Great Subs
Subwoofers are essential: without one, your system won’t deliver the sound effects that make all the difference in climactic moments. But “subs” have a tough job. Reproducing bass fundamental pitches requires moving a lot of air. While high frequencies can be as short as half an inch, the lowest audible frequencies can be 55 feet in length.
What makes a subwoofer the “best?” Critical specifications for subwoofers are: low frequency extension (how low can you go?); peak SPL (how loud can you get?); power handling (how many watts?) and efficiency (how much power does it take to produce low frequencies at the same volume as the rest of the system).
15-inch subwoofers should be able to go as low as you need: at least to 35 Hertz (Hz on the spec sheet) and possibly as low as the threshold of audibility, which is usually considered to be 20 Hz. They can get loud enough so that the subwoofer will not be the limiting factor on your system, and that’s important – a home theater that isn’t loud enough just isn’t “theatrical.” 15 inch subwoofers will handle plenty of power, because they have large voice coils (the motor part) and cones (the part that pushes the air). And although a 15 ” subwoofer needs a large enclosure, it doesn’t need a huge amplifier to shake the walls and floors.
So what are the three best 15-inch subwoofers? For my money, the Cerwin Vega Pro CVA-115X 15-Inch Activeseries High Performance Subwoofer is high on the list. Its built-in amplification puts out 700 watts continuously, and 1400 watts for short peaks. A cast aluminum grille and auxiliary heat sink help keep the electronics and the speaker cool, increasing performance. The rigid hardwood enclosure lets the speaker do its job with maximum efficiency, and sports a Coolex paint finish.
Next up is the QSC HPR151i, another powered subwoofer with 700 watts. You could easily take this one out on a DJ or club band live gig: it’s got a rugged bich enclosure, a “tour grade” steel grill, and ergonomic handles so your homeys can help you lift.
The RCF ART705AS is an 800 watt powered subwoofer with a 3 inch voice coil that pumps out 130 dB max SPL and goes as low as 40 Hz.
Which is best? Any of these three subwoofers will rock your house, and possibly your neighbor’s as well.
No related posts.
