The Best Single Subwoofer For 2024

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Best Single Subwoofer
Best Single Subwoofer

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: PIONEER TS-SW3002S4 Subwoofer

This PIONEER 12" Single subwoofer features a shallow-mount design, weight of 14.5 lbs and is built with a single 4 ohm voice coil. This subwoofer with 1,500 watt is perfect for an all-around speaker setup that delivers deep, high-quality bass response. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: KICKER CWCS84 Subwoofer

The KICKER 8" is the ultimate in performance-driven subwoofers with Single Voice Coil 4-Ohm that is a great value. It features a ribbed polyurethane surround, injection-molded polypropylene cone, and Perimeter Venting for thermal management that is a great value Read Review

3. Best Technology: Planet Audio TQ10S Subwoofer

The Planet Audio 10 inch Single Subwoofer is designed to deliver the maximum performance in your car. This subwoofer can power up to 1200 watts, playing clean and powerful bass at all times. It delivers crisp, clean sound with a true-to-life deep bass response. Read Review

4. Best Sound Quality: JBL Stage 810 800W Subwoofer

The The JBL 8" Single Subwoofer is designed to be the center of attention in the car. With a low-cut frequency response range of 38-200Hz, It delivers plenty of sound for any size car. It's also perfect for those who want a great sound without sacrificing space. Read Review

5. Best Quality: DS18 IXS12.4S Single Subwoofer

The DS18 Single Subwoofer delivers a powerful low-frequency sound with deep and accurate bass. With 1400 watts of power, this single voice coil subwoofer can handle 2-4 ohms impedance and its versatile design allows for installation in shallow or deep vehicles. Read Review

Subwoofers are essential for low-frequency sound reproduction. And although most people assume that the lower the frequency, the better it sounds, there are actually specific challenges with using lower frequencies. Below 200Hz and you’ll start to hear things like comb filtering or room harmonics. As a result, recordings made at those frequencies will typically sound boomy or muddy. The best single subwoofer will provide deep bass and shake your house with excitement. That’s why you need to shop for the best single subwoofer.

 Single-subwoofer setups can be more affordable than other configurations since you don’t have to buy multiple subs. Once you understand subwoofer design and what factors affect the quality of its output, it becomes easier to make an informed purchase. In this article, we will discuss about the best single subwoofer for your home theater system. You can read it from start till end without any confusion and be aware of what kind of information you should seek before making a final decision on which single subwoofer to buy.

After spending 14 hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best single subwoofer is PIONEER TS-SW3002S4 Subwoofer. It features a shallow-mount design, weight of 14.5 lbs and is built with a single 4 ohm voice coil. This subwoofer with 1,500 watt power is perfect for an all-around speaker setup that delivers deep, high-quality bass response. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 PIONEER TS-SW3002S4 Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.7
PIONEER

Weight: 14.500 lbs

UPC: 884938234719

TOP Choice #2 KICKER CWCS84 Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.5
KICKER

Perimeter Venting for Thermal Management

Ribbed Polyurethane Surround

Injection-Molded Polypropylene Cone

TOP Choice #3 Planet Audio TQ10S Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.3
Planet Audio

Works in .7 CuFt Sealed or 1.44 CuFt Ported enclosure

1200 Watts MAX 600 Watts RMS Power Handling

One 10" Woofer with SINGLE 4 ohm Aluminum Voice Coil

4 JBL Stage 810 800W Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.2
JBL

Polypropylene cone / Rubber surround / Competitively tuned

Frequency Response: 38 - 200Hz / Sensitivity: 88dB

Regular prong-style terminals 1.5" Voice coil

5 DS18 IXS12.4S Single Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.0
DS18

NEVER STOP INNOVATING ATTITUDE - DS18 stands out from other brands with our progressive designs and unwavering commitment to delivering the most technologically up-to-date products on the market.

HIGH-QUALITY MAGNET - Settle for nothing but the best with Ferrite magnets that produces a wider range of tones and can handle tremendous power at high volumes.

TREATED RUBBER EDGE - The entire rubber edge is treated to add durability. DS18 designed this sub with non-fatiguing suspension to keep equipment safe and ensure your new subwoofer holds up over time.

6 KICKER CWCS104 Subwoofer
Our Score:
8.8
KICKER

Signature Yellow Surround Stitching

New for 2017!

Ribbed Polyurethane Surround

7 Gravity Warzone WZ12D4 Subwoofer
Our Score:
8.7
Gravity

Frequency Response: 35 - 500 Hz

Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coil Configuration

Competition Grade Carbon Fiber Cone with Treated Rubber Surround

8 MTX Audio TN12-04 Subwoofer
Our Score:
8.5
MTX

Exclusive Spider Plateau Venting cooling system cools at the voice coil

ALDS Asymmetrical Linear Drive System with a flat progressive spider and extended pole piece for smooth, linear, piston like drive

MTX Audio logo on dust cap

9 Kicker 12 Inch CompC Subwoofer
Our Score:
8.4
KICKER

Injection-Molded Polypropylene Cone

New for 2017!

Signature Yellow Surround Stitching

10 BLACK DIAMOND DIA-8S Subwoofer
Our Score:
8.3
BLACK DIAMOND

TREATED RUBBER EDGE - The entire rubber edge is treated to add durability. Black Diamond designed this sub with non-fatiguing suspension to keep equipment safe and ensure your new subwoofer holds up over time.

HIGH-QUALITY MAGNET - Settle for nothing but the best with Ferrite magnets that produces a wider range of tones and can handle tremendous power at high volumes.

FS of 50 hz so you can easily dip in the subsonic range with no issues along as your box is tuned correctly.

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things To Look For When Buying best single subwoofer

There are numerous factors to consider when looking for the best single subwoofer to purchase. The easiest way to figure out the right one is to read reviews from people who have already purchased it.

Throughout this article, we will go over certain most important factors to consider when purchasing best single subwoofer. Please take your time reading and studying the items listed below!

Active Vs Passive Subwoofer

There are two types of subwoofers: passive and active. The active subwoofer is currently the most common in home theatres. Subwoofers require a lot power. Many receivers don't have sufficient driving power. Independent passive subwoofers can be found in professional audio more frequently. This is a rare feature in consumer audio. An active subwoofer has a built in power amplifier module. The active subwoofer is currently the most popular home theatre component.

Subwoofer Size & Number

If manufacturers don't want to disclose the maximum sound pressure, most can refer to the third parameter.
The Frequency Response element explains that subwoofers must have sufficient power to produce high frequencies and push air around enough to be heard by the ear. The maximum sound pressure that a subwoofer can achieve is directly related to its size and quantity. The unit's configuration is the best way to determine the subwoofer's strength.

Subwoofer Box Material

Subwoofer boxes are currently made from plastic or wood. Some high-end models will also use metal. Wood speakers used to be considered superior to plastic speakers at first, though this is not the case anymore. Some well-made speakers are better than those made from rough wood. When choosing speakers, it is important to weigh the components. A large wooden speaker will perform poorly if it is too light.

Diaphragm Material

Material refers to what is used in the manufacture of the diaphragm. The tweeter's diaphragm materials are plastic, metal, and silk. There are many diaphragm materials for the woofer, including paper, polyethylene, wool, and aluminum-magnesium alloy cones.
They have different prices and properties. It is difficult to determine who is better or worse. Choose paper or wool pots if you enjoy orchestral music. Polyethylene cones are best for metal music. Paper cones and wool cones shouldn't be used in humid environments. They absorb moisture easily and can change the sound quality.

Maximum SPL

A subwoofer's quality cannot be determined by a single parameter. What makes a subwoofer so capable of producing a sufficient sound pressure level to be considered excellent? Let's first examine the hearing curve of the human ear.
The curve shown in the figure illustrates that different frequencies and sensitivity levels are found within the human ear. Human hearing is identical to this up-and-down curve, which indicates a variable sound pressure level.
The sound of 80dB at 1000Hz is almost identical to 120dB when you listen at 20Hz. This difference amounts to 40dB. The threshold for hearing is 80dB at 20Hz. However, the sound itself is extremely faint and barely audible.
This is why subwoofer parameters must include the maximum sound pressure level. The human ear cannot sense low frequencies and needs to hear a higher sound pressure to feel slight differences. Mix it up if the voice of your subwoofer is too low.

Sealed Vs Ported Subwoofer

When searching for the best subwoofer guide, this is one of the most crucial questions. There are two types of subwoofers depending on whether or not the interior of the cabinet connects with the exterior. The sealed subwoofer is, like its name, a closed cabinet. Low-frequency output occurs because of the compression within the box. This subwoofer has a simple structure and a better transient response. It also provides clear, crisp hearing. Low-frequency speakers have a lower cutoff frequency than others. You will need to use a bigger cabinet, and a higher-calibre speaker if you wish to achieve a lower frequency of low-frequency diving. The speakers are also more sensitive and efficient than any other type of speaker.
The hole is accessed by the ported subwoofer, which leads the radiation wave through it. The port is generally circular in shape and has one. Some subwoofers can have multiple ports, which allows users to adjust their output energy and enhance the listening experience. A subwoofer port may even have a bar design to allow for greater integration and aesthetics.

Frequency Response

This is the "dive" index for the subwoofer's low frequency. This parameter indicates how low the subwoofer's output can reach. Subwoofers capable of reaching this frequency can typically be heard by humans at 20 Hz. However, subwoofers with the ability to achieve such low frequencies are more costly.
Don't worry too much about the frequency limit. It is generally acceptable to use a subwoofer at 160-200Hz. Why? Why? Because the frequency above 120Hz is where most of the midrange woofers are. This indicator can't be altered and is established when the subwoofer has been designed, manufactured and shipped to the factory.
If you are able to find a subwoofer that has a dive of around 20Hz for a reasonable price, it is difficult for consumers.
Some entry-level subwoofers with low-end features have a dive of 40Hz or less. The frequency that is too low can cause serious distortion. It is a sign that there are not enough dives. The foundation may not be reliable and all parameters will become meaningless.

Wired Or Wireless

A rising number of subwoofers powered by Bluetooth are capable of wireless connectivity. Wireless connectivity eliminates the requirement for long cables between subwoofers and receivers.

A wireless subwoofer is usually equipped with a transmitter that plugs into any receiver's subwoofer outputs.
Low-frequency audio signals are transmitted by the transmitter to the wireless subwoofer from the receiver connected to home theater. The wireless receiver integrated into the subwoofer powers the amplifier, which produces the low-frequency sound.

FAQs

What is a single subwoofer?

A single subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker that focuses on reproducing low-frequency sounds, such as bass and sub-bass. A single subwoofer is typically used in home theater or music systems, and may be combined with other speakers to provide a more balanced sound.

How do I install a single subwoofer?

Installing a single subwoofer is fairly straightforward. The first step is to determine where you want the subwoofer to be placed in your space. Ensure that the area has enough space for the subwoofer and is away from walls and furniture that may vibrate when the subwoofer is playing. Once you have the location selected, you can then connect the subwoofer to your amplifier and plug it into a power outlet.

What size subwoofer do I need?

The size of subwoofer you need depends on your room size and the type of sound you want to achieve. Generally speaking, larger rooms require larger subwoofers, and smaller rooms require smaller subwoofers. It is also important to consider the type of content you will be playing, as some genres of music require more bass than others.

How do I connect a single subwoofer to my stereo system?

You can connect a single subwoofer to your stereo system using a dedicated subwoofer output on your stereo amplifier or receiver. You may also need to use an RCA cable to connect the subwoofer's line-level input to the subwoofer output of the receiver.

Is it possible to use a single subwoofer for home theater?

Yes, it is possible to use a single subwoofer for home theater. The subwoofer can be connected to the subwoofer out of your home theater receiver to provide additional low-frequency effects for movies and music.

Conclusion

The best single subwoofer would be those who suit your needs and demands at the lowest possible cost. With more and more options available, it could be simple to find a design that satisfies all of these criteria. If you're not sure which one is best for you, take into account the KICKER CWCS154 Single Subwoofer for another option.


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.