 cubic feet
• Footprint 1 1/4 square feet
• Weight 27 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line- and speaker-level inputs and outputs
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 32 Hz at 88 dB SPL
The Canton was the only sub here to come up short of 25 Hz. Then again, it’s only $399.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 32 to 62 Hz 96.7 dB
• Maximum SPL 106 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $4.12
The sub’s sound-pressure level (SPL) was modest, falling off rapidly at lower frequencies.
The Bottom Line
The Canton AS 20 C has both a small cabinet and a nice sense of style in its favor. And while it doesn’t go as deep as some of the bigger models, it’s the least expensive sub in the group when it comes to Dollars per dB.
Manufacturer Canton Electronics, www.cantonusa.com, 612-706-9250
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
Atlantic Technology T70.1 PBM ($425)
Atlantic Technology has always been known for high-value products, and this inexpensive sub promises to carry on the tradition.
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design sealed
• Finish black ash vinyl laminate
• Driver size 10 inches
• Rated Power 125 watts
• Controls variable 40- to 140-Hz low-pass crossover, crossover bypass, level, phase switch, auto-on
• Warranty 90 days with free extension to 1 year with registration
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 11 3/8 x 16 x 15 1/2 inches
• Volume 1 3/4 cubic feet
• Footprint 1 1/4 square feet
• Weight 38 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line- and speaker-level inputs and outputs
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 25 Hz at 82 dB SPL
This small sub gives you deep enough bass to keep up with any CD or DVD.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 94.7 dB
• Maximum SPL 103.5 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $4.48
The sub’s peak SPLs were moderate, but well distributed over its frequency range.
The Bottom Line
The ability to reach down deep into the 25-Hz region and still produce solid sound, combined with its low price and full feature set, make the T70.1 PBM a good value. (I’d like a little better warranty, though.)
Manufacturer Atlantic Technology, www.atlantictechnology.com, 781-762-6300
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
PSB SubSonic 5i ($449)
Another small sub that lays claim to a big, deep sound.
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design ported
• Finish black ash vinyl
• Driver size 10 inches
• Rated Power 150 watts continuous, 225 watts dynamic, 450 watts peak
• Controls front-mounted variable 50- to 150-Hz low-pass crossover, crossover bypass, level, phase switch, auto-on
• Warranty 1 year
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 12 3/8 x 17 x 15 1/2 inches
• Volume 2 cubic feet
• Footprint 1 3/8 square feet
• Weight 31 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line-level input
• speaker-level input and output
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 25 Hz at 87 dB SPL
The PSB produced the kind of full, deep bass you’d expect from a far larger and more expensive sub.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 98.1 dB
• Maximum SPL 102 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $4.58
Its amazingly even output means this sub will sound more powerful than its SPL figures suggest without ever being boomy.
The Bottom Line
PSB’s SubSonic 5i is compact in dimensions, heft, and price. While it could produce only moderate SPLs, it delivered more uniform output over its bandwidth than any other subwoofer in this group.
Manufacturer PSB Speakers, www.psbspeakers.com, 888-772-0000
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
Velodyne CHT-15 ($599)
Considering just its specs, weight, and bulk — it’s the largest and heaviest sub here — you might expect the CHT-15 to cost twice as much.
What’s in the Box
• Cabinet design ported
• Finish flat black
• Driver size 15 inches
• Rated Power 300 watts
• Controls 40- to 120-Hz variable low-pass crossover, 80/100-Hz selectable high-pass filter, level, variable phase, audio and video EQ switch, auto-on
• Warranty 2 years
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 18 1/4 x 21 x 23 inches
• Volume 5 cubic feet
• Footprint 3 square feet
• Weight 83 pounds
Ins & Outs
•line- and speaker-level inputs and outputs
How Low Does It Go?
•Bass limit 25 Hz at 92 dB SPL
The Velodyne had 6 to 12 dB higher SPL at 25 Hz than any other sub tested. Translation: It kicks major butt.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 107.3 dB
• Maximum SPL 116 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $6.51
The CHT-15 can produce peak SPLs that beat subs costing three to four times as much.
The Bottom Line
The Velodyne CHT-15 delivered the biggest bang of the lot, hitting a tooth-rattling 116 dB max SPL. Its all-black styling can be considered either mysterious or menacing depending on your perspective.
Manufacturer Velodyne Acoustics, www.velodyne.com, 408-465-2800
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
M&K V-76 ($699)
The specs for the V-76 suggest it can hold its own against higher-powered, higher-priced competitors.
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design sealed
• Finish flat black
• Driver size 12 inches
• Rated Power 75 watts
• Controls variable 50- to 125-Hz low-pass crossover, level, phase switch; no on/off switch
• Warranty 10 years speaker, 5 years amplifier
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 15 3/8 x 18 x 19 7/8 inches
• Volume 3 1/8 cubic feet
• Footprint 2 1/8 square feet
• Weight 48 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line- and speaker-level inputs
• no outputs
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 16 Hz at 71 dB SPL
Pipe-organ lovers will rejoice over the M&K’s deep, deep bass.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 98.8 dB
• Maximum SPL 106 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $7.07
That deep, deep bass is helped by consistently strong output levels.
The Bottom Line
The V-76 offers the best value of any M&K subwoofer I’ve tested. The precise controls, extended warranty, and ability to go down to an impressive, teeth-rattling 16 Hz will offset its limited feature set for many users.
Manufacturer Miller & Kriesel Sound, www.mksound.com, 818-701-7010
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
JBL S120P II ($799)
Its large driver and 400-watt amp suggest that the S120P II can rumble with the best of them.
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design ported
• Finish black maple
• Driver size 12 inches
• Rated Power 400 watts
• Controls variable 50- to 150-Hz low-pass crossover, level, phase switch, auto-on
• Warranty 5 years
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 16 1/4 x 16 x 19 7/8 inches
• Volume 3 1/8 cubic feet
• Footprint 2 1/4 square feet
• Weight 56 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line- and speaker-level inputs
• speaker-level output
• input and output for future bass-equalization feature
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 25 Hz at 86 dB SPL
The JBL produced deep, robust bass without breaking a sweat.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 104.4 dB
• Maximum SPL 111 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $7.65
The sub’s strong output was evenly distributed over its frequency range.
The Bottom Line
Strong output capability (107+ dB SPL) at all frequencies above 25 Hz, tight, powerful, and smooth low bass, a great warranty, and a reasonable price make this moderately large subwoofer a real value. Its high-tech styling is appealing, too.
Manufacturer JBL Consumer Products, www.jbl.com, 516-496-3400
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
Cambridge SoundWorks Newton P500 ($800)
The Newton offers more setup and adjustment options than any other sub here.
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design sealed
• Finish blond maple or mahogany veneer, or slate gray
• Driver size 8 inches (two)
• Rated Power 500 watts
• Controls variable 50- to 150-Hz low-pass crossover, crossover bypass, high-pass filter, low-pass equalizer, level, variable phase, auto-on; outboard control box
• Warranty 10 years speaker/cabinet, 2 years amplifier and electronics
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 13 x 14 x 12 inches
• Volume 1 1/8 cubic feet
• Footprint 1 square foot
• Weight 35 pounds
Ins & Outs
•speaker-level, line-level, and LFE inputs
• L/R high-pass line-level output
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 25 Hz at 70 dB SPL
The Newton’s output at 25 Hz was 14 dB below the average for the subs in the test group.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 90.8 dB
• Maximum SPL 106.5 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $8.81
The sub’s already average levels fell off rapidly below 62 Hz.
The Bottom Line
The P500 is pricey, but its small cabinet, deep bass, remote control, and other options might justify the cost for many people. Its setup flexibility is unmatched by the other subs here, but using the outboard control box does mean running more wires.
Manufacturer Cambridge SoundWorks, www.hifi.com, 800-367-4434
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
Pinnacle Baby Boomer ($850)
Another small-box, twin-driver sub sporting a powerhouse amp.
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design sealed
• Finish flat black vinyl
• Driver size 8 inches (two)
• Rated Power 600 watts
• Controls variable 50- to 150-Hz low-pass crossover, crossover bypass, level, phase switch, auto-on
• Warranty 7 years parts and labor, 2 years amplifier
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 11 1/2 x 10 x 11 inches
• Volume 3/4 cubic foot
• Footprint 7/8 square foot
• Weight 30 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line-level input
• speaker-level input and output
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 20 Hz at 74 dB SPL
This is astonishing performance for a sub that measures less than a cubic foot.
How Big the Bang?
•Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 93.2 dB
• Maximum SPL 104 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $9.10
The Baby Boomer’s peak SPLs and their distribution over its frequency range were below average.
The Bottom Line
The Baby Boomer had excellent extension, but like many super-small subs, its output diminished quickly at lower frequencies. Its extended upper range, however, means that the Pinnacle could be a good match for many satellite speakers.
Manufacturer Pinnacle Speakers, www.pinnaclespeakers.com, 800-346-2863
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
B&W ASW 675 ($1,000)
Can B&W coax its legendary refined sound out of this moderate-size but hefty box?
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design sealed
• Finish black ash or light oak vinyl
• Driver size 10 inches
• Rated Power 500 watts continuous
• Controls variable 40- to 140-Hz low-pass crossover, crossover bypass, selectable 80-Hz high-pass filter, A/B EQ, level, phase switch, auto-on
• Warranty 5 years speaker, 2 years amplifier
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 13 3/8 x 13 3/8 x 15 3/4 inches
• Volume 1 3/4 cubic feet
• Footprint 1 1/2 square feet
• Weight 56 pounds
Ins & Outs
• line-level input, two line-level outputs
• no speaker-level input or output
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit
16 Hz at 73 dB SPL (EQ mode A)
25 Hz at 89 dB SPL (EQ mode B)
The B&W exhibited terrific deep bass in both of its EQ modes.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 98.6 dB (EQ mode A); 99.2 dB (EQ mode B)
• Maximum SPL 106 dB at 62 Hz (both EQ modes)
• Dollars per dB $10.14
This sub gave average or above-average performance in every respect and produced a nice even output across its entire frequency range.
The Bottom Line
The ASW 675 delivers excellent deep bass, uniform output across its dynamic range, high-quality styling and finish, and an exceptional warranty, but at a relatively stiff price.
Manufacturer B&W Loudspeakers of America, www.bwspeakers.com, 978-664-2870
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
Bag End Infrasub-12 ($1,690)
Bag End claims the Infrasub-12 can do 8 Hz — but how does it perform before it drops below the range of human hearing?
What’s in the Box?
• Cabinet design sealed, magnetically shielded
• Electronics proprietary ELF (Extended Low Frequency) processor
• Finish black textured paint
• Driver size 12 inches
• Rated Power 400 watts continuous
• Controls fixed 95-Hz low-pass filter, fixed 95-Hz high-pass filter (line only), phase switch, level, on/off
• Warranty 1 year
How Big Is It?
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 18 x 15 1/2 x 15 1/4 inches
• Volume 1 1/2 cubic feet
• Footprint 2 square feet
• Weight 56 pounds
Ins & Outs
• 3 line-level inputs and outputs
• 2 speaker-level inputs
How Low Does It Go?
• Bass limit 16 Hz at 65 dB SPL
While the Bag End showed it could plumb the depths, it produced only modest SPLs.
How Big the Bang?
• Average SPL from 25 to 62 Hz 96.1 dB
• Maximum SPL 110 dB at 62 Hz
• Dollars per dB $17.58
The sub produced impressive levels at 62 Hz but was 3 to 5 dB below average from 50 Hz on down.
The Bottom Line
While the Infrasub-12 can go all the way to 16 Hz, its limited feature set and high cost put it on par with similarly equipped but considerably less expensive competitors.
Manufacturer Bag End Loudspeakers, www.bagend.com, 847-382-4550
| MORE |
| PDF: In the Lab
PDF: Subwoofer Setup Secrets |
Subwoofer Serenades
Here are the tracks I rely on when evaluating subwoofers. There aren’t a lot of them, but there shouldn’t be — you should know every nuance of your reference tracks, and having too many only makes it harder to remember what to listen for. Pick a music track and a film scene you know well, and use them for every sub you audition.
A good subwoofer will produce clean, spacious, enveloping bass. Using a jazz recording of an acoustic bass will provide a good sense of whether the notes sound natural. Two-channel playback will give you a better idea than multichannel playback of how good a sub is because you’ll be able to hear more clearly how it’s blending with the main speakers. You shouldn’t think of subwoofer evaluation as “music vs. home theater” anyway, because a sub doesn’t care if it’s being fed a freight train, a synthesizer, a bass drum, artillery fire, a standup bass, or a pipe organ. It’s all acoustic energy, and what matters is whether it sounds right. — T.N.
CDs
• Bass Connection, Drivin’ Bass (Neurodisc) The first track, “Pure and Perfect Bass,” is very loud and goes very low. In fact, the infrasonic content is so strong that you should use this cut with caution.
• The Great Fantasy and Adventure Album (Telarc) At about 12 seconds into “Jurassic Lunch,” listen for the T. Rex footfalls, which go all the way down to 10 Hz. With a good sub, the subsequent attack will leave both you and your house seriously shaken.
• Bass Erotica, Bass Ecstasy (Neurodisc) Listen in particular for the strong, isolated fundamental bass tone at 22 Hz in “976-BASS.” If a sub can’t reproduce it cleanly, it’s time to move on to the next one.
DVDs
• U-571 (Universal) Check out the depth-charge scenes about 2 minutes in and again in Chapter 15, and listen for the strong low-frequency aftershocks that follow the explosions. Also listen to the quieter scenes that follow. The low-frequency background sounds should be evident without intruding on the voices and other foreground sounds.
• Godzilla (Columbia TriStar) There’s plenty of deep-bass action throughout, but the main menu just keeps looping through the room-rumbling 25-Hz monster stomps until you make a selection.
• DVD Space Spectacular (Delos) The start of Thus Spake Zarathustra (Chapter 1) has deep, powerful organ notes and a thunderous climax. Set your player for repeat, and you can keep looping this segment to your heart’s desire.