Modern sound technologies are developing at an active pace and your own cool subwoofer for the home no longer surprises anyone. The main purpose of this component of the audio system is to reproduce a low frequency range (not higher than 100 Hz), which are not reproduced by conventional speakers. Which model to give preference? What parameters to consider when choosing? Let's try to figure it out.
Main purpose
A subwoofer is a piece of equipment that provides a high-quality immersive experience, such as when listening to music or watching a movie at home. Such devices quickly gained popularity and became an important component of a powerful speaker system. When choosing a subwoofer for your home, you need to proceed from indicators such as power and purpose. Note that there are two main varieties of these systems:
- Active. They are ideal for home theater use due to their flexibility and ease of installation. Such devices are cheaper.
- Passive. Subwoofers of this type are originally designed in such a wayin such a way that they can only be used in combination with an amplifier. In this case, the amplifier must be of sufficient power.
Active subwoofer for the home - a more convenient and correct solution due to the built-in filter and bass amplifier. Thanks to this, the sound acquires a higher quality at any frequency. At the same time, using an active subwoofer, you can improve the distorted sound throughout the entire range.
Ranking of the best
Modern manufacturers offer various models of subwoofers that are suitable for home use. They differ not only in cost, but also in a number of options and functions. If you want to choose the best subwoofer for your home, here are some of the most popular subwoofers.
YAMAHA
YAMAHA YST-FSW100
This subwoofer has a power of up to 80 W and is inexpensive, making it quickly gained popularity among customers. High quality, minimum sound leakage, correct sound direction - all this distinguishes this model. The design solution of the device is such that there is no blockage at low frequencies. As a bonus, the manufacturer offers magnetic protection that will prevent sound distortion if monitors or TVs are located nearby.
YAMAHA YST-SW012
Another Japanese home subwoofer is a floorstanding accessory that already comes with a built-in amplifier. The phase inverter filling makes the device sensitive to any frequencies of the operating range, creating high-quality sound inroom. Among the advantages of this model are the minimum number of settings and adjustments, small dimensions and affordable price.
ONKYO SKW-770
This model, with its small size, has a power of up to 150 W, is distinguished by high-quality sound and functionality. Compactness allows you to put the model on the shelf and on the floor - the choice of location depends on the acoustic characteristics of the room. The frequencies are easily adjustable, so you can adjust the sound of several speakers at once. The highlight of the model is the Standby mode, which uses a minimum of energy.
MJ ACOUSTICS REFERENCE 100 MKII
This home subwoofer is more expensive than the models described above, but it boasts an optimal functional set and high-quality sound. High-quality sound reproduction is noted at all frequencies, in addition, it also reproduces ultra-low frequencies. In addition to good sound and small size, the model attracts attention with the presence of a remote control.
VELODYNE IMPACT-10
This subwoofer is worthy of attention for the optimal ratio of price to power and functionality. The active type speaker system works without additional equipment in a wide frequency range. The maximum power is 250 W, while the device can be used in areas of any size.
We have described the 5 most popular subwoofers, based on which you can create a quality speaker system for your home.
Connection features
The subwoofer is an important part of modernacoustics, allowing you to feel every sound. Before you buy this or that model, you should find out about the parameters of the sound card on the device to which the sub will be connected. How to connect a subwoofer at home? It also depends on the type of devices. For example, a 5.1 system consisting of five speakers and a subwoofer does not dock with a laptop. You can try to connect the sub to the computer, but also only if the number of inputs on the sound card matches.
Selection Options
The task of the subwoofer is to “finish” the lower part of the sound spectrum, which conventional speakers cannot cope with due to low power. When choosing the optimal model, proceed from the following parameters:
- frequency range;
- crossover frequencies;
- maximum sound pressure;
- system sensitivity;
- woofer diameter.
These are key terms when it comes to subwoofers, but knowing them is the key to choosing the right component for your speaker system.
Features of connecting a car subwoofer
Very often there are situations when owners sell their car, and use the subwoofer from it to create a home speaker system. How to connect a car subwoofer at home so that it works stably? To create such a device, you need a power supply and speakers, as well as the subwoofer itself. The easiest way to power an auto amplifier is to take a computer power supply that hasall the necessary features. The steps to connect the sub to the power supply are as follows:
- yellow wires are connected to the terminals on the car amplifier ("-" - to the GND terminal, "+" - to + 12V);
- special input with blue wire is used to connect subwoofer, external amplifier;
- A normal MP3 player with an adapter can be used as the audio source.
When creating a DIY subwoofer for your home, remember that a car amplifier can draw more than 40 amps. In this case, it is advisable to use copper wires with a cross section of 6-10 mm2 for its connection. To improve the sound, you should pay attention to the input signal level control, which is located on the amplifier panel. Thus, there are no special problems with sound adjustment when using a car subwoofer.
How to make from scratch?
A subwoofer is a powerful addition to a speaker system that could well become part of a home theater. But what if there is no money to buy ready-made equipment, but you want to enjoy high-quality sound? In this case, you can try to make a subwoofer for your home with your own hands. This requires a series of actions:
- Buy speakers and cabinet (best wood).
- Calculate the dimensions of boxes. To do this, you can use computer programs that require you to specify a number of parameters - the dimensions of the speaker and phase inverter.
- Make parts. Already aftercalculations, you can begin to create the details of the future subwoofer. It is best to use high quality wood, plywood: in addition to naturalness, they are ideal for a wide variety of processing.
- Assemble the body. After all the details of the future device are sawn out, they need to be connected to each other. For greater reliability, it is most convenient to fasten the walls with self-tapping screws.
- Connect the speaker to the amplifier and power supply. This may require subwoofer drawings for the home, which mark all the nuances of connecting the main elements. The structural diagram of the entire sound system plays an important role, which means that close attention should be paid to this side of the assembly.
- Insert the finished and already amplified speaker into the case. Sheath it. Bring all the wires out from the back of the box through the special connectors.
That's it, the subwoofer is ready for use, you can check it. If suddenly during operation unpleasant sounds, rustling appear, it makes sense to check whether all the holes in the box are closed. They must be sealed - for this you can use glue or sealant. In any case, you can make a subwoofer for your home on your own, if you understand the diagrams and drawings.
