Collection: Subwoofers

Shop for Subwoofers and Experience Bass that Grips Your Soul

Built to reproduce audio frequencies on the low-end of the spectrum, subwoofers are specialized woofers acting as supporting components of full-range stereo and surround speaker systems for various settings.

The first subwoofers, as we know them today, appeared in the 1960s but it wasn’t until 1973 that they would be used for the first time in a recording session. It would take until the 1990s for subwoofers to become relatively mainstream and enjoy wider popularity amongst casual listeners.

At Ooberpad, we offer a large variety of high-end audio products including subwoofers for use in different audio setups. Find the right sub for your needs at the best price and enjoy impeccable sound that augments and compliments your full-range speakers.

Types and Uses of Subwoofers

With subwoofers continuing to evolve in capability and componentry, today we find subwoofers not just in home audio but also in cars, cinema halls, and sound reinforcement for big performance venues. While they come in various shapes and sizes, they can be broadly classified into two categories:

Powered Subwoofers

Powered subs are characterized by their built-in amplification and are, therefore, also known as active subwoofers. These self-contained speaker systems have their own AC power source and are a good fit for home theatre setups and live performance venues. Here are some of our offerings in this category:

1. B&W DB 4S
2. Elac Sub 3030
3. Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 19 Wireless Subwoofer
4. Sonus faber Gravis VI Subwoofer

Passive Subwoofers

Passive subwoofers require external amplification and usually require more power in comparison to active subs for driving lower frequencies. Owing to noticeably less circuitry inside the enclosure due to the lack of active amplification, however, they are more compact. Some of our recommended passive subs include:

1. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) ISW-4 In-wall Subwoofer
2. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) CT SW10 Custom Theater Passive Subwoofer
3. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) CT SW15 Custom Theater Passive Subwoofer

For audio enthusiasts that enjoy high fidelity at the low end of the frequency spectrum, subwoofers make great companions for a wide range of audio setups. They can complement different types of full-range speakers in stereo or home theatre configurations. These speakers include:

• Floorstanding Speakers
• Satellite Speakers
• Centre-channel Speakers
• In-wall Speakers
• Bookshelf Speakers
• Ceiling Speakers

Choosing the Right Subwoofers for Ideal Bass

A dedicated subwoofer is bound to improve the quality of the bass irrespective of its size or price. Picking the right subwoofer for your audio setup, however, can quickly become overwhelming owing to the sheer range of choices on offer. While great low-end performance is an obvious imperative, several other factors need consideration.

Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies, there is no direct correlation between performance and size (and subsequently price). Besides looking for the cleanest sound, elements like power output, frequency range and the room's acoustics need to be considered. The best sound quality from a subwoofer can only be achieved when all these factors are in sync with each other.

Size: The quality and range of the bass are largely dependent on the size of the subwoofer driver. The most common sizes are between 8” and 12” and are sufficient to equip a hi-fi stereo or home theater system in a room that is approximately between 100 to 150 sq. ft. in size. For larger rooms, bigger subwoofers are recommended. Larger sub-drivers are usually capable of producing lower frequencies without distorting the sound.

Power: The two main metrics that help us determine how much power a sub can put out are RMS and peak wattage. In most cases, RMS or sustained power is the slightly more meaningful of the two and gives us an idea about the power a sub can put out when driven to a reasonable volume over longer periods of time. The wattage figures on subs are a range in which they can be pushed, rather than the maximum volume at which they can be operated. Subs with higher wattage are generally more expensive.

Frequency: The frequency floor of a subwoofer is the lowest frequency it is capable of producing without distorting the output. You want to look for a subwoofer with a low-frequency floor for the best audio experience. Most modern subwoofers are capable of producing sound at 25 Hz, with more expensive speakers going lower still.

Driver Orientation: The broadest bifurcation of subs can be made on the basis of where the driver is facing. Front-firing subs are usually better placed closer to the full-range speakers. However, down-firing subs can also be used interchangeably without too much of a difference in audio profile. Some employ the best of both worlds and combine front-firing drivers with passive radiators to deliver extra oomph.

Type: If you are looking for tighter, more controlled and even bass, sealed subwoofers are the way to go. For those desiring airy bass with a more pronounced thump, ported subwoofers provide the best experience. The former works well in compact hi-fi stereo or home theatre setups whereas the latter is more suited to larger spaces.

Number: Where most hi-fi audio systems can more than make do with one subwoofer, home theatre setups employing surround sound can use two of them. How many subs you can deploy is ultimately a function of the receiver you choose for connecting them. Two subwoofers double the power and can create a bass envelope that truly delivers a cinematic experience. However, they require the right kind of space, ample separation and a more than decent budget to enjoy the best experience.

Calibration and EQ: As bass frequencies are the most susceptible to their immediate surroundings, a lot of manufacturers employ technologies that allow sound to be altered and improved so it interacts with a room in the most aesthetic way. Equalization (EQ) lets you boost or cut certain frequencies (sometimes through presets) and is usually the kind of thing that can be adjusted in the companion app of a connected speaker. Room calibration allows subs to adjust frequencies on the basis of test tones recorded by an included mic.

Shop for High-end Subwoofers Online at the Best Prices on Ooberpad

Ooberpad is one of the leading marketplaces offering high-end subwoofers for hi-fi stereo and home theatre setups from a wide range of premium audio brands. Our curated range of subwoofers includes powered subwoofers, sealed subwoofers, ported subwoofers, front-firing subwoofers, bottom-firing subwoofers, wireless subwoofers and lots more designed just for you.

Our collection of subwoofers in India consists of leading global brands such as B&W, Elac, Yamaha, Sonus faber, Sonos, Polk Audio, and many more.

Shop for subwoofers in India at the best price online with enticing discounts, free shipping, and 0% financing only on Ooberpad.

We offer authentic products and a team dedicated to answering any product clarification or after-sales queries to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How good are wireless subwoofers?

A. Wireless subs are a type of powered subwoofer that communicate with their audio source via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and are usually found in pairs with soundbars. While they offer the convenience of fewer cables (one less in most cases), they can cost quite a bit more for that luxury and often operate within a closed ecosystem. This means that the wireless sub will only work with certain speakers making an upgrade path rather difficult. Unless necessary, we usually recommend wired subs over their wireless variety.

Q. What size subwoofer should I get for a home setup?

A. While there is no exact formula to choose the right subwoofer size for a given room, we generally follow some conventions and proceed to advise more meticulously based on individual requirements. We generally recommend up to a 12” sub for rooms with an area of 150 sq. ft. or less. 15” subs can be used in rooms up to 250 sq. ft. whereas 18” subs are a good fit for rooms up to 400 sq. ft in area. 21” subs and larger are generally recommended for larger rooms.

Related Blogs

Everything You Need to Know About Home Theatre Subwoofers

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Learn how to position Subwoofers optimally for different speakers setups including Dolby Atmos and Auro3D.

Home Theatre: Why Two (or more) Subwoofers May Be Better Than One

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