Subwoofers can enhance most sound systems, whether they be separate components, a simple soundbar, or even outdoor. Here are some of the more recent models to hit the market.
OSD Nero DueVoce X8
The OSD Nero DueVoce DualX8 subwoofer offers bass extension below 40 Hz and the built-in amplifier can power the subwoofer to high SPL levels of 107 dB with only 1% distortion. Adding this subwoofer to a soundbar will allow you to hear the full frequency range that is on the soundtrack. The OSD Nero DueVoce Dual8X is also designed for small desktop or bookshelf speakers. Placed under a desk or hidden away in a corner, small speakers can sound huge. You can install in-wall speakers and add this sub to create a “hidden” sound system. Using its 2.1 amplifier to power the in-wall speakers and provide the signal for the subwoofer, the resulting system is almost invisible and yet sounds like a bigger setup.
KEF KC92
The KEF KC92 Subwoofer features the company’s proprietary digital signal processing algorithm, the Music Integrity Engine (MIE) — one of the brands core innovations in technology. The KC92 also features two 9-inch drivers, derived from KEF’s flagship Blade HiFi Speaker, and has a five-preset Room Placement Equalization function that ensures consistent performance no matter where the subwoofer is placed. The two drivers in the KC92 are positioned back-to-back in a force-cancelling configuration. This design neutralizes out reactive forces, minimizing cabinet vibration and maximizing accuracy and detail. This configuration enables an immense volume capacity, facilitating sound pressure levels of 110 dB from a compact, sealed cabinet.
PhaseTech Power Lux DSP
The PhaseTech Power Lux DSP subwoofers leverage advanced digital signal processing to control both the amplifier and the driver. PhaseTech is shipping four models: the PL-10S and PL-12S compact sealed subs, alongside the PL-10P and PL-12P ported subwoofers. These models are engineered to produce deep bass as low as 17 Hz. Each subwoofer, available in sealed or ported designs with 10- or 12-inch long-throw mica-graphite poly cone with NBR Surround, incorporates an integrated 900-watt peak amplifier. Users can tailor their audio experience via a dedicated app compatible with iOS and Android devices, offering control over level, phase, EQ, crossovers, and more. With LFE and stereo inputs/outputs, these subwoofers are versatile for any audio setup.
Ascendo 28 Sub Pro Squared
After extensive research and experimentation, Ascendo has developed a 28-inch composite sandwich cone, built from multiple layers of rohacell. With the cone area equivalent to a 32-inch round subwoofer, this model is engineered to push the boundaries of what’s possible in low-frequency sound reproduction. It delivers the highest output while occupying minimal space, making it perfect for even the most space-conscious home theater setups. Its unique construction allows for woofers to be spaced very closely together, achieving perfect coupling for bass array systems with control up to 120 Hz. And with an overall depth of just 30 cm/11.81 inches, it’s a perfect fit even in challenging installations. Despite its compact design, the subwoofer boasts outside dimensions of 80 cm/37.80 inches wide and 100 cm/39.37 inches high.
Monitor Audio Vestra Series
Engineered and developed alongside Monitor Audio’s Anthra Series subwoofers, each of the three Vestra Subwoofers — the W10, W12, and W15 — include an acoustic package that enables Monitor Audio to deliver on its ‘Transparent Design Philosophy,’ which couples superior design elements, intuitive user-experience, and advanced acoustic engineering. Vestra subwoofers utilize Monitor Audio’s proprietary C-CAM cone technology (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium Magnesium). The properties of C-CAM ensure a more fatigue-resistant, stronger, and lighter cone. The result is a cone material that offers far greater pistonic movement under extreme stresses over standard aluminum cones.
Starke Sound SUB 1 and SUB 5
The Starke Sound SUB 1 ($2499) is a compact powerhouse of a mid-sized subwoofer, featuring a 12.5-inch driver and 1000 watts RMS of clean, controlled power to fill a space with bass that is both deep and precise. For rooms that need extra support on the bottom end, the SUB 5 ($4999) includes a 17-inch driver, Umbraxis Diaphragm Support Structure, and 120mm excursion, delivering bass that plunges as low as 8 Hz. Powered by up to 3000 watts RMS, it produces ultra-deep, dynamic, distortion-free low frequencies.
SVS 5000 R|Evolution Series
The SVS 5000 R|Evolution Series subwoofers include two new models that extend the subwoofer technology platform previously developed for the brand’s flagship 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers. Comprised of the SB-5000 R|Evolution sealed cabinet subwoofer and PB-5000 R|Evolution ported cabinet subwoofer, both models feature multiple advancements, including a first-ever 15-inch driver, dual monoblock amplifier, and a 295 MHz Analog Devices DSP.
For the new 15-inch driver, SVS designed the first-ever dual edge-wound voice coil to ensure stable transfer of electromagnetic current from the dual mono-amplifier to the 38-pound toroidal ferrite magnet motor, resulting in massive output with exacting control. Copper-clad aluminum voice coil wire combines the best properties of both elements, yielding ideal thermal capacity and magnetic field strength within the motor.
Lyngdorf DW-10 in-Wall Woofer
The Lyngdorf DW-10 is a high-performance in-wall woofer specifically made for custom installations that require the most-shallow woofer solution yet with the best possible bass performance. The new DW-10 enclosure fit into 6-inch/15 cm cavity walls. Its height provides the large inner cabinet volume required for remarkable bass extension from such a slim enclosure. The DW-10 utilizes two patented high-excursion shallow woofers, customized for Lyngdorf Audio and based on a voice-coil/cone geometry and suspension that allows the highest excursion from the most space-saving construction. A four-layer voice coil, an ultra-rigid dual aluminum cone, a neodymium magnet, and an extremely rigid cast basket provide impressive bass performance. The high-bandwidth design ensures an accurate, fast response and allows for seamless sound integration with the main speakers.
Focal Cinema SUB
The Focal Cinema SUB’s two 13-inch woofers guarantee maximum excursion and uncompromising bass control. Tuned to 19 Hz, it delivers a unique extension for a deep and striking bass, even in the most spacious cinema rooms. Its large front laminar port is designed to minimize distortion while maximizing sound pressure, descending to lower frequencies while increasing their efficiency, for an impactful sub-bass.
Grimani Systems Psi v3
The Grimani Systems Psi v3 subwoofer has the same performance and compact form factor as its predecessors, the Psi and Psi v2, with a new design form that features recessed drivers and smoothed edges. While maintaining its original 8-inch depth, Psi v3 can now be concealed behind stretched fabric and acoustically transparent screens without concerns of the driver excursion hitting any surfaces. Psi v3 redefines efficient low-frequency performance, delivering high-fidelity bass with unmatched precision and dynamics. The Psi v3 Quad-Drive system (Quad-Drive mode with four units in the four corners of a room for optimized bass distribution) boasts an in-room sound pressure level of 115 dB.
McIntosh PS1K
At the heart of the McIntosh PS1K powered subwoofer are two 13-inch drivers featuring McIntosh’s proprietary Low Distortion High Performance Magnetic Circuit Design, which reduces distortion and improves power handling. With advanced Finite Element Analysis ensuring extreme linearity, the PS1K’s woofers also incorporate multi-layer carbon fiber cones for superior rigidity and sound clarity, resisting flex even at high outputs. The PS1K’s dual 13-inch woofers are driven by two 500-watt Class D amplifiers, combining for 1000 watts of output. A sealed box design and nearly 1.5-inch thick enclosure baffle eliminate port noise and vibration, ensuring a precise, clean bass response.
Theory iws12-Bollard 12-inch Landscape Subwoofer
The Theory iws12-SPKR speaker assembly includes a 12-inch, 1400-watt, 4-inch voice coil long-throw woofer that can be integrated into the Theory iws12-6 in-wall subwoofer and the Theory iws12-9 architectural subwoofer. With the introduction of the iws12-Bollard, now that iws12-SPKR performance can be enjoyed outdoors. When mounted inside the new iws12-Bollard housing and installed outdoors you get astonishing high-energy low frequencies in your landscape.
Coastal Source CUBE Outdoor Subwoofer
The Coastal Source CUBE 350-watt outdoor subwoofer combines two customizable stone finishes (Travertine or Granite) with a 10-inch bass driver in a small 16-inch cube shape that can be mounted on hardscapes or softscapes. The CUBE subwoofer is designed to seamlessly integrate into any Coastal Source Plug&Play high-performance audio system. CUBE comes with vibration-reducing rubber feet that will ensure the subwoofer stays put and doesn’t vibrate against the hardscape even when it is driven to the highest power levels.
MartinLogan Dynamo Foundation Series
The MartinLogan Dynamo Foundation Subwoofers feature a 200 MHz DSP engine with 56-bit processing and are equipped with MartinLogan’s exclusive Magnitude 400 or 700 amplifiers, delivering up to 400 watts and 700 watts peak power, respectively. The custom-designed 10- or 12-inch Ultra-Rigid Polypropylene woofers are tuned to perfection, delivering robust, deep bass with minimal distortion, even at high volumes. They are designed to complement MartinLogan Motion Foundation Series systems and other brands, offering high-performance, low-distortion bass.
JBL Stage 220P
Blending powerful performance with stylish design, the JBL Stage 220P is the most commanding subwoofer in the Stage series. Engineered at JBL’s Acoustic Engineering Center of Excellence in Northridge, California, this 12-inch powered subwoofer delivers 500 watts of dynamic power and room-shaking bass down to 26 Hz. A high-excursion polycellulose woofer and dual rear-firing tuned ports ensure deep, accurate low-frequency response ideal for a modern home theater audio system. With onboard controls for crossover, phase, and level, the Stage 220P offers integration with any system. Its clean, contemporary cabinet is available in Espresso or Latte woodgrain with matching grilles, making it as visually compelling as it is sonically capable.
L-Acoustics SB10i
Equipped with a single 10-inch driver, 27 Hz bandwidth limit, and 124 dB maximum SPL output, the L-Acoustics SB10i measures 21.3 L x 21.3 W x 6.7 H inches (540 x 540 x 170 mm) and weighs 33 pounds (15 kg). The sub has an elegantly discreet design, and is available in RAL colors. The integrated “tech face” contains all connectors and mounting points in one unobtrusive panel, so mounting hardware, cables, and connectors can be hidden, regardless of where or how the SB10i is installed: freestanding on a shelf or tucked away under a couch, chair, or architectural feature.
