What is a subwoofer?
The subwoofer's job is to produce the very low tones of your audio system's dynamic range. A true subwoofer will be able to reproduce a 20 Hz test tone, which will be felt more than it will be heard (making it great for home-theater applications), but 30 Hz will do very well in most listening environments and for most music. Most subwoofers today are "powered," meaning that they contain a built-in amplifier and a crossover network that lets you adjust the sub's upper frequency response so as to more effectively blend in with your main speakers.

Subwoofer performance is greatly affected by placement. Placement can vary from room to room. So where you place the subwoofer and where you sit are critical to getting the most from it.

Do I need a subwoofer?
Unquestionably, every music and home theater system needs a subwoofer. Without a quality subwoofer you are missing exciting sound effects that modern digital technology has brought to today's music and movies. In the case of the new digital home theater formats and digital television, there is a specific, discrete output dedicated just to a subwoofer. When you set up your Dolby Digital receiver you can be reproducing up to six channels of bass through your subwoofer.

What should I look for in a subwoofer?
Setting aside for the moment your specific room size and tastes, or any unusual circumstances, let's discuss what makes a good subwoofer. A good subwoofer should have low distortion to create realism, good low frequency extension for authoritative bass you can feel, and ample output to ensure plenty of dynamic impact and excitement. The most elusive subwoofer quality is low distortion to achieve accurate bass tones. Unfortunately, most subwoofers have a distortion rate of 25% to 30% which translates into a severe lack of detail and clarity. These subwoofers sound muddy, boomy and lack realism in home theater and accuracy in music systems. Choose a subwoofer low in distortion. Few subwoofer manufacturers illustrate distortion figures, so listening to a good music recording with deep bass content will be important. A subwoofer with low distortion will be able to unlock the important element of bass in today's entertainment.

The Shop by Category section on our website should help in assuring that you select a large enough woofer for your room. However, bear in mind that selecting a larger subwoofer than the minimum recommendation will increase low frequency extension, dynamics, output and the fun factor. One last thing to consider is the experience and reputation of the manufacturer as it relates to subwoofer design and production. A subwoofer is a very specialized product, highly dependent on the very precise matching of all its components. As you might imagine, manufacturers who specialize in subwoofers hold an advantage over those who produce a very wide variety of products. Some advanced technologies may provide better performance for the money and will offer a distinct advantage over other designs.

Which subwoofer is right for me?
A subwoofer's ability to offer good low distortion with ample output for the room (volume), and yet still offer very good definition (low distortion), can make or break a home theater and music system. Choosing the proper subwoofer for your individual room size is critical to creating a truly enjoyable home theater and music experience. Though there are individual considerations, the Shop by Category section will help you take the guesswork out of selecting the ideal subwoofer in your price range for your room.

Click here to see all the Subwoofers available at Abt.

Click here to see all the Speakers available at Abt.