16 tons. Comparative Subwoofer Test

Imagine that somewhere deep beneath the floor, something enormous is awakening. Heavy and low, it doesn't so much sound as it is felt with your whole body. This is the main task of a subwoofer—to fill music and movies with a foundation that you feel with your skin, not just hear with your ears.

But how do you find your “underground dweller” among dozens of models? We took several of the most popular subwoofers and put them through a real test. Not with dry figures from technical passports, but with live sound — from explosions in blockbusters to the lowest bass lines in electronic music.

Our goal is not to choose one winner, but to show how one subwoofer differs from another. Sometimes clarity is important, sometimes it's just raw power that can shake the walls. After this test, you will know exactly what to look for and which option is right for your room and your ears.

RBH PC-10 – 20,900 rubles

Design 4

Sound 4

Advantages

– Price

– Versatility

Disadvantages

– Not very loud

Design

This model is quite old and has already been discontinued. The subwoofer uses a 250 mm driver with a paper cone mounted on the front panel. The driver is equipped with an enlarged magnetic system, a reliable voice coil, and an improved suspension. The phase inverter port is located on the bottom and directed towards the floor. The subwoofer amplifier has a power of 100 W and operates in class A/B. A limiting circuit is used to reduce distortion during overloads.

Features

The separate LFE input is a nice touch. The low-frequency filter on the high-level output, tuned to suppress frequencies below 100 Hz, may be useful. The volume and crossover filter cutoff frequency controls do not move smoothly, but in small steps.

Sound

Not a very loud subwoofer, with decent control. Bass depth is not record-breaking. A versatile subwoofer for music and movies.

The smoothest frequency response is achieved with the cutoff frequency control set to the middle position. The filter has low attenuation. Matching with satellites can be difficult. The crossover adjustment is shifted to the high-frequency range. Starting at 40 Hz, the THD level remains below 1% and, for the most part, below 0.5%. The very flat graph indicates a well-thought-out design and careful damping. The model shows noticeably less distortion at high volumes.

Dynaudio Sub 250MC – 21,100 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 3

Pros

– Price

– Small size

Cons

– Unclear controls

– Bass depth

– Low overload capacity

Design

The company presents this model in the “Multimedia” section of its product range. However, the subwoofer looks quite ordinary, with the only difference being that it has a line output to the satellites with a switchable low-frequency filter. A long-throw 240 mm driver is located on the front panel. Its cone is made of the company's proprietary magnesium silicate polymer. The driver operates in a closed enclosure. The 140 W amplifier is equipped with a small heat sink.

Features

The subwoofer control scheme is somewhat unusual, which is confusing at first. But even after figuring it out, we were ultimately unable to achieve optimal results.

Sound

This subwoofer disappointed us somewhat: first of all, with its bass depth, and secondly, with its low overload capacity. Loudness is not its strong suit. Otherwise, the control and relief of the bass are not bad. I think this subwoofer will easily satisfy media demands, and it will also be good for stereo.

In the 50-100 Hz frequency range, the subwoofer's frequency response can be considered flat. However, we note the low slope. Matching it with small speakers with a steep slope will not be smooth. Disabling the crossover significantly extends the operating frequency range towards the midrange. Surprisingly, this model boasts a flat THD graph. At the same time, the THD level is very low, and even a slight rise at the lowest frequencies does not prevent the subwoofer from showing one of the best results in the test.

Mirage MM-8 – 27,000 rubles

Design 3

Sound 4

Advantages

– Very compact

Disadvantages

– Synthetic color

Design

The MM-8 is the smallest model in the test, but also the most powerful (1200 W). Its small enclosure miraculously accommodates a 200 mm driver with an anodized aluminum cone (front baffle) and two passive radiators (on the sides of the enclosure) of the same size. The digital amplifier is capable of delivering 1200 W of power, but this appears to be peak power, as the power supply circuit is not designed for a continuous load of more than 350 W. The proprietary protection circuit monitors sound quality at any volume.

Features

The only notable control feature is the smooth 0°–360° phase adjustment. There is only one line input.

Sound

This model did not impress us with its bass depth, and there was also a certain synthetic quality to its sound. I think this was due to the material used in the diffusers. Control and articulation are average. Overall, the sound quality is not bad. Again, the dimensions: this model is very compact.

The model's frequency response has slight irregularities, the amplitude of which does not significantly affect the sound. The filter works correctly, with small deviations from the horizontal position of the graph (starting at 50 Hz). Unfortunately, below 50 Hz, the frequency response decline increases noticeably. The subwoofer's THD remains within normal limits up to 40 Hz. However, the average THD value is one of the highest in the test. The average volume for this model is more preferable.

Cerwin-Vega XLS-15S – 24,800 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 4

Pros

– Deep, full-scale bass

Disadvantages

– Poor control and articulation

Design

Cerwin-Vega speakers are characterized by large black enclosures with metal protective grilles and signature red speaker mounts. On this

the black box is equipped with one large long-throw speaker with a diameter of 380 mm with a paper diffuser and a cast basket. On the back wall, we see two large phase inverters. The model is equipped with a 250 W (peak 350 W) class A/B amplifier, whose radiator is located on the rear panel. The subwoofer enclosure rests on rubber feet.

Features

For convenience, in addition to line and high-level inputs, there is also a separate LFE input that is not affected by crossover adjustments. Volume, cutoff frequency, and phase adjustments are quite standard. A small bonus is the high-level outputs.

Sound

The largest subwoofer in our test sounded quite deep, but the control was not very good. The scale and integration into the stereo system are good. Without a doubt, it can be recommended for home theater and, to a limited extent, for music, as it is not suitable for all genres.

The Cerwin-Vega model has a decent frequency response. The sensitivity drop in the low frequency range is smooth. The crossover clearly maintains the adjustment limits, but the middle positions of the control slightly shift the cutoff frequency towards the low frequencies. The crossover does not have a significant effect on volume. The THD graph performs well at the lowest frequencies, but in the 80-200 Hz range, the distortion value approaches 1%. At high volumes, the distortion level decreases slightly.

Paradigm DSP-3200 – 26,500 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 4

Pros

– Easy to set up

– Bass depth

Disadvantages

– Low control and articulation

Design

The DSP series is designed for home theater use and includes a processor that optimizes sound. The main focus is on power. To achieve this, it uses a speaker with a sturdy cone made of carbon and aramid fibers bonded with polypropylene, as well as a large magnetic system. The cabinet is carefully reinforced. Two large phase inverter ports also increase the subwoofer's output. The digital amplifier is capable of delivering up to 900 watts in pulse mode.

Features

The subwoofer is easy to operate. It has only two inputs (line and high level) and three smooth controls (volume, cutoff frequency, phase). The subwoofer turns on automatically.

Sound

This subwoofer has fairly fast and deep bass, but control is below average. It can sound very loud. Setup is simple and straightforward. I think it's best suited for movies.

The frequency response graph for this model is very good. Note the very flat section of the frequency response between 40 and 150 Hz. Not every subwoofer can go that deep into the low frequency range. The processor (DSP) in the subwoofer seems to have been installed for a reason. The crossover strictly adheres to the cutoff frequency set on the control. The THD did not disappoint either. According to the measurement results, distortion is minimal in the range from 30 Hz to 200 Hz, practically everywhere less than 0.5%. This is one of the best results in the test.

Monitor Audio Radius 370HD – 26,700 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 4

Pros

– Deep enough bass

– easy to set up

Cons

– Bass speed

Control

Design

The model is made in a medium-sized closed cabinet with natural veneer or piano lacquer finish. A long-throw 250 mm speaker with a beautiful white spherical concave diffuser is mounted on the bottom. The cone is made using C-CAM technology: a magnesium and aluminum alloy base coated with ceramic. The device uses an efficient Class D digital amplifier, so no additional heat sink is required. Large rubber feet help dampen unwanted resonance.

Features

The volume control and EQ-1 and EQ-2 equalizer mode buttons are located on the top of the case. EQ-1 mode is for stereo, EQ-2 is for home theater.

Sound

The subwoofer is not the fastest, and the control is not perfect either. Integrates well into a stereo system. The bass is quite deep. Can be confidently recommended for home theater and, to a limited extent, for music. Depending on the genre.

The subwoofer's frequency response describes the characteristic behavior of a budget device. The crossover adjustment range is very narrow, and the volume changes noticeably. The descent towards low frequencies is quite smooth. As the volume increases, distortion at low frequencies increases and decreases at mid frequencies, and vice versa. The average THD level is around 0.5%. This model works better at low volumes than at high volumes.

PSB Subsonic 6i – 27,500 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 4

Advantages

– Loud

– Deep bass

Disadvantages

– There are phase inverter sounds

Design

One of the largest subwoofers in the test. The model is primarily aimed at inexpensive home theaters. A large 300 mm speaker with a polypropylene cone is mounted on a complex-shaped plastic front panel. Two large phase inverter ports are located directly below it. The 225 W digital amplifier is based on BASH technology using MOSFET elements and is classified as class H. The plastic legs have threads for installing spikes.

Features

The volume and cutoff frequency controls are located on the front panel. However, the fact that they are located almost at the very bottom is not very convenient. The line output is filtered at 80 Hz, and the high-level output at 100 Hz.

Sound

The sound is a little disappointing: the bass is clearly lacking, even though it is deep. There is noise from the phase inverter and also from the enclosure. Control and articulation are reduced. The sound is very large and expansive. It can sound quite loud. Definitely for movies.

The frequency response curve is slightly tilted towards the lowest frequencies. However, the tilt is so smooth and weak that the curve will presumably cross the -10 dB threshold at around 20 Hz. This is a very good result. The crossover adjustment falls short of the upper limit (instead of 150 Hz, it is about 100 Hz). Nevertheless, it is quite accurate. The slope is slightly “unstable.” A very low THD is recorded in the middle of the subwoofer's operating range. Below 50 Hz, distortion begins to increase noticeably.

Castle Classic SUB – 28,700 rubles – People's Choice Award.

Design 4

Sound 5

Advantages

– Good musical bass

Disadvantages

– Difficult to tune away from midrange

Design

The British company Castle always strictly maintains its brand image. The subwoofer from the Classic series in our test immediately stands out with its excellent natural veneer finish, impeccably neat assembly, and even a separate podium that you have to screw onto the base of the device yourself. A large 300 mm speaker with a paper cone is mounted on the front panel and operates in a closed volume. The 300 W amplifier is cooled by a radiator located on the rear panel.

Features

One notable feature of the control system is the step-by-step rather than smooth adjustment of the crossover filter cutoff frequency in the range of 35–85 Hz.

Sound

This subwoofer is not a record-breaker in terms of bass depth, but it is quite musical, fast, and controllable. We have not yet managed to completely eliminate the intrusion of midrange frequencies. The sound scale is good. Recommended for any application. A good all-rounder.

The device provides a flat frequency response at frequencies from 50 to 100 Hz. Below 50 Hz, there is a smooth, flat decline in the frequency response. The crossover processes the cutoff frequency quite clearly and uniformly. There is practically nothing to complain about. The same can be said about the THD graph. Low THD can be observed across almost the entire working range of the subwoofer. Starting at 40 Hz, it does not exceed 1%. There is a good margin in terms of distortion towards the midrange. THD is almost independent of volume.

Velodyne SPL-800i – 29,000 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 4

Pros

– Compact

Cons

– Quiet

Design

This model looks very solid, although it is small in size. The speaker is mounted on the front panel and recessed by about a couple of centimeters. The very rigid diffuser, reinforced with Kevlar fibers, is suspended on a sturdy wide suspension. The basket is made of die-cast aluminum. A massive magnetic system is essential for producing a clear, high-power impulse. The amplifier provides 1000 watts of continuous power. The power supply is rated for up to 1300 watts. Dynamic compression saves the subwoofer from excessive load.

Features

The subwoofer crossover is turned off with a switch. The line output has a low-frequency filter with a cutoff frequency of 80 Hz. Otherwise, the controls and switching are standard.

Sound

The subwoofer is not very loud. It doesn't sound too low. Control is average. It's quite fast. Compact. We recommend it primarily for movies.

The subwoofer's frequency response graph cannot be called ideal or flat. On the one hand, this is good because the frequency response does not vary greatly. On the other hand, the crossover filter slope is small, which makes it difficult to match with bookshelf speakers. Disabling the crossover has a very weak effect and is practically useless. The THD of this model is one of the lowest in our test. It is quite strange that the subwoofer plays low bass best at low and medium volumes.

B&W ASW 610 — 29,400 rubles.

Design 5

Sound 4

Pros

– Deep and warm bass

– Easy setup

Disadvantages

– Low speed

Design

The subwoofer is designed in the form of a medium-sized cube. A 250 mm speaker is mounted on the front panel and operates in a closed volume. The speaker cone is made of a mixture of paper fibers, Kevlar, and resin. The efficient 200 W digital amplifier does not require additional cooling. The bottom has threaded bushings for spikes or soft plastic feet (included).

Features

The signal volume from the line and high-level inputs is independently adjustable. There is additional equalization for precise tuning to a specific room.

Sound

The subwoofer sounds very low and warm. It is a bit slow, but energetically charged. Average control. Easy to set up. Good for both movies and stereo. Able to create a sense of foundation.

The model is capable of very deep bass. The drop-off towards low frequencies is so smooth that we were unable to determine the lower frequency limit; the graph stopped at only -6 dB. It is also worth noting the very flat frequency response in the 40-100 Hz range. However, at the lowest frequencies, there is a significant drop in volume. THD is very low in places, but sometimes rises to 0.5%, so on average the result is quite good.

Arslab AC Sub – 30,000 rubles

Design 5

Sound 4

Pros

– Good control

– Warm bass tone

Disadvantages

– Bass is not very deep

Design

The American company ARSLAB currently offers a single line, “Ars Classic,” made in strict rectangular enclosures. The only subwoofer in the line is the AC SUB. It looks quite modest on the outside. The only thing that speaks to the solidity of the device is its decent size and weight. The advantages of this model include its closed acoustic design and analog amplifier (judging by the large radiator on the back). Both contribute to reducing sound distortion during playback.

Functions

In addition to the standard volume and crossover frequency controls on the rear panel, there is a 0°/180° phase switch and a crossover circuit switch. Note that the high-level output has a filter that removes the frequencies used by the subwoofer.

Sound

The subwoofer has a very decent set of qualities. Although it does not have the deepest bass, it is well controlled, has good speed, and is tonally warm. It is a universal device with a capital letter. It is suitable for both music and home theater.

The frequency response curve is fairly flat in the 50-100 Hz range. The gentle slope makes fairly deep bass accessible. The crossover works rather conditionally, with the cutoff frequencies on the graph being very vague. The smooth slope at the cutoff frequency makes it difficult to match with small speakers. Disabling the crossover allows the subwoofer to play up to 400 Hz. The THD graph was surprising. Starting at 20 Hz, THD does not exceed 3% and is slightly dependent on volume.

HECO Metas XT Sub 251A – 30,000 rubles.

Design 4

Sound 4

Pros

– Speed

– Convenient adjustment

Disadvantages

– Control

Design

The fairly large subwoofer enclosure is carefully reinforced from the inside, complemented by a 20 mm glossy (metallic gray) front panel and placed on a podium with the same finish. A 250 mm speaker is installed on the panel. Its diffuser is made of reinforced paper, and the basket is made of aluminum. Two large aerodynamically optimized phase inverter ports are located on the rear of the enclosure. The electrical circuit includes a 150 W digital amplifier, a limiter, and an active sound pressure level adjustment system.

Features

The control and communication options are very standard. Linear and high-level inputs. Volume and cutoff frequency controls. Phase inversion and power mode selection.

Sound

The bass is fast, even a little sharp. Control is average. Convenient adjustment. Versatile. Integrates easily into a stereo system. Definitely recommended for movies, with limitations for music.

The smoothest response is achieved at approximately the middle position of the cutoff frequency control. Otherwise, the graph either goes up or down. Formally, the crossover maintains frequency correspondence with the control, but at the same time slightly “adjusts” the volume. The model has a very attractive CMI graph. It is exceptionally smooth and practically independent of volume. In terms of this indicator, the subwoofer is among the leaders in our test.

MJ Acoustics PRO 50 MkII – 30,000 rubles – People's Choice Award.

Design 4

Sound 5

Pros

– Very easy to set up

– fast bass

Cons

– Not very loud

Design

The subwoofer has a slightly smaller than average body with carefully rounded edges. Since the speaker is hidden at the bottom, the device looks very stylish. The speaker basket is made of high-strength steel, and the ultra-long-throw magnetic system is equipped with a double magnet. Acoustic design — closed body. The 120 W digital amplifier is built on economical MOSFET elements. The circuit includes an I.S.P. intelligent protection circuit. The enclosure rests on thick plastic feet. The feet have threads for installing spikes.

Features

The device has only two inputs: LFE and high-level Neutrik Speakon. Each input has its own level and crossover frequency control. There is one phase control.

on both inputs, but smooth adjustment.

Sound

This small subwoofer has a soft and fast sound. With very transparent tuning. Not very loud. Recommended as a universal device. Easily integrated into a stereo system.

The frequency response of this model is typical for a budget subwoofer. There are no flat horizontal sections. The crossover control noticeably changes the volume. The adjustment range is uneven and shifted towards the mid frequencies. The THD is not too low, but quite stable. On the plus side, at medium and high volumes across the entire measured frequency range, the subwoofer's THD is below 2.5%. The average THD is slightly below 0.5%. The result is not the best, but it is not bad either.

MK Sound SB12 – 30,100 rubles – Test winner.

Design 5

Sound 5

Pros

– Exemplary bass

– Transparent control

Cons

– Not identified

Design

MK Sound is known for its high-end subwoofers, which are even used in the professional sphere. And no wonder, since our model is supposed to operate from 20 Hz with a sensitivity deviation of only ±3 dB. MK Sound subwoofers are always manufactured in closed, carefully reinforced enclosures to ensure maximum clarity of musical material. The large and lightweight long-throw driver also contributes to this. The digital amplifier provides 250 watts of continuous power.

Features

The rear panel is very clear and informative. One advantage is the smooth phase adjustment from 0° to 180°. The subwoofer automatically selects the line or high-level input based on the presence of a signal.

Sound

Test winner. Good speed and depth. Excellent control and articulation. Remarkably natural bass. Can sound loud. Easy to set up.

The frequency response graph is not ideal. The “epicenter” of the frequency response is observed in the 70–90 Hz range. Further down towards lower frequencies, a relatively gentle decline begins. Perhaps the subwoofer will only show its full capabilities at maximum volume. The cutoff frequency adjustment range is noticeably narrow, and the volume changes significantly. The bypass mode is not very effective. In terms of THD, the model ranks among the best in the test. The THD graph is smooth and almost independent of volume.

Subwoofers are not just boxes with speakers, but real bass engines for any music. We gathered 16 models of different prices and brands to understand in practice where marketing ends and sound quality begins. We checked how they sound with different genres, how clearly they hit the rhythm without “smearing” the lows, and whether they can handle loud scenes without wheezing. The main conclusion is simple: good bass is not about size or price, but about the right balance. Sometimes a modest model surprises, while a loud “star” disappoints.

Dali lektor sub – 31,500 rubles

Design 4

Sound 4

Advantages

– Easy to set up

– Universal

Disadvantages

– Speed

Design

Lektor is one of DALI's budget lines, incorporating some of the achievements of more expensive lines. The medium-sized enclosure houses a long-throw driver with a 250 mm polypropylene cone and a Class A/B amplifier with a maximum peak power of 300 W. A massive heat sink is used for cooling. The phase inverter port is directed towards the floor. The subwoofer rests on plastic feet with rubber pads.

Features

All controls are in the form of four identical stylish rotary knobs. The volume and cutoff frequency are smoothly adjustable (the knobs have a very pleasant feel), and the switches control the power mode and phase. Only line and LFE inputs are available for switching.

Sound

The bass is not very deep and slightly drawn out. Control is average. Convenient and transparent setup. A fairly versatile subwoofer.

The frequency response cannot be called outstanding. There is a rounded shape of the graph, a narrow crossover adjustment range, and a noticeable influence of the cutoff frequency on the overall volume. The lower half of the cutoff frequency control range does not affect the cutoff itself, but only affects the volume. An acceptable THD level only starts at 40 Hz, but then remains stable at a fairly low level and does not depend on the volume. Below 40 Hz, the distortion level rises very sharply at high frequencies.

So, we've literally weighed a ton of sound by ear. We hope this comparison has helped you navigate the world of powerful subwoofers. The main conclusion is simple: there is no single best option for everyone.

Your choice ultimately depends on your goals and conditions. For a separate movie theater room, go ahead and get a monster like the SVS PB-16 Ultra. If musicality and compactness are important to you, perhaps your favorite will be the REL No.25. And for most living rooms, the more affordable models in the middle of the rating will be a great fit.

Don't blindly chase maximum power or size. The best subwoofer is the one that fits perfectly into your speaker system and room, giving you the bass you've been dreaming of. Listen to your feelings, and happy shopping!