Top rated surround sound
Best Home Theater Systems of 2023
When it comes to setting up a home theater, the TV may come first, but equally important is sound quality. There are plenty of options when it comes to buying a home theater sound system: from AV receivers and multispeaker setups to simpler yet still powerful soundbars, but we've got you covered.
Soundbars offer a lot of performance in a compact package and cost much less to get up and running than a speaker system. You can even choose one with advanced features like Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi streaming. Some soundbars offer an upgrade path including optional subwoofers and rear speakers, though if you want to truly mix and match speakers, an AV receiver is for you.
Receivers offer a lot in the box and, unlike soundbars, they have plenty of HDMI inputs to accommodate different sources. You can start with just a couple of stereo speakers -- until recently, I had lived without surround-sound speakers for about five years and didn't feel I was missing out.
Whichever route you choose -- soundbars or AV systems -- there should be something here that will improve your home entertainment experience. These are the best home theater systems available right now. We'll update this list periodically as we review new products.
Roku Streambar
Best budget soundbar
When it comes to bang for buck, it doesn't get much better than the Roku Streambar home theater system. This speaker offers both a dialogue-enhancing soundbar and a built-in 4K streamer in one package. If you want more bass or surround speakers, the system is also upgradable.
Read the Roku Streambar review..
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Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
Best surround-sound speaker package under $500
Originally retailing for $1,200, the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is currently on sale for a quarter of that.
This set features big sound from a compact 5.1-channel surround-sound system, and it is a perfect home theater option for apartments or games rooms. This speaker system is excellent for movies and not bad for music, either. Just add a receiver.
Read our Klipsch Reference Theater Pack review.
$266 at Amazon
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Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
Best stereo speakers under $500
If there's one area where we're spoiled for choice, it's affordable stereo speakers, and at $240 the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2s offer excellent playback of both movies and music. They offer a transparency that's unlike anything else near the price. While the Q Acoustic 3030is are more even-handed and have better bass response, they're also $550.
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Vizio M512a
Best value Dolby Atmos soundbar system
While the rotating speakers of the Vizio Elevate are cool, that system doesn't offer the best bang for your buck within the company's range. The Vizio M512a is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that includes 4K Dolby Vision, a subwoofer and rear-channel speakers, making it a sort of hybrid between a receiver-based system and a soundbar. It also provides incredible sound quality for music and movies.
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Onkyo TX-NR6100
Best 8K receiver
Despite the fact that there's basically no 8K video available now, you still can buy an 8K-compatible receiver.
While the Yamaha RX-V6a with its striking looks and rock-solid performance is the best of the crop, it's also on back order at most places. If you need an 8K receiver right now then the TX-NR6100 is a worthy replacement. It offers a superior streaming suite -- including Chromecast built-in -- and better ease of use.
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Sennheiser Ambeo
Best soundbar with money no object
If you demand the best Dolby Atmos performance from a single soundbar, it doesn't get any better than the Sennheiser Ambeo audio system. It's not cheap, and it's not small, but if you want the best sound, this is it.
Read our Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar review.
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Best surround sound system 2022: for your home theater
(Image credit: Sony)
Investing in a great TV is just the first step in creating the perfect home cinema set-up.
If you feel like something is missing, then the best surround sound systems are an excellent way of punching up the audio soundtrack to everything from action movies and sports to your favorite tunes and podcasts.
Surround sound can unlock a whole new experience with boosted bass, room-filling sound, and more delights. But, as any film buff or avid gamer will tell you, the image is only half of the picture.
So if you're looking to perfect your home cinema experience – especially when the local multiplex isn't a go-to option and more and more of the latest movies are streaming at home- you'll need a great sound system, too.
Surround sound gear has come a long way in recent years. The mess of cables, speakers, and stands that used to dot around our living rooms has given way to much tidier single-unit soundbars that sit underneath our TVs and beef up what the slim flat panels can't produce.
And yes, there's still a lot to love about having speakers dotted around your room.
Still, now they're usually wireless in form and often offer upwards-firing Dolby Atmos sound, too, for an audio track that lives and breathes all around you – including from above.
If you want to make a surround sound upgrade, we've assembled some of the best options below. Of course, if you're not so sure you need multiple speakers, you can check out our guide to the best soundbars.
The best surround sound systems in 2022: tried and tested by us
Why you can trust Livingetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Sony)
1. Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System
Best wireless surround sound system
Specifications
Components: 4 x speakers; 1 x receiver
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
Dimensions (speakers): h22.3 x W6.2 x D5.7in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Wireless connectivity between speakers and control box
+
Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
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Adaptive audio technology
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Dolby Atmos support
Reasons to avoid
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Expensive
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Only one HDMI input
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Optional subwoofer sold separately
Made up of just four wireless speakers and a control unit, the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System is ideal for those who don't want to 'settle' for a soundbar but don't have the luxury of installing a vast wired surround sound system in their living room.
So whether you're dealing with a small space, an awkwardly shaped space, or just crave simplicity, this could be the answer.
The downside of the HT-A9 is the lack of a subwoofer included, but this can be purchased additionally if you want added oomph. However, the speakers are great on their own, with 360 spatial sound mapping for adaptive audio in your space, built-in Chromecast, and compatibility with an existing Alexa or Google Assistant.
Really, despite being on the more expensive side, the HTA9 system is designed to get you started, and you can add more to the set-up with multiroom listening. While this particular product only works with specific models, you can look at our guide to the best subwoofers to complete your home theater.
Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars - read our full review of the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System
(Image credit: Monoprice)
2. Monoprice SB-600
Best 5.1 home theater system
Specifications
Components: 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer; 2 x speakers
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Dimensions (soundbar): 40.
6 x 4.3 x 3in
Dimensions (subwoofer): 0.4 x 9.4 x 16.5in
Dimensions (speakers): 2.8 x 2.8 x 5.9in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Dolby Atmos support
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Good price
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Subwoofer included
Reasons to avoid
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No smart home compatibility
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Rear speakers need to be wired together
Made up of a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers, the Monoprice SB-600 is the first soundbar-based surround sound system on this list, but it won't be the last. This is because this type of home theater system is simple and easy to install, tends to be less of a financial investment, and - with the help of technology like Dolby Atmos - can have a similar impact as older, bulky systems.
The SB-600's components can communicate with each other wirelessly, so you can place the rear speakers somewhere conveniently behind where you usually sit to watch TV.
We will note that the two speakers need to be wired together, so bear this in mind.
The soundbar is the best-looking part of the system, which, as it's the thing that will be most on show, is good. Controls are simple and easy to use, and the sound performance is also effective. It's a slightly more budget-friendly option, so it might not blow hardened audiophiles away but will serve those who want surround sound without the complications well.
Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars - read our full review of the Monoprice SB-600 Soundbar System
(Image credit: LG)
3. LG S95QR Surround Soundbar
Best LG home theater system
Specifications
Components: 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer, 2 x rear speakers
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Dimensions (soundbar): h3.5 x W47.2 x D5.3in
Dimensions (subwoofer): h25.9 x W7.9 x D15.9in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Great surround sound with Dolby Atmos
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Good sound presets
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Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Reasons to avoid
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Soundbar and speakers on the larger side
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Expensive
The LG S95QR is a soundbar system offering rear speakers as part of the package, giving you more than just audio from the front, but also to the side and above you with Dolby Atmos surround sound and from behind with the dual rear speakers.
In addition, the wireless subwoofer adds booming bass to the mix.
There are plenty of other surprises, too. 4K and Dolby Vision pass-through make it an ideal match for any high-end TV that supports HDR. Even Google Assistant and Alexa support is built-in for controlling smart home gadgetry. On test, our reviewer was impressed by how much the system improved not just action-packed movies and music but also dialogue-heavy shows.
Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the LG S95QR Surround Soundbar
The best surround sound systems: more top picks
(Image credit: Sonos)
4. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) System
Best Sonos surround sound bundle
Specifications
Components (depending on retailer): 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer; 2 x speakers
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Dimensions (soundbar): h3.7 x W25.6 x D3.9in
Dimensions (subwoofer): h25.3 x W15.8 x D6.2in
Dimensions (speakers): H9.
7 x W6.9 x D6.9in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
+
Speech enhancement mode
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Adaptive sound (requires iOS device)
Reasons to avoid
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No Bluetooth
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Only one HDMI input
Sonos doesn't offer a surround sound system as a single product but has a lot of bundles that allow you to use its products in tandem to create the same effect. This Sonos Beam package also includes the newest Sub Mini and two Sonos One SL speakers that can be used as rear units.
This set-up lets you make the most of Sonos' tech, including adaptive sound (which can only be used if you have an iPhone or iOS device), speech enhancement, and more. The Beam (Gen 2) includes Alexa and Google Assistant, and the One SLs can be placed in different areas of the home for multi-room listening.
Read our full review of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) to find out more.
(Image credit: Samsung)
5. Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar System
Best 9.1 surround sound system (runner up)
Specifications
Components: 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer, 1 x speakers
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dimensions (soundbar): h3.7 x W48 x D5.4in
Dimensions (subwoofer): h25.9 x W8.3 x D15.9in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Dolby Atmos
+
Adaptive audio
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Energy Star certified
+
Alexa built-in (works with SmartThings)
+
Subwoofer included
Reasons to avoid
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Expensive
One of our favorite multi-speaker set-ups for your home theater system and choice for the best surround soundbar system, the Samsung HW-Q950T is a modest and compact soundbar system that nevertheless provides a brilliant surround soundscape without taking up too much space around your living room.
Consisting of a soundbar equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, two upfiring rear speakers for overhead audio, and a wireless subwoofer, it's a winner when it comes to audio power. In addition, the tech allows it to tailor the sound to what you're watching in Adaptive Mode and Game Pro mode, depending on what you happen to be enjoying.
There's a bonus for Samsung devotees, too, as the soundbar is compatible with the Q-Symphony features of the brand's QLED TVs. To top things off, the HW-Q950T is the only entry on this list that's Energy Star certified, meaning that it consumes less energy overall.
(Image credit: JBL)
6. JBL 9.1-Channel Soundbar System
Most versatile surround sound system
Specifications
Components: 1 x soundbar; 2 x speakers; 1 x subwoofer
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dimensions (soundbar): h3.4 x W34.8 x D4.7in
Dimensions (subwoofer): h27.3 x W12 x D12in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Works with Google Assistant and Siri
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Subwoofer included
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Dolby Atmos
Reasons to avoid
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Only one HDMI input
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Soundbar system rather than true surround sound
The JBL Bar 9.
1 is perhaps the most interesting option on this list, or at least the more creative. What at first looks like a standard soundbar hides a secret - its ends snap off, revealing themselves to be battery-powered, fully-featured wireless rear speakers!
It's an ingenious trick, and the central unit acts as the center, left, right, and overhead sound channels and as a charging dock for the rear speakers. The detachable elements are intelligent enough to sense where they've been placed, matching the rear and rear-height ambient sound to any given scene. There's also a separate subwoofer to complete the package.
But of course, there's a catch. Though the JBL Bar 9.1 is an ingenious design and is worthy of a place in your living room for that reason alone, it does have some slight faults. For example, its front channels feel a bit narrow and don't always give a clear sense of audio information flowing in from the left and right.
And yet, it's hard not to find yourself enamored by its clever design, even if it's not quite up there with what the top bar on this list offers.
(Image credit: Klipsch)
7. Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack Surround Sound System
Best budget home theater system
Specifications
Components: 1 x center unit; 4 x speakers 1 x subwoofer
Connectivity: N/A
Dimensions (center unit): h5.3 x W10.7 x D5.3in
Dimensions (subwoofer): h23.2 x W11.7 x D11.7in
Dimensions (speakers): H7.7 x W4.3 x D5.3in
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Good price
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True surround sound system
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Subwoofer included
Reasons to avoid
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No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or smart home compatibility
True surround sound systems are fantastic for boosting your home theater experience, but building one can be expensive over time. If you want something that will deliver results straight away without needing to add rear speakers and more later, this offering from Klipsch is one to consider.
It comprises six speakers in total - one center channel and four speakers to place around your space in addition to the wireless subwoofer - it's more customizable than some other surround sound systems simply because you have control over where you put them. In addition, the system contains an aluminum tweeter and high-excursion aluminum woofer cones for high-quality sound.
Of course, the trade-off for the price is that the Klipsch HT50 doesn't include Bluetooth connectivity or compatibility with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Alexa. But if this doesn't matter to you, it's a good starter pack for the less tech-savvy who don't want to miss out on excellent audio.
(Image credit: Future)
Today's best surround sound system deals
Reduced Price
Samsung HW-Q950T
£828.26
£799
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Sony HTA9 Home Theater System
£1,599
View
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LG S95QR
£849.
50
View
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Reduced Price
JBL Bar 9.1
£999.99
£599
View
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Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack
£672.10
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How we test the best surround sound systems
All recommendations that we give to our readers on products like the surround sound systems on this list are based on a combination of hands-on experience and industry knowledge. We endeavor to test and review everything that we include in our buying guides, but this is not always possible. The content will clearly mark where we have had this real-world experience with links to in-depth reviews. For more, head over to our article on how we create our buying guides.
The best surround sound systems are tested and ranked based on their ease of use, expense, versatility, and sound quality. Products are trialed in the writers' own homes rather than a lab environment to ensure that promises made by the manufacturers translate to the average home environment.
Smart Home EditorCaroline is the smart home editor for Livingetc, having written about technology for a living for the past ten years. Her passion for film, TV and music means that she takes her home audio very seriously, and loves digging into the granular details when testing products like the best surround sound systems. All of the recommendations in this guide are based on at-home testing by her or experienced freelancers, as well as industry knowledge.
How to choose the best surround sound system for your home
(Image credit: Sonos)
When picking the best surround sound system for your needs, there are several things to consider. Chief among those is placement – do you have much room beneath your TV? And how about behind your sofa – is there room to set up the rear sound channels and plug sockets to power them from?
If so, great – any of the picks above will suit your needs. If not, you might want to focus on the single-bar solutions up top, which virtualize the surround sound elements by bouncing audio off your viewing room's walls. Of course, mileage will vary depending on the uniformity of the space (a lovely square room usually works best). Still, all the systems above have intelligent ways of tricking your ears into thinking sound is coming from all around you.
Perhaps worth equal consideration is the broader feature set. If you're planning on playing lots of music through the soundbar, a built-in voice assistant, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, might be helpful, letting you speak to the speaker to command it to play your favorite tunes at a whim.
Also, think about the TV you're pairing it with – not just in terms of whether it'll obscure the screen, but also what connection you'll need.
True audiophiles will be looking out for HDMI connections with an eARC feature – that lets your cables deliver uncompressed multi-channel audio, giving you pristine sound from all directions.
How much does a surround sound system cost?
We have intentionally included surround sound systems across various price points on this list, as different households will have different needs and budgets. The most expensive is the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System, which will set you back around $2000 at the time of writing. This isn't small change, but you are paying for the convenience of the system's wireless set-up.
On the other end of things is the Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System, which, in contrast, costs just over $350. Remember that the Klipsch offering won't work with any smart home devices.
(Image credit: JBL)
Do you need a receiver for a surround sound system?
If you're new to sound systems, whether your shiny new speaker set-up needs a receiver may crop up quite early.
Older surround sound systems always needed a receiver for the best performance, and while they're still an option, many systems now operate without needing one.
Soundbar systems (those with a bar, subwoofer, and 2+ rear speakers), which are becoming more popular, won't require a receiver at all.
However, multi-speaker systems will depend on how traditional you want to get. A/V receivers are the glue that holds the rest of the components together, and so one may be needed for home theater systems. Before investing in one of these set-ups, ensure you have everything you need to start.
What is the best surround sound system?
Speaker systems come in all shapes and sizes for all different types of rooms. Suppose you’re feeling particularly flush with cash and have the space to indulge your cinematic delights to the nth degree. In that case, you could consider something like the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System , but the mess of cables, space required, and sheer expense means that it's not suitable for everyone.
Instead, you can get great, cinema-like results with a great soundbar and wireless speaker combo like some of the sets listed above. We love the Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar System or the JBL 9.1-Channel Soundbar System if you want something even more soundbar-like.
Caroline is the smart homes ecommerce editor for Livingetc, covering everything tech for the home, from smart speakers to air purifiers and everything in between. She is passionate about the role that technology and smart devices can play in daily life, enhancing the home without sacrificing personal style and carefully chosen interiors. In her spare time, she can be found tinkering with bulbs, soundbars, and video doorbells in an effort to automate every part of her small home. Previously, she lent her expertise to the likes of Expert Reviews, IT Pro, Coach, The Week, and more.
Netflix Offers Immersive Spatial Sound Support to All Users / Offtopic / iXBT Live
Netflix launched Spatial Audio for all platforms to improve the sound quality of its original movie library.
Especially for users who use headphones to watch a TV show or movie, the functionality should offer a more immersive sound experience.
Sennheiser and Netflix have jointly developed an enhanced spatial audio output that can be streamed through stereo speakers or headphones without the need for additional equipment or professional surround sound setup. nine0003
Instead of stereo output on Netflix content, Sennheiser Ambeo 2-channel surround sound format will now be used. Ambeo uses any surround sound or Dolby Atmos soundtracks available for the selected content to create a more immersive stereo profile.
In addition, Netflix also supports Apple Spatial Sound on Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad to provide rich surround sound with 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos sound. Streaming Quality must be set to High or Auto to listen to spatial audio on a compatible Apple device. nine0003
This feature will be available to all Netflix subscribers and will also work on devices that do not normally support spatial audio.
At present, the Netflix content library using the spiral audio feature is limited, however, users can search spatial audio in the search bar to get a complete list of shows and movies with spiral audio.
Source : gizmochina
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Choosing a subwoofer for a car blog Nuance
A properly selected subwoofer allows you to achieve harmony and richness of the sound reproduced by the speaker system. This device is responsible for low frequencies in the range of 20 - 300 Hz. It is used mainly in the interior of a car or other places with a limited area. To choose the right subwoofer, you need to understand the differences and capabilities of these devices.
Classification of subwoofers
- There are 2 types: active and passive. The main difference is that the active ones are equipped with an amplifier, while the passive ones are connected to external devices.
Active is a complete system, usually equipped with 8-inch speakers. Standard dimensions are 10″ and 12″. - Passive - most equipped with 10" and 12" speakers. There are large intraspecific differences between these devices. differ in power and other qualities. nine0043
In addition to the main difference between active and passive systems, there are others:
Devices of the first type are faster and easier to configure.
Passive subwoofers have a thicker, more spacious sound when properly tuned.
Design differences
According to this criteria, 4 types of subwoofers are distinguished:
- Closed - placed in a box of a certain volume. the sound wave is damped in the space behind the speaker. They are characterized by low efficiency, and therefore are not often used in automotive systems. nine0043
- Bass reflex - differ in that they are placed in a non-hermetic box with a special tunnel. This factor affects the sound produced by the speaker.
Increased pressure on the speaker (it is formed due to the tunnel) acts on the cone and allows you to increase the sound level in the range of 50 - 120 Hertz. The speakers are protected from deformations, which often appear during loud playback, in addition, the sound is not distorted. The amplitude-frequency indicators are corrected by a phase inverter, the diffuser is unloaded from excess pressure. Thus, the efficiency is significantly increased. nine0043 - Bandpass - the speakers in them are removed inside. These subwoofers are distinguished by the complexity of the device, which combines the features of both previous types. They need additional internal volume. The box in which the speaker is located also has a phase inverter tunnel. But the speaker itself here serves as a kind of partition, due to which an airtight space is formed behind it. Thus, the diffuser acquires rigidity. A volumetric compartment is created in front of the speaker, the exit from which is formed thanks to a phase inverter.
nine0043 - With a passive radiator - the resonant frequency in it is reduced due to the presence of a second speaker, which is specifically designed for this. These devices are usually installed in class E cars.
Enclosed subwoofers achieve the following benefits:
- low frequencies are reproduced at a high level;
- low probability of overloads in a working speaker;
- device volumes are calculated very simply. nine0043
Device selection criteria
Power
Peak - maximum power. It is she who allows you to make an effect on others, striking with the sound of your speakers coming from an open window. The car “swings” with bass precisely at such loads, although they are not optimal for long-term operation of the system. The difference can be threefold. However, this is the most attractive factor for buyers. The higher this indicator, the higher the rating of the device. nine0003
Nominal - not so impressive, but an important indicator.
This is the load level at which the speakers produce sound without distortion. At the same time, the optimal mode is maintained even at high powers. The largest is not a critical indicator for most motorists, therefore, models with a rated power in the range of 200-300 W are in the highest demand.
Sensitivity
Measured in decibels. This indicator affects the volume of the speaker. It is worth remembering that the volume also affects the sound quality. nine0003
Frequency range
Measured in hertz. The sound is reproduced in subwoofers in the range of 20 - 200 Hz. The lower indicator shows the depth of the bass, which also depends on the cabinet and the acoustic parameters of the space.
Diffuser diameter
Measured in inches. Users associate the power of the entire device with this indicator. Most popular sizes: 8″, 10”, 12”, 15”. The smaller the cone diameter, the lower the bass output. nine0003
Rules for choosing a subwoofer in a car
The operating parameters of the external amplifier to which the subwoofer is connected must correspond to its power.
