You’ve made the decision to either upgrade your home entertainment system or create a new one. The subwoofer component will be a key component of it. The speaker is responsible for the thrills, crashes, and bangs. But how can someone on a tight budget locate the best subwoofer for under $1,000?
There is no justification for spending more money than you have, yet excellent home-theater sound may be obtained on a tight budget. This guide will be an invaluable tool in your quest to create a creative yet economical system, which is why we’ve put it together. Any movie will need a subwoofer component to recreate the sound, and it is the subwoofer that will captivate you by making the action feel even more intense. In addition to examining some of the top subwoofers available, this article will explain what a subwoofer is and how it functions. Additionally, you’ll become a little more comfortable with the terminologies and technicalities you’ll run into during your quest.
SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″ Ported Subwoofer
- Breathtaking Output and Deep Bass Extension with Pinpoint Control and Accuracy
- All New 12-inch High-Excursion SVS Driver – Sonic Sledgehammer with Finesse
- Sledge STA-550D Amplifier – Effortless Power and Absolute Command
Specially designed speakers with two high-grade ferrite magnets and a Nomex suspension are included in the home theater setup. The unit also boasts improved linearity, a stable rubber environment, and a high-quality insulated liner, all of which contribute to greater production.
The PB-2000 features a port on the front panel and is designed in the shape of a cube. The phase-inverter design allows you to get a mind-blowing 17Hz with a front-firing sub. It’s preferable to emphasise robust energy capabilities and assured bass output without diminishing the scale of contemporary sound events. Because the device is so large (23.2 x 17.3 x 20.9 inches) and hefty (66 pounds), it’s difficult to find a suitable location for the best listening experience. Furthermore, when listening to deep house music, the low-frequency sound reproduction might get very muddy at times.
SVS updated its 2000 series subs in late 2019 to include some of the technologies seen in their higher-end product home subwoofer lines. Many people assumed it would only be the addition of the SVS Subwoofer Control app, but it turns out they grossly underestimated the enhancements made. Every aspect of their ported box cabinet sub, now known as the PB-2000 Pro, was redesigned, from cabinet to amplifier to driver. Many of the new design cues were definitely inherited from the PB-3000, which is a good thing considering the PB-3000 was one of our favourite SVS subwoofers to monitor audio equipment. The SVS PB-2000 Pro maintains SVS’s legendary low-distortion and extension while drastically increasing mid-bass headroom. That alone would have made the price difference worthwhile, but SVS also includes their app control, which includes a three-band parametric equaliser and capability for a sealed operating mode.
The PB-2000 Pro isn’t a small sub, but it’s also not a huge one either, and SVS achieves their usual perfect combination of performance, features, industrial design, and post-purchase support, which includes a 5-year warranty and a 45-day in-home trial with paid return shipping. The PB-2000 Pro from SVS is another extremely well-rounded product that deserves careful consideration in its price range. This is the Best Subwoofer under $1000 in 2023.
Sonos Sub
- The wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
- Hear and feel the difference when you wirelessly connect Sub to your Sonos system.
- Stand it upright, place it on its side, or tuck it under the couch.
The Sonos Sub active subwoofer is meant to round out Sonos-branded audio systems that need more bass. The unit uses two oppositely directed speakers that act on a common centre cavity, and it has the original hull shape for listening room. The Sonos Sub is insensitive to the location of installation in the space as a result of it; it may even be put along a wall or piece of furniture without compromising bass quality. Furthermore, the speakers absorb the vibrations created by the walls of the casing they produce, ensuring that the subwoofer’s sound is clear even at high volumes.
Sonos is a full home theater system that is meant to be a wireless setup for the entire house that need the Best Subwoofers under $1000. It’ll operate with Alexa and a variety of streaming devices, as well as wirelessly connecting to musical equipment, and if you buy enough Sonos gear, you’ll be able to create a network of wirelessly connected speakers and gadgets throughout your house, office, or any space.
Each speaker system is coupled to its own Class D amplifier, which produces powerful bass sounds for human hearing without overheating the unit. To control the Sonos Sub sound, DSP is combined with software settings via a specific application. Don’t worry about phase control interfering with walk cables because the device features an Ethernet port for system linking-up. The full kit can also be operated from a home router with the use of an optional Sonos Bridge. All connectors are positioned on the bottom panel in such a way that the connection is as unobtrusive as possible. The subwoofer’s body features deep internal dampening, and all connectors are mounted on the bottom panel in such a manner that the connection is as inconspicuous as possible. This subwoofer can be utilised in both stereo and multi-channel audio setups. This is one of the Best Subwoofers under $1000 in 2023.
Klipsch R-115sw Subwoofer
- 400-watt RMS amplifier (800 watts peak power)
- compatible with the wireless audio adapter kit for an easy connection to a sound system
- 15" spun-copper Cerametallic woofer
Klipsch’s R-115SW is a monster of a sub with an equally massive sound that will thoroughly immerse you in music or movies. With a 15-inch woofer and an in-built digital amplifier capable of handling up to 800W of power, the Klipsch subwoofer delivers impressive sound. If you turn it up to its maximum volume, it creates a loud, punchy bass that is guaranteed to irritate your neighbours.
These powered subwoofers have a great power rating of 400 watts continuous power and 800 watts peak power, so you won’t be short of power. The frequency range is also good, going down to 18 Hz and up to 125 Hz, allowing you to hear sounds you couldn’t hear before from this form factor. The cone is constructed of spun copper, which looks amazing, and this is a front-firing, ported speaker, as you can see from the photo. You can even go wireless with this model thanks to Klipsch’s WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit, which is offered separately and adds to the price point of what is already a quite premium bundle.
If you’re concerned about paying a reasonably substantial number of money for a large product that’s also incredibly heavy and prone to significant damage if not handled properly, rest assured that all reports on the Klipsch speaker point to it being extremely carefully packaged. In short, this is a great speaker that has garnered positive feedback for both its bass delivery and the clean sound it produces. Klipsch R-115sw is one of the Best Subwoofers under $1000.
Definitive Technology SuperCube 2000
- A SUPERIOR SOLUTION FOR HIGH-IMPACT BASS IN A SMALL FOOTPRINT. Adding to the line of Definitive's SuperCube series the 2000 is powered by a built-in...
- PRECISE BASS FOR MUSIC AND A DEEP RUMBLE FOR MOVIES – Add this subwoofer to your existing setup and immerse yourself in MASSIVE BASS with accurate...
- ROCK SOLID CABINET DESIGN DRIVES PERFORMANCE -The specially engineered, non-resonant cabinet uses multiple internal bracings to make sure that you...
Definitive Technology’s SuperCube 2000 is deceptively compact, yet it packs a punch in terms of sound quality and volume. The SuperCube is extremely compact. The sides of this compact subwoofer are each less than 11 inches long, allowing it to fit into even the tiniest home entertainment room. The glossy black piano finish is magnificent and deserves to be seen, so you won’t want to hide it.
Despite the fact that the sub is little, the sound it creates is not. It features a 7.5-inch woofer and two 7.5-inch bass radiators that work together to deliver a rich and powerful sound. The built-in amplifier can handle up to 650W of power, which sounds incredible coming from such a small subwoofer.
The subwoofer performance features a remarkable bass response, thanks in part to its cabinet design. Internal bracing and construction reduce resonance and remove distortion, giving only the cleanest bass possible. To allow the SuperCube to do its work and output highly tight and musical sound that adds additional depth to music and movies, simply keep it away from corners.
The SuperCube is simple to set up because it has an LFE input that can readily connect to speakers and works with your receiver via its RCA input. However, we are dissatisfied that the subwoofer lacks an adjustable crossover or other sound controls, leaving you with only the ability to change the volume. Overall, if you’re looking for a small yet powerful subwoofer under $1000 that’s easy to use, the Definitive Technology SuperCube 2000 is a great choice.
Monoprice Monolith 12” THX Ultra
- THX Ultra Certified: THX engineers completed hundreds of different scientific tests to ensure the highest audio performance possible.
- THX Certified Ultra products are for large sized rooms, up to 3,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen.
- 12" Woofer: Enclosed in a cabinet made from HDF material, massive internal bracing, and outfitted with dual ports that can utilize a foam plugs to run...
The market for heavy-duty home audio subwoofers is crowded, so if you want to stand out, you’ll need to bring something that will raise everyone’s eyebrows. When Monoprice debuted their THX-certified Monolith series in 2017, they did just that. The 10″ THX Select and 12″ THX Ultra feature the heaviest-duty build quality in their market segment. Because of its huge HDF structure and powerful driver, the 12″ THX Ultra weighs approximately 100 pounds. The 12″ THX Ultra’s tested performance was judged to be first-class in sound quality as well as its tank-like build quality.
The 12″ THX Ultra looks like a bruiser, but it’s a true high-fidelity subwoofer for anyone who thinks it’s just for making explosions sound louder. For a ported subwoofer, it produced extremely low distortion numbers as well as a fantastically low group delay. It can create a lot of bass without sacrificing sound quality, as required by its THX accreditation. Outside of its builder-like build quality, it has support for multiple port tuning points as well as XLR inputs and outputs, which is one of its unique characteristics in its price range.
Although its brute force look will appeal to some, it isn’t the prettiest sub in our round-up, you are getting a lot of sub for your money. It’s very much a device whose design emphasis was to meet certain performance goals rather than to appear cute next to an entertainment centre.
JL Audio 13TW5V2-4 Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer
No products found.
This JL Audio subwoofer is the ideal combination of compact dimensions and booming, rich sound. You’d be astonished how different it is from other subs. This 13.5-inch subwoofer has a shallow mount style and is only 2.5 inches thick at its thickest point, making it easy to install in tight locations like walls and, you guessed it, cars. It is 5 x 16 x 16 inches in size and weighs 22.4 pounds. The concentric tube structure that supports the voice coil and attachments allows the motor to be positioned further forward without affecting linear excursion or stability, resulting in a compact design.
Despite its compact size, it can withstand a high volume of up to 600W and has a frequency response curves that ranges from 20 to 200Hz. The JL Audio sub’s compact enclosure design lets it to deliver great sound in a little space, giving your favourite tunes a new depth.
This sub’s heavy-duty construction makes it one of the most durable loudspeakers on the market, allowing for uninterrupted playback and long-term use. The cast alloy chassis of the Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer is designed for heavy-duty operation and incorporates an annular vent for temperature management to prevent overheating. You may listen to music for hours on end in this manner, even at the lowest frequencies.
Bottom line, JL Audio is ideal for usage in vehicles and shallow mount applications. If you’re looking for a car subwoofer around $1000, JL Audio’s 13TW5V2-4 is the best option.
SVS PB-1000 Subwoofers
- FEA-optimized motor technology for low distortion
- Long-throw suspension for high output at deep frequencies
- High-power voice coil for excellent thermal management
The placement flexibility that this speaker has is the first thing to remark. While it’s common knowledge that sealed speakers are better for music and ported speakers are better for movies, this incredible speaker might just defy that rule. It has a lovely, accurate, and sharp portrayal, which is aided by a high-density fiberboard cabinet of excellent quality.
The two flares help prevent turbulence and asymmetrical distortions, which is one of the reasons the SVS PB-1000 can produce such powerful bass with such little distortion. Additional modifications can also be done by plugging in the port using the provided plug. This speaker has a stylish design that will complement even the most opulent home or home theatre. What you get here is a speaker that performs like a million dollars for less than $500. It’s incredible how much clean bass power they’ve managed to squeeze out here.
The SVS PB-1000 will bring movie theatre sound to your house at an affordable price. At lower ranges, it packs a powerful punch that will knock you in the chest. The beauty of this speaker is that it can be used in a variety of situations. When you’re not utilising your home theatre, you’ll enjoy listening to music on this as well.
This speaker has a high output – 720 watts peak power – creates amazing bass for both music and movies, and isn’t too expensive – it’s difficult to overlook the SVS PB-100 because you’re getting exactly what you need – no matter what you want it for.
Yamaha NS-SW300PN 20-160 Hz 250W Powered Subwoofer
- PWM digital drive high efficiency amplifier and dual feedback circuit
- New Twisted Flare Port contributes to clear and tight bass, 20 to 160 Hz Frequency response
- Advance YST II (Yamaha Active Servo Technology II) with 250 W output power
When all is said and done, the Yamaha NS-SW300PN is a good small subwoofer, and it’s a little disappointing and off-putting that they only provide a one-year limited warranty on it.
With a 10-inch cone, this speaker is smaller than the top options on this list. However, the frequency range is superb, and it goes down to 20 Hz, which is as low as you’ll ever need to go – or be able to hear. You can get up to a pretty amazing 160 Hz at the top end of its range, and all comments about this device seem to indicate that you’re getting typical Yamaha quality with the NS-SW300PN – because everything in terms of clarity and distortion appears to be in order.
Although it is not the loudest or most powerful subwoofer on the list, it performs admirably, and it’s worth noting that it looks fantastic and the controls are both appealing and simple. This isn’t the subwoofer for hardcore headbangers, but it’ll still disturb your neighbors if they’re close enough, and the price is also very inexpensive, so it has some appeal for people on a budget. Expect to give up a lot of power in the process.
KRK 12S2 V2 12″ 220 Watt Powered Studio Subwoofer
- 12" Kevlar Composite Woofer
- Bass extension to 26Hz with a max SPL of 119 dB
- Footswitch control enables/disables sub and crossover filter (footswitch not included)
The KRK 12S V2 is a subwoofer that was intended and built primarily for use in recording studios. It’s also built to be quite bulletproof, which will come in handy in the rough and tumble world of late-night music.
With several controls that simplify integration, the KRK sub is meant to make recording and your life a whole lot easier. There are four distinct adjustable crossovers to pick from, as well as many inputs and outputs and the ability to control the sub/crossover filter with a foot pedal. All of these characteristics make the KRK subwoofer a delight to use in the studio, resulting in high-quality sound with little effort.
It has a 12 inch driver and a 220W Class D amplifiers that work together to deliver snappy, powerful bass. It has a frequency range of 26Hz and a volume range of 119dB, which is more than enough for mixing records and creating wonderful music. A unique port design on the sub decreases turbulence, eliminates superfluous noise, and provides tight bass without distortion. For high-quality sound and longevity, this is combined with a reinforced MDF shell that is both sturdy and strong.
While the KRK subwoofer has an automated on/off feature, it lacks an adjustable threshold, which can be bothersome. It requires a lot of volume to get back into action, which might be annoying depending on the type of music you’re making.
The final conclusion is that it will come down to how you want to use the speaker in the future. And if you could get by with the 10-inch version, it’s difficult to justify the significant price difference for the larger subwoofer.
JBL Professional PRX818XLFW
- Complete Wireless Control with the PRX Connect App
- Powerful JBL Sound, Compact Design
- Tour-Proven Reliability
The PRX818XLFW is built to handle the fast-paced atmosphere of a travelling musician while still delivering high-quality sound. The subwoofer is protected by a sturdy and damage-resistant casing, as well as a stackable and lightweight design that makes packing and setup considerably easier. If you need to install it during a show, it has an in-built pole cup that is compatible with various speaker poles.
It offers a powerful, programmable sound that you can regulate. A 1500W amplifier powers the 18-inch subwoofer, which delivers massive, booming bass. JBL Differential Drive transducers with greater sound pressure levels, lower magnet mass, and increased power handling for heavy duty applications ensure sound quality. The subwoofer regulates its own temperature with variable-speed fans that turn on just when they’re needed, ensuring that the smooth, audiophile-quality bass isn’t hampered.
JBL sub has many settings, including as an 8-band equalisation, polarity reverse setting, volume, speaker delay, and more, you may tweak the sound to your heart’s content. The sub has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can use the PRX Connect app to control all aspects of the sound wirelessly. Some users have complained, however, that the software isn’t compatible with all devices, preventing them from fully utilising the adjustable sound.
If you’re a professional musician searching for a reliable and powerful subwoofer to bring to gigs, the JBL Professional PRX818XLFW is the best in its class.
Polk Audio PSW505 12″ Powered Subwoofer
- HEART-THUMPING MUSIC WITH DEEP, POWERFUL BASS – Polk's 12-inch Dynamic Balance Woofer sounds better because it is built better. Make your movies,...
- ACCURATE SOUND REPRODUCTIONS – Be it delicate, melodious string music or solid blasts and booms from bombs and bullets, this subwoofer picks the...
- DRIVEN BY IMMENSE 460-WATT POWER, the PSW505 gives HIGH PERFORMANCE IMPACTFUL SOUND WITHOUT ANY DISTORTION. While it blends with any speaker, it works...
The Polk Audio PSW505 tis great for audio enthusiasts. As a cheap option, this speaker offers a lot for not a lot of money. It’s also a rather versatile item, with the grille totally removable depending on the desired style and purpose.
Polk has a reputation for producing reliable and trustworthy equipment, and that’s exactly what you’ll get here. However, don’t expect this speaker to sound like a $1000 speaker because it isn’t. The fact that the constant power output is a respectable 300 watts but the dynamic power is only 400 watts is a source of concern. It makes you question if there are any distortion concerns here, at the more demanding sound levels.
The frequency range on this subwoofer is fantastic, almost incredible for such a low price. The lowest frequency it can generate is 23 Hz, and it can go all the way up to 160 Hz at the high end of its capabilities, offering it excellent value for money in terms of the breadth of sounds it can render at lower frequencies. This unit has a lot of potential.
Another two amazing characteristics with the Polk effort are a large 12-inch cone and a strong 5-year guarantee, and the fact that they offer such a good warranty surely lends confidence where the inexpensive pricing may have caused hesitation. If you’re on a tight budget, this subwoofer is well worth considering.
MartinLogan Dynamo 800 X 10-inch 300 Watt Powered Subwoofer with Sub Control App
- Low frequency transducer: 10” high-excursion, inverted surround, polypropylene cone in a stamped steel basket with extended throw driver assembly
- 300-watt (600-watt peak) power amplifier
- Robust connection options, including RCA and speaker level inputs; 12V Trigger
The 800X has a lightweight yet long-throw 10″ driver that should excel at mid-bass frequencies while still delivering some deep bass. It features a 300-watt Class-D amplifier that is mostly controlled by MartinLogan’s subwoofer control app, as well as ARC room correction, which eliminates the need for the user to rely on stock AVR room correction algorithms, which aren’t always as effective at smoothing out the bass sound.
The 800X’s small size is the primary allure here, since it is essentially only little larger than a 12″ cube, yet it sounds far larger than it looks, as we have personally experienced. It also has a slick black finish that should help it blend in even more, as well as the option of being utilized as a front-firing or down-firing subwoofer, depending on the user’s desire. Furthermore, it boasts built-in support for MartinLogan’s SWT-X wireless subwoofer receiver, which means one less cord to run, further enhancing the 800X’s stealthiness. The 800X from MartinLogan tries to cram a lot of power and fidelity into a small chassis, and we think it’s one of the best small subs under $1,000.
SUNFIRE 10″ 1000W Powered Subwoofer
- SUNFIRE 10" 1000W powered subwoofer BLK
The Sunfire 10-Inch HRS-10 subwoofer is the premium power output solution for our audio professionals. The 10-inch tiny sub can deliver 1,000 watts of power. The low frequency range is extremely impressive, since it can handle frequencies as low pass filter as 20Hz, the lowest in the human auditory range.
The high-back EMF produced by the brand’s uniquely developed voice coil is responsible for the high-level output. Sunfire’s proprietary TDT (Tracking Downconverter Technology) auto-adjusts the amp to suit the subwoofer signal. All of the cutting-edge technology is protected by a sturdy MDF shell that minimizes distortion and vibrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I better place a front-firing subwoofer?
A front-firing sub should be placed in the front of the room. It’s what they’re made for, and it’s where they’re most useful. Subs that fire from the front are precisely what they sound like. They send sound waves directly out the front of the speaker, so having them right in front of you will offer you the most impact and enjoyment.
What do I need to set up a subwoofer?
The elusive skill of getting your subwoofers to sound correct is surrounded by various approaches and theories. One thing to keep in mind is that the deeper bass portions of the music should not appear to be a separate creature. To achieve this, don’t set your woofers too far away from the other speakers.
One of the best methods to make your subwoofers to sound excellent – and this may seem strange – is to move the sofa or chair from which you listen out of the room size. Then, position the subwoofers where the chair usually sits, turn on something with a lot of bass, and wander around the room, noting where the subwoofers sound best. Then try listening from your typical position while placing the speakers in those locations. This strategy can save you a lot of time and effort.
