Subwoofers are exclusively designed to produce low-frequency sounds. The low frequencies are the ones that produce a rich 3-D effect that we feel and love in the soundtracks of our favorite films.
Subwoofers add a plus to your audio system. They are important because most speakers in an audio system are not capable of producing all the frequencies that the system source sends.
Without a subwoofer, you will miss the most amazing sound your audio system produces. Subwoofers are integral components that help transmit an extraordinary sound for music enthusiasts, so let’s see the best 8-inch subwoofers on the market!
Best 8-Inch Subwoofers Reviews
Audioengine S8 250W Powered Subwoofer
The Audioengine S8 is a premium amplified subwoofer that delivers excellent performance for music, movies, and games. The Audioengine S8 is the perfect companion for Audioengine amplified speakers or any audio system. The quality with which it was designed is very good, offers excellent finishes, and weighs 30 pounds. The 250-watt Class AB amplifier it comes with works with adjustable crimping from 50 to 130 Hz.
Product Highlights
The S8 subwoofer has an 8″ woofer and is compact enough to be placed in a corner or behind furniture. Two audio inputs are arranged on the back, so connecting the S8 to your device is very easy. In addition, it has the auto-sleep function, which allows you to turn off the device when it no longer plays music.
It has an average weight of 30 pounds, several inputs (mini-jack and RCA L/R) or outputs available, and is the ideal solution if you want to connect it to a wireless device because you will have a very good connection.
What’s to like about the Audioengine S8 250W Powered Subwoofer
The product benefits from a fast woofer that is designed both for home theater performances and for other audio devices. Its structure is strong and well built, being designed with anti-resonant steel and with finishes that give it a pleasant appearance.
The bass it produces is of high quality and seems to be the perfect solution for a small room if it is installed correctly and is placed in the right place to enjoy the best sound. Its design makes it special and is called bottom-firing, which offers distortion-free and precise bass, even when listening to music at full volume.
What’s not to like about the Audioengine S8 250W Powered Subwoofer
This product would be perfect if it had a remote control to be able to set the volume of the subwoofer. In addition, it seems difficult to make adjustments, because you cannot see the notch on the dials.
PROS
- Easy to set up, even for beginners
- Deep bass
- Full control of settings
- Wireless ready
CONS
- Not the cheapest product
- Doesn’t come with a remote control
Polk Audio PSW111 8″ Powered Subwoofer
This is an 8″ subwoofer with dynamic balance, and it produces precise bass. The downward adjustment can be done with a special port, and it is a good solution if you want to have the perfect bass depth when you play, listen to music, or watch a movie. Polk is known for their reliability and commitment to creating excellent products, and this is no exception!
Product Highlights
The extremely intelligent compression circuits limit any distortion, and you can enjoy music in the most balanced way, with a deep sound even if the frequencies are low. It takes up very little space in your room with an incredibly pleasant sound, no matter where you place it. Reliability, quality, and an affordable price have made Polk products excellent choices, especially since they have not failed in terms of excellent acoustics.
What is truly great about this product is the small footprint. If you have limited space but want the missing depth that will improve your experience every time, Polk Audio is a great option. The sound is loud and clear, even when you turn up the volume level, ensuring that your experience is memorable each time.
What’s to like about the Polk Audio PSW111 8″ Powered Subwoofer
It’s harder to find such clean bass and distortion-free sound at this price. It also produces up to 150 watts at continuous power (300W peak) and is specially tuned with downward-firing ports to feel the strong impact of the bass it produces. However, it still maintains the front profile of the subwoofer in perfect shape.
Polk engineers have chosen a Klippel analyzer for distortion in order to obtain the alignment of the voice coil and the necessary suspension in order to be able to restore quality even with high volume.
What’s not to like about the Polk Audio PSW111 8″ Powered Subwoofer
The speaker grill is not very solid, and its fragility can be damaged if it is not used carefully. Some of those who bought the Polk Audio PSW111 stated that, after 2 years, it starts to be less functional, and it takes small investments to keep it as efficient as at the beginning.
PROS
- Very powerful structure
- Comes at a decent price
- Klippel optimizer added
- Downward-firing ports
- Compact and quality sound
CONS
- Fragile speaker grill
Monoprice 60-Watt Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer
This subwoofer from Monoprice is the cheapest product in this list. Capable of producing up to 60 watts (RMS) with a response frequency of 50 to 250 Hz and a filter for a clearer sound, which can be adjusted from 50 to 150 Hz. It has the perfect balance between power and bass clarity.
Due to the multiple inputs available, it is compatible with any 5.1 system (or higher) that exists on the market or with any stereo amplifier. Of course, any input has a corresponding output.
Product Highlights
What is interesting about this subwoofer is that it generates its own power, having impedance-matching circuits so as not to affect the total load on the amplifier, but also to not reduce the playback power of the front speakers. The subwoofer comes with a wooden cabinet that will catch your eye and has a height of 13.75” and a depth of 11.75”.
The speaker grills are quite solid and are covered with a black cloth that gives a pleasant appearance in the room. At the front, you will find the 2¾” sound port and the driver. If your amplifier has a single output for the mono subwoofer line, then you will need to use an RCA-inch cable to split the outputs and supply the two input lines to the subwoofer.
What’s to like about the Monoprice 60-Watt Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer
As mentioned above, the subwoofer has many inputs, including a set of left/right inputs, which makes it easier to connect to left and right level outputs on amps. Then, the sound of the mono bass signal will be adjusted exactly as needed to be able to drive the speaker.
Compared to other models available on the market with the same configurations, this Monoprice subwoofer is the most affordable.
What’s not to like about the Monoprice 60-Watt Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer
The auto-on feature does not always work perfectly, and this can cause some inconvenience. Also, bass at full volume does not work as clearly as it should.
PROS
- Multiple input options for customization
- Attractive, black, wooden cabinet
- Right and left Line level inputs
- Highly affordable compared to other models
CONS
- Auto-on feature issues
Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer
Yamaha is probably the largest manufacturer of musical instruments in the world and certainly did not fail when it launched the Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer. It is very compact and has implemented the latest technologies of Yamaha engineers with very high quality and excellent performance.
The Advanced YST II and Twisted Flare Port have amplifiers in a very discreet circuit. This new Twisted Flare Port offers a smooth flow of air, thus reducing outside noise that is not part of the initial input signal and offers clear and precise quality even when it comes to low frequencies.
Product Highlights
As mentioned, Yamaha used state-of-the-art technology when creating this subwoofer. The Yamaha Active Servo Technology II offers sound aerodynamics that will caress you when you use the subwoofer even at a high volume.
It doesn’t matter if you are watching a movie or listening to a live event, you will hear all the details that require bass very clearly and in a realistic way. It weighs only 18.7 pounds and is highly appreciated by customers, attaining very good reviews since it was first introduced in 2017.
One great highlight of the product is the Twisted Flare Port. This creates a smooth airflow, ensuring that extraneous noise is not present. As a result, you will enjoy highly accurate, clear, low-frequency reproductions. Whether you want a subwoofer for special effects in music or movies, the bass will be realistic, clear, and tight.
What’s to like about the Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer
The prospect of a Yamaha subwoofer in your home or studio is always a good choice, especially since this model uses new technology of the highest quality. The bass produced by this subwoofer is very tight and practically simulates reality as if you were there and could hear every detail. It can play very low notes, and if you use it at maximum volume, you will feel a clear bass.
What’s not to like about the Yamaha 8″ 100W Powered Subwoofer
It does not offer very good control to vary the cutting frequencies of the sound. In order to get the lower frequency, it would have needed at least a power of 150 watts RMS. Also, there is no crossover frequency knob next to the rear volume knob.
PROS
- Advanced and high-performance technology
- Clear and tight bass
- Modern design allows use in any type of room
- Yamaha quality guarantee
CONS
- No low-level adjustment
- Only 100 watts RMS power
Rockville Rock Shaker 8″
This subwoofer is very powerful, producing up to 400 watts (200 watts RMS) and comes with a Class D amplifier. The subwoofer housing is made of high-quality wood (MDF) and is very durable over time.
The finishes are also high-quality, all culminating in a vinyl coating that is pleasant to the touch. It does not take up much space and is perfectly built to have the best quality bass sound, with a pull port on the back that helps.
Product Highlights
The Rock Shaker 8″ has a single engine and is a perfect subwoofer for a studio application or for a home system. The bass produced is very strong, and you can feel it with every inch of your body.
The subwoofer is made of quality components and produces a clean sound, no matter what volume you want to listen to. RCA inputs and outputs are available, supporting any configuration. Behind the device, we will find a shooting port, which allows for the perfect movement of sound in all parts of the room.
Apart from excellent quality, this unit features an enclosure made of top-quality MDF wood, which not only lasts longer but also sounds better. The beautiful design sports a high-grade vinyl enclosure covering that is built with the perfect amount of air space in order to maximize the punch and quality.
Apart from this, the product also features distortion-free playback, even if you want to listen to music or movies at maximum volume.
What’s to like about the Rockville Rock Shaker 8″
The amplifier circuits have a power supply that allows for automatic switching. The woofer is surrounded by foam, with a very good quality Y30 magnet, and the voice reels (1.5″) are divided into 4 layers. There are no distortion problems when listening to music at high volume, and the sound comes with flawless accuracy. It is fire-resistant, the case has a cotton filling inside, and the foam grill is detachable.
What’s not to like about the Rockville Rock Shaker 8″
This subwoofer has a high level of fragility, and many users of this product have complained about various problems with buttons or wires. It seems that no matter how loud the subwoofer volume is, there are still some sound issues. Furthermore, despite the fact that there is no obvious distortion, using this subwoofer at maximum volume will not result in the perfect experience.
PROS
- 400 watts of power
- Class D amplifier circuitry
- Fireproof due to the cotton coating
- Play distortion-free sound at maximum volume
CONS
- Low volume compared to similar models
BUYER’S GUIDE
Every time you want to make a purchase, the smartest thing you could do is understand the product you want to buy. Nowadays, whatever product you want to buy, there are many solutions from various manufacturers. It often happens that, although the concept of the products is the same, the price differs.
We can state the same about subwoofers. They offer roughly the same thing, but they differ in quality and the technology that is used. Therefore, it is ideal to buy a subwoofer based on what you want, and you must be careful not to be influenced by certain malicious comments from dissatisfied customers.
The place where they used it may be different from where you need to use it, or there may be a number of other reasons why you need to research the market carefully before making a decision. Here are some important things to keep in mind before purchasing a subwoofer.
Wattage
Wattage is important when it comes to choosing the right subwoofer. In fact, when we discuss subwoofers and their power, we will mostly consider two main factors — the power and the driver size. The common misconception is that a unit with more watts is louder than a unit with fewer watts. However, just because a subwoofer is powered with 100 watts does not mean that it cannot play as loud as a 1000-watt subwoofer.
In fact, the watts guide us when it comes to the volume of the subwoofer, but you can always control this setting on your product. There are certain circumstances, for instance, when a 1000-watt subwoofer is best when used at regular volume, not at peak volume.
As a result, we can conclude that simply the number of watts is not sufficient to guide us when we buy this product. In other words, watts are only one specification that we can easily find, but we need to consider many others in order to make the best decision for our needs.
Sensitivity
As we’ve seen above, high wattage does not mean that our unit is what we need. In fact, many experts tell us that the best quality subwoofer comes with high sensitivity ratings. In other words, high sensitivity allows the subwoofer to convert power into sounds with higher accuracy and efficiency.
As a result, subwoofers with high sensitivity ratings will be much louder than their counterparts with lower sensitivity at any given amount of input power. This means that it is preferable to choose a smaller subwoofer with high sensitivity over a large subwoofer with low sensitivity, as it can play louder. This is highly relevant, especially if the sensitivity rating difference is significant between the two units.
Voice Coils
A voice coil, in simple terms, is the wire that is attached to the cone. When the current passes through the voice coil, a magnetic field is created, which moves the cone. The number of voice coils in a subwoofer allows us to make numerous wiring configurations.
The common types of voice coils are dual, single, or even quad voice coil subwoofers. While dual voice coil subwoofers come with more wiring flexibility, the single voice coil units come with more convenience when it comes to hookup options if you want to attach more subwoofers in a series or parallel.
Amplifier Support
Amplifier support and finding the right one for your subwoofer is close to solving a complicated puzzle, which is why you should pay extra attention to this aspect. In short, subwoofers have impedance (ohms) that tell us the load “seen” by the amplifier when connected. The amplifier will have different amounts of power based on this impedance.
As a result, we need to match the amp’s abilities (watts RMS) with the subwoofer’s specs. As a buyer, you need to ensure that these two variables match each other. Firstly, you need to ensure that all of your subwoofers are the same (if you wired them together). Otherwise, you will need a separate amp for each of them.
Then, find the watts RMS rating of your subwoofer — this is important because you need to make sure that the amp you have or will buy has no more than the RMS rating. Then, you need to find out the impedance of your subwoofer (ohms). The amp needs to be able to do both.
Design
The design of the subwoofer can be either ported or sealed. Sealed means that the air does not come in or go out, which means that it is suitable for tight, highly accurate bass. It is also quick and responsive.
On the other hand, ported boxes come with a built-in air vent that boosts low bass output. In simple words, you can get more bass out of a ported design without having to use as much power as the sealed type. However, the main trade-off is that ported units are quite bulky when compared to their counterparts.
There is no winner in terms of quality, especially when we refer to theater applications. Both types of subwoofer design come with hard-hitting, clean bass when you watch movies. On the other hand, if your purpose is to listen to music on your system, the design can have a more significant impact.
If you enjoy listening to classical, jazz, or any acoustic genre, it is best to go for a sealed design. For hip-hop, rock, and similar genres, a ported enclosure can offer you a better experience.
F.A.Q.s
How Important is a Subwoofer in a Home Theater System?
Any music enthusiast looking for the perfect sound knows that a subwoofer is an object full of magic. It is the accessory that allows the reproduction of low sounds (bass) with a truly unique depth. You need a subwoofer, and it is not just a fad. Almost all modern music and movies are made to sound good only on subwoofer systems.
If you want to play games, or you are a music producer, it is impossible not to understate the importance of a high-quality subwoofer. It offers you an immersive experience, and you will miss lots of details without one. In short, the right subwoofer for your needs can make a real difference for your home theater system.
What is the Difference Between a Passive and a Powered Subwoofer?
When talking about subwoofers, there are 2 product ranges — the amplified ones (also called active) and the ones without amplification (known as passive). If you want to have quality sound and you prefer not to complicate things when establishing compatible technical coordinates, it would be advisable to choose a ready-amplified model.
The delivered power will be supported by the subwoofer, being guaranteed an appropriate acoustic result. If not, you will have to spend quite a lot on this type of purchase, because a classic, passive model costs you two times less.
The active one has a built-in power amplifier that allows you to eliminate the output load when playing low-frequency sounds. Most models are equipped with a crossover, which simplifies the synchronization of sound material with speakers.
With the passive subwoofer, the transmitter does not have its own amplifier, which directly affects the load on the stereo output channels. For this reason, sound volume and quality often decrease. The lack of a customization panel makes the process of placing the subwoofer more difficult.
When to Consider Buying a Subwoofer
There is probably no clear answer here — it’s just the quality you want in terms of movies, games, and music. If you are no longer satisfied with what you hear in your speakers, it is clear that you also need a subwoofer that will restore your bass to its true value.
Even if you have a pair of quality woofers or speakers and you are quite satisfied with what you get, you simply do not know what you’re missing. It is also highly recommended to add a subwoofer to large speakers. Actually, all speakers will benefit from having a subwoofer.
Having a subwoofer is not only about enjoying more bass. In fact, the subwoofer will improve the system’s dynamics, depth, and more. The right subwoofer will boost the overall quality, and it can even have better results than upgrading your electronics. In the end, if you want a better experience, a subwoofer is exactly what you need.
FINAL VERDICT
Now that you are equipped with the basics of choosing and buying a subwoofer, this task should be a lot more straightforward for you. All you have to do is decide what you want to use it for, where you plan to place it, and what budget you have.
There are many offers on the market that will offer you the perfect, immersive experience you are looking for, no matter what your purpose is. You will not fail if you take into account the information we have made available to you, so don’t rush and make sure you make the best decision.