How To Choose A Powered Subwoofer
If you want to setup your own home theater system, or just a new audio system, make sure you include a new powered subwoofer to the system. Powered subwoofers are special speaker designed specifically for the lowest sound tones or deepest bass in music or on movie audio tracks. Subwoofers are also known as "subs" or amplified or active subwoofers (as opposed to passive sub woofers). They contain a large cone driver speaker (some as large as 20 inches or more) mounted in an enclosure that contains its very own amplifier. These enclosures are usually wood or composite boxes or cabinets and are specially designed and tuned to produce the loudest and cleanest bass possible. Powered Subwoofers Are Not Passive
Every powered subwoofer (or active subwoofer¬the active means it requires power) has its own power source, as opposed to up passive or non-amplified subwoofer that takes power from the rest of the system. Powered sub woofers create ultra-deep bass sounds and LFE, or low-frequency effects. A powered subwoofer rounds out any high-end stereo system by reaching those ultra-low frequencies that ordinary speakers, or even woofers for that matter, just can't reach. Most people are familiar with the thumping sounds of powered subwoofers that they have heard from other cars while sitting in traffic. It is only recently, with the growing popularity of home theater systems, that powered subwoofers are becoming common in home audio use. Where to Place a Powered Subwoofer A powered subwoofer's placement isn't nearly as critical as placement of your mid-range or tweeters. Mid-range and tweeters are very directional meaning your ears can easily discern where these sounds are coming from. Low-range sounds like those produced by a woofer or subwoofer are not easily discerned by the human ear. These sounds are more room-filling and not directional. So, when you place your powered subwoofer, it can be hidden under furniture or in an out-of-the-way location. But to maximize the amount of sound you get from your powered sub woofer, you might want to place it a few feet from a corner of the room. This allows the sound to bounce off the walls and better radiate out into the room. In any case, experiment with your powered subwoofer's location. Try it in various locations in the room with different audio sources. Other Types of Powered Subwoofers Gone are the days of watching TV with no bass or punch. Place a powered subwoofer behind or directly next to a big screen or projection TV for added impact. Your home theater system will rival that of the movie theater! There special subwoofers that you mount in an empty wall cavity known as "in-wall subwoofers." These mount in the area between the wall studs and use the empty space in the wall as the enclosure. There are also powered subwoofers for ceilings. These work similarly to the powered subwoofers that you mount in the wall. They come in a wide variety of sizes, specifications, brands, and power ranges. When putting together your home audio or home theater system, you will get an extra punch by adding a powered subwoofer. A powered subwoofer will enhance any musical or home theater production considerably. Adding a new powered subwoofer is a great investment for your sound system that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy greatly. The deep bass sounds that are produced by a powered subwoofer will give you an audio experience that you will truly enjoy. |
